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I need to replace a dimmer switch which controls the recessed lighting in my basement. Qualifiers before I begin my explanation - I am a complete novice when it comes to anything electrical, and the house (purchased by me) was built by the owner himself in 1995.
Last week I attempted to turn on the dimmer switch, and I immediately noticed a small amount of smoke escape from behind the switch, and could see a glow. I turned it off, killed the power, and pulled out the switch. The switch smelled very strongly of burned plastic/rubber, even a couple days after it happened. I suspect that the switch itself went bad, but I certainly could be wrong.
I purchased a replacement switch on the advice of a handyman buddy of mine. The exact model was a Leviton RNL06-10Z Trimatron Universal Rotary Dimmer. Before removing the old switch, I took pictures of how the wiring was connected to the old switch, but the wire colors on the new switch do not match the colors on the old switch. I have read the wiring color is not standard, and if that is the case, how do I determine which wires from the switch to connect to my wires coming from the wall. The wires from my wall are colored red, black & white, and the wires from the switch are colored black, black & green.
Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings on this. I'm aware that my knowledge level is extremely low, so I'm taking this as an opportunity to learn something. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Last week I attempted to turn on the dimmer switch, and I immediately noticed a small amount of smoke escape from behind the switch, and could see a glow. I turned it off, killed the power, and pulled out the switch. The switch smelled very strongly of burned plastic/rubber, even a couple days after it happened. I suspect that the switch itself went bad, but I certainly could be wrong.
I purchased a replacement switch on the advice of a handyman buddy of mine. The exact model was a Leviton RNL06-10Z Trimatron Universal Rotary Dimmer. Before removing the old switch, I took pictures of how the wiring was connected to the old switch, but the wire colors on the new switch do not match the colors on the old switch. I have read the wiring color is not standard, and if that is the case, how do I determine which wires from the switch to connect to my wires coming from the wall. The wires from my wall are colored red, black & white, and the wires from the switch are colored black, black & green.
Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings on this. I'm aware that my knowledge level is extremely low, so I'm taking this as an opportunity to learn something. Thanks for any help you can offer!
