Tools
Screwdriver, current tester, electrical tape, plastic case for the switch, pickax, spatula, a tube of plastic or plaster if you are going to embed the switch and string a new electrical chord.

Installing it in a place where there was already a switch
o There are many models, the most common ones go in the same spot where there used to be a traditional switch.
o All you have to do is check if the plastic case already installed is of the same size as the one you want to replace it with.
o In most models, a circular key serves a double function: pressing it either turns the switch on or off.
o Turning to the right or left regulates the brightness of the light.
o This way you can regulate the intensity of light in a given room. Or you can combine different intensities within one room.
o There are models with double keys, although these are less common: one to turn the switch on and off and another to regulate the light. This way you don�t have to adjust the light every time you turn it on.

Careful!
o This kind of switch is recommended only for traditional incandescent lamps, i.e. ones that turn on and off instantly.
o Fluorescent lamps or low-consumption ones work in a different way and are not good for dimmers.
o These switches are usually good for lamps of wattage between 60 and 400 watts. In any case following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
o Before installing it check that the wattage of the dimmer corresponds with that of the light bulb.

How to install them
o If you want to install a new dimmer rather than replace an existing switch, you must string a new line and bring this in from the closest electrical outlet box.
o You can do this with an exposed cable or one that is embedded in the wall. You will have to make grooves with a pickax, chisel or stone hammer, place the cables inside a protective tube of plastic and install a case to embed the dimmer.
o Before you begin work turn off the main electrical switch in the house.
o Remove the cover from the switch and unscrew the mechanism to ease the pressure and take it out of the plastic casing.
o Separate each of the cables with a screwdriver or manually, depending on the model.
o Disassemble the dimmer and connect each of the cables (phase, neutral and ground, if it has one) to the embeddable part. Attach it well to the walls of the casing by screwing in the pressure mechanism.
o Finally, connect the decorative cover and the wheel that spins to regulate the brightness of light. There are models that work with sensors or through pressure, but the most common kind turn.

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