Can you add a dimmer to existing switch?


  #1  
Old 10-31-19, 12:26 PM
L
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Can you add a dimmer to existing switch?

My house is constructed in 2011. In dining room i have a switch that is currently connected to a ceiling lamp. The switch is using 12/2 romex. Since lamp is not providing enough light, i want to add four recessed lights and connect them to a new dimmer.
I want to keep the lamp. I want the lamp to use the same switch its using right now. The new recessed lights needs have its own dimmer/switch. I am trying to avoid single switch controlling both lamp and recessed lights. I am also trying to avoid running new line from circuit breaker to dining room. I think of two options

option 1


Can i add a dimmer to the same wiring that is currently connected to the lamp switch? Is this possible? One electrician said yes its possible but other one said its not recommended.


Option 2

The dining room has 7 plug points. Can i convert one of this plug point to dimmer for recessed lights.

Any suggestions?
 

Last edited by Lax4u; 10-31-19 at 01:12 PM.
  #2  
Old 10-31-19, 03:08 PM
J
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If you only have one 12/2 wire in the switch box then you can not simply add a switch. You do not have a neutral in the box. Some new cabling will be needed but you already have to add a new cable for the new fixtures so it might not be a big deal.
 
  #3  
Old 10-31-19, 03:58 PM
P
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The key is to look at what you have for wires at the switch. Is there one cable (one black wire, one white, one bare copper) or do you have two cables (two blacks, two whites, two bare coppers)
 
 

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