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Fixing a broken dimmer switch is a very simple task which you can do in a matter of minutes. Instead of calling in a professional electrician, you can do the job yourself. With this guide and the right tools, you will be able to fix that broken dimmer switch in a jiffy and save yourself some money. Here’s how you go about doing the job.
Step 1 – Turn off the Power Supply
The first and most important step in working with electrical fittings is to turn of the power supply at the mains. Once you have turned off the power supply, double check with the circuit tester to make sure there is no power coming in to the switch.
Step 2 – Remove the Plate
Remove the switch plate by unscrewing the screws that hold it in place on the wall. Once you have removed the screws, you will be able to extract the dimmer switch that needs to be fixed.
Step 3 – Remove the Switch
Slowly pull out the dimmer switch but do not hold the metal parts of the switch. Pull the switch out far enough to expose the wires.
Step 4 – Remove the Wires
Use the screwdriver to remove the wires connected to the switch.
Step 5 – Buy a New Switch
Buy a new switch from the hardware store; you can take the old dimmer switch along with you to get a new one that is the same as the one you removed. While you are at the hardware store, buy the wire nuts for the wires.
Step 6 – Connecting the Wires
Connect the new dimmer switch to the wires that you removed from the old switch. Make sure you match the colors of the wires while connecting them together.
Step 7 – Wire Nuts
Place the wire nuts onto the wires you connected to help it stay secure. The wire nuts must be properly screwed on and make sure that there is no bare wire exposed.
Step 8 – Check the Wires
Tug the wires lightly to make sure they are properly connected, you do not want to have loose wires in your switch. Loose wires cause sparks and increase the risk of electrical fires.
Step 9 – Mounting the Switch
Gently push the wires to the back and fix the new dimmer switch back into the wall, make sure no wires are sticking out.
Step 10 – Fix the Switch Plate
Fix the switch plate by driving the screws back into the wall.
Step 11 – Turn the Power On
Once you have finished replacing the switch plate, turn the power supply on from the main circuit breaker.
Step 12 – Check the Switch
Check the switch to see if it is working properly. If you find the switch is not working, check your connections once again.
That’s all you need to do to fix a broken dimmer switch in your home.

It is always smart to use a licensed electrician, remember that electricity is dangerous.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-fix-a-broken-dimmer-switch-in-your-home#ixzz0i0mZCRej

Tags: Electrical maintenance by Jerry
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Ceiling fans are a popular fixture for good reason. Functionally similar to any other kind of electrical fan, ceiling fans have many benefits over their more conventional counterparts.

A ceiling fan is nothing more than an electrical fan that hangs from the ceiling, and optionally includes lighting. Ceiling fans are preferred by many people due to the space savings over the more conventional or portable fans that take up significant floor space.

Air circulation is a primary benefit of a ceiling fan. They are proven to make a room feel at least 4 degrees cooler than without any moving air. When installed over a kitchen dining table, the moving air helps to dissuade flying pests from entering the area.

Colder winter months benefit from a ceiling fan too. The moving air helps distribute the warm air coming from sources like a furnace or heat stove. Moving this heat around the home makes for a more even distribution of warmth.

Air conditioners do a fine job of cooling a home during hot summer months. But the bill for the electricity consumed can be prohibitive. Yet another benefit of ceiling fans is the energy savings on days where the heat isn’t so high that a ceiling fan cant make a room feel comfortable.

Indeed, the cost savings in electrical power are significant. Ceiling fans consume power at the rate of only pennies per day, while air conditioning units can consume power at the rate of dollars per day. Clearly, during spring and fall months, or even summer mornings / evenings, and ceiling fan can suffice for comfort in room temperature and wallet.

It is important to note – a ceiling fan run in the winter for warmth distribution needs to run clockwise to draw air up against the ceiling. Since warm air rises, this gives it a chance to get pushed around and mixed with the cooler air floating around below.

So where did this great idea come from?

Two dudes, father and son – James and John Hunter first invented the ceiling fan back in 1886. It was originally powered by water since there was no electrical system that you could simply plug into back then even though electricity had been discovered more than 100 year prior.

In 1903 the Emerson Electric Co incorporated the Hunters ceiling fan design in their products. Later the Hunter Fan company was spun off bearing the name of the original duo. Since then there’s been a great deal of evolution in design and technology. Today, there are countless ceiling fan designs offered by the Hunter Fan company.

Casablanca modern fans

Casablanca manufactures the most modern styles of ceiling fans available anywhere. The are beautifully crafted and luxurious ceiling fans. Casablanca fans are not inexpensive. Due to their appeal some of the designs can become collectors items. Don’t be surprised if you find these fans costing a pretty penny over other options.

Age has served the ceiling fan well, what with materials and technologies, and all – from water power to electricity, and light weight material blades, the ceiling fan is the most affordable option for temperature comfort going.

Tags: Electrical maintenance by Jerry
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I did not know if there usually are the wires to put in a ceiling fan with or without a light. Did not know if it was a “standard”. Please help!

Tags: Electrical maintenance by Jerry
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