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A dimmer switch has the effect of turning down the electricity in much the same way as turning down a tap reduces the flow of water (although that is just an analogy). It is a simple, cheap improvement that adds ambiance to any room. Just be aware that dimmers do not work on fluorescent tubes and some low energy bulbs, at least as yet.
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Obtain a suitable dimmer switch that matches your current installation and is suitable for use in the UK. Turn off the power at the mains and double check that the power at the switch is dead by turning on the light switch. I learned this trick from a wizened old Electrician in London who liked to say if it’s wired to bypass the mains switch then it won’t be the first one that I have seen.
o Remove the cover plate over the existing light switch and withdraw the switch itself. Before removing any wires from it make a simple diagram noting how each colour wire is connected. This is to avoid needing an Electrician Quote in case you end up having to reinstall it and forgot which wire went where.
o Remove the wires from the existing switch and set it to one side. You might like to keep it in your bottom drawer because you never know when you might need it. Gently draw any slack wire out from the wall and check it carefully for any damage. If the wire ends are getting frayed give them the necessary attention.
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Connect the wires to the replacement dimmer switch according to the instructions, making sure that it is correctly orientated so it will slide neatly into the recess, remembering to tighten the screws up nicely. Now take a five minute break for reasons I will disclose. Have a cuppa tea, exercise your dog, show your wife how much you love her – in fact do anything you like that takes five minutes or even more.
o Re-tighten the screws that hold the dimmer wires in place noting how the wires under them have settled. This is the single most likely reason why wires sometimes still come loose, and is a secret you might well like to pass on to a friend. Press the dimmer switch gently into position, screw it down and refit the cover plate to complete the job.
Now you can turn the main switch on again and test your job. Not working? Check the bulb. Still not working? You may not need to Find an Electrician yet. Remove the dimmer switch and have it tested. Now aren’t you glad you made a diagram of how the old switch was connected.