Why does my dimmer switch have 2 black wires?

The two black wires connecting to the black leading to the switch are supplying power to the switch/dimmer. The blue wire from the switch connected to the other black wire is the switched-hot going to the light. The green wire is the ground.

Why do I have 2 black wires?

There are often more than an expected two wires in an outlet box: two black wires, two white wires, green wires and maybe some others. This is completely normal and is usually because the outlet is in the middle of a series circuit, accepting power from another source and sending it on.

Where does the black wire go on a Leviton switch?

One black wire is going to the pole on the existing switch and the other black wire is going to the second pole on the existing switch.

What is a 2 wire dimmer?

A 2-wire dimmer is usually installed during renovation projects in homes that were built before 1991. These types of house are usually fitted with flush-mounting boxes with only 2 electric wires: the phase conductor from the grid and the switching wire to the lamp, luminaire or light fitting.

Which wire is hot when both are black?

The black wire is the “hot” wire, it carries the electricity from the breaker panel into the switch or light source. The white wire is the “neutral” wire, it takes any unused electricity and current and sends it back to the breaker panel.

How do I connect my Leviton dimmer?

– Locate and open the Leviton “Decora Digital Dimmer & Timer” app on your smart device. – Select the “+” sign at the top right corner to add your Decora Digital device. – Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your smart device: – Hold the OFF button on your Decora Digital device until its status LED blinks.

Which wire is hot when both are same color?

In most modern fixtures the neutral wire will be white and the hot wire is red or black. In some types of fixtures, both wires will be the same color. In this case, the neutral wire is always identified by some means. In some cases, there will be small writing on the wiring case.

Do you need a neutral wire for a dimmer switch?

If the light is off, without a neutral you won’t have a complete circuit to power the smart dimmer circuitry.

How is a dimmer switch wired?

New dimmers have either a green grounding wire or a green ground screw that you’ll have to connect to a grounding source if one is available. Houses wired with plastic-sheathed cable almost always have bare copper ground wires that you’ll connect to the toggle dimmer switch.

How can you tell which wire is positive and negative when black?

If the multi-colored wire is black and red, the black wire is the negative wire, while the red one is positive. If both wires are black but one has a white stripe, the striped wire is negative, while the plain black wire is positive.

Does Leviton have a dimmer?

From the latest LED bulbs to more advanced 0-10V and fluorescent lighting, Leviton has a dimmer to meet any residential or commercial lighting need with the high performance and reliability you’ve come to expect from Leviton. Dimming is environmentally friendly. It helps reduce electricity use and extends bulb life, saving money as well.

Do Universal dimmers need a neutral wire?

These dimmers do require connection to a neutral wire, which is often not available in older construction. In addition, Electronic Low Voltage dimmers are typically a more expensive solution. Is a neutral wire required with the Leviton Universal Dimmers?

What are the best dimmers for my home?

Decora Slide, IllumaTech® and SureSlide® dimmers offer contemporary elegance and add a finishing touch to any room. For traditional homes, classic Toggle and Rotary dimmers offer the ideal way to upgrade functionality without compromising the character of the décor.

Why is the LED light on on my universal dimmer switch?

When the locator light is in the ON position, a very small amount of current is passed through the LED bulb. Very sensitive LED bulbs may appear to glow from this current. To fix, turn the locator light to the OFF position. Why do the Universal Dimmers have a lower rating for LED and CFL bulbs than they have for incandescent bulbs?