The same applies to any fixture with a Compact Fluorescent Lamp adapter (CFL). If you have an older fluorescent light fixture that’s not rated for dimming, don’t attempt to fit a dimmer switch. Your hardware store will be able to give you the best advice. You need to purchase a special type of dimmer switch that’s made especially for fluorescent lights. You must make sure you purchase the correct type of dimmer switch as those made for incandescent lights won’t work with fluorescent lights. It will take some time and won’t work if the wires are attached to the studs by staples or if they pass through holes drilled in joists or wall studs. In some cases, you’ll be able to pull the wire straight through. Now, loosen the wires at the wall switch and begin pulling gently. Disconnect the wires from the fixture and attach the new wires to these loose ends. Turn off the electricity for the circuit at the circuit breaker. You might be able to do this without tearing out the wall.
This has to run between the fixture and the wall switch. Instead, you’ll have to use a 14/3 AWG cable. You can’t use the regular cable when installing a dimmer switch on a fluorescent light. This can be a very involved procedure.īefore you begin work, check at a hardware store to be certain you can fit dimmer ballasts to your fixtures. It’s also possible that the existing screw holes won’t work with the ballast mounting screws, in which case you’ll need to drill new holes for them.
You need to install a special dimmer ballast and this won’t work in all fluorescent fixtures. A dimmer switch won’t work with the standard ballast in a fluorescent light.