Call it a small step, but we’ve completed our first nursery project — yes, that was a pun. The room always had a dimmer from its days as a dining room, but since we moved in it never really dimmed. It only offered on or off. With a baby on the way, we wanted something between pitch dark and blindingly bright for those middle-of-the-night checks.
Thanks to the True Value DIY Blog Squad, the fix was simple. A $14 replacement slide dimmer and a bit of basic electrical know-how were all it took. Replacing a switch isn’t complicated: observe how the existing wires are connected, then reproduce those connections with the new device. We also take safety seriously — we always shut off the main breaker before touching wiring to be sure there’s no risk of electric shock.
First, we removed the old switch by loosening the screws on the switch plate and carefully pulling the switch box out of the wall without yanking on the wires. The old switch was clearly well worn; some connections were so loose they separated when we lifted it away. That likely explained why the dimmer never worked properly. The only thing missing was a ground wire, which is common on older switches. Fortunately, most new switches include a grounding wire.
We untwisted the old wire caps and connected the new dimmer’s wires to match the original pairings. Hoping the switch was the problem (rather than a deeper wiring issue), we twisted new wire nuts onto each connection and wrapped black electrical tape around them to cover exposed stripped wire. Those bare sections are live under the nuts, so taping them adds an extra layer of protection and keeps everything neat and secure.
Before turning the power back on, we reattached the switch to the wall. That way we wouldn’t be holding the device when the breaker was flipped and electricity flowed through the circuit again. When we restored power, the new dimmer worked perfectly: full on, full off, and everything in between. The slide control gives us a smooth range of light levels, and a faint red locator light on the dimmer helps us find the switch in the dark without waking the baby.
The dimmer included troubleshooting instructions in case the problem had been more complicated, and there’s always online research if needed. But this one turned into an easy, satisfying win: about 15 minutes, a $14 dimmer from True Value, and one small reason to finally replace a broken switch.
Have you tackled any simple projects lately — electrical or otherwise? Is there a small task you’ve been postponing that might move to the top of your to-do (or honey-do) list this weekend? Often the tiniest jobs are the hardest to get around to, but they can make a big difference.
Psst — beyond shutting off the main breaker, take extra safety precautions with electrical work. It’s wise to do your first projects with someone experienced nearby. For us, John’s dad helped with early light fixture and switch swaps so we could learn safely. A new fixture isn’t worth a trip to the ER, so be careful and prioritize safety.
