Save Energy And Add Style With Dimmers by Katy King (NAPSA)—Agrowing number of women are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to do-it-yourself projects around the house. They’re finding that with little planing, home improvement projects can be easy, fun and ean stretch an interior design budget. Myfirst electrical , home improvement project was to replace the dining room light switch that was “standard” with our new home. Installing a dimmerswitch adds romance to dinner settings, as well as paying for itself in energy savings by the next electric bill. Whatever project you tackle, from replacing a light switch with a dimmer switch to installing a new door bell, electrical safety should be the top priority. Some projects—like installing 200 amp electrical service—are better left to a qualified professionalelectrician. Before beginning any electrical project, locate the circuit breaker for the room, and shutoff the electricity to that room. I also made sure that the screwdriver I used had a well-insulated handle, a straight shaft, and an undamaged blade. Once you are sure the current is off—check the light switch one more time—pull out the loose wiring from the old light switch. Detach the white and black wires from the old switch and removeit. Match the wires from the switch box to the wires on the new switch: white connects with white and black connects with black. Depending on the age of your home, there may be other color coding on your wires. If so, the white or gray wire from the switch King Before beginning any electrical project, locate the circuit breaker for the room, and shutoff the electricity to that room. box connects with the white wire on the fixture. The second wire from the box may be any color but green, white or gray. Connect this wire to the black wire on the new switch. With insulation stripped from the ends of the wall box wires and from the dimmer switch leads, use wire connectors to attach the matched pairs. I recommend King’s Safety-Sealed™ Dry and Damp connectors. Filled at the factory with silicone sealant, they protect each splice against internal arcing, sparking andfire. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the new dimmer to secure it to the wall box. Turn the circuit breaker back on; then turn the wall switch on to enjoy your dining room in a whole new light. Like other King products, Safety-Sealed™ connectors are found at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Tru-Serv, Ace, Do-It-Best, and other fine hardware stores and homecenters nationwide. For more information write to King Safety Products, 3801 Lloyd King Dr., St. Charles, MO 63304. You can also phone 1-800-6330232. Or visit the new Website at www.kingsafety.com.
