After that position the leads of the voltage tester between the metal box and screw terminal. You must also make certain that the bare metal parts are not exposed.
Part 2 How To Test The Low High Beam Headlight Dimmer Switch
How to test a dimmer switch. Turn the function switch on your dmm to the ac voltage position. If a dimmer is equipped for 500 watts and is given the task of turning on seven lights at 100 watts each it will work overtime and reach burnout relatively early in its suggested life span. Testing any type of light switch takes a few basic tools. Firstly such a dimmer is required to have a cover plate that is non combustible and is made of plastic. If that one works the other one is bad. Place the plastic cover plate over the dimmer and fasten in place with the two finish screws.
Disconnect the dimmer from the wires located. The best way to test a dimmer is to swap it out with another dimmer. Press the dimmer assembly into the switch box. Headlight dimmer switch wiring diagram wiring diagram headlight dimmer switch inspirationa gm headlight switch wiring diagram download. How to test a dimmer switch. Place the dimmer switch on a nonconducting surface such as a dry wooden workbench or a rubber mat to prevent potential shock hazard.
For example if it has a limit of 600 watts you wouldnt want to install the dimmer on a switch that controls 8 100 watt recessed lights. Remove the dimmer cover plate from the wall using the screwdriver. Youll need screwdrivers usually one flat head and one phillips for removing the switch and disconnecting the switch wires. Dont worry if you hear a faint buzzing sound from the dimmer switch this is from the radio interference suppression coil fitted in it. How to tell if a dimmer switch is burned out. Overlamping a dimmer switch is the most common reason a dimmer switch fails.
Dimmer switch tips and troubleshooting when buying a dimmer switch check the maximum load its rated for. You also need a non contact voltage tester to check the switch and wires for power before touching them. Replace the circuit fuse and test the dimmer. To test for ground switch on the power. The service panel houses all of the breakers to a homes electrical system. A dimmer cant control too many lights or it will surpass its maximum wattage.
Dont over tighten the screws. Assortment of headlight dimmer switch wiring diagram. Install the two dimmer plate mounting screws. Turn the breaker to the dimmer circuit off at the service panel. When a dimmer switch fails the lights. Click on the image to enlarge and then save it to your.
If your dmm is. If a fixture requires less than 4 watts or more than 600 watts you may want to reconsider using a dimmer. Thats it youre done. Using the screws provided attach the faceplate. A good rule is to not exceed more than 80 of the rate maximum for the dimmer switch.