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How do you install a dimmer switch?

Andries Pasma ·
Hands connecting wires behind a white dimmer switch, with a screwdriver on the edge and warm LED light in the background.

To install a dimmer, replace the existing switch with a dimmer module and connect the wires to the designated terminals. In most cases, this takes no more than ten to fifteen minutes, and you don’t need an electrician. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about installing a dimmer, from choosing the right type to fixing flickering lights.

What types of dimmers are available, and which one is right for your situation?

There are four common types of dimmers: the rotary dimmer, the push-button dimmer, the touch dimmer, and the smart dimmer with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee. Which type is best for you depends on how you want to control the lighting, what kind of light bulbs you use, and whether you want to integrate the dimmer into a smart home system.

A brief comparison:

  • Rotary dimmer: familiar and simple, ideal for those who prefer a classic control
  • Push-button dimmer: modern and compact, popular in new homes
  • Touch dimmer: hygienic and sleek in design, perfect for the kitchen or bathroom
  • Smart dimmer (Wi-Fi/Zigbee): controllable via app or voice, compatible with platforms such as Philips Hue, Homey, and KlikAanKlikUit

When making your choice, also consider the dimmer’s power range. LED bulbs use far fewer watts than older incandescent bulbs, so it’s important to choose a dimmer with a low minimum load. Always choose a dimmer that is specifically designed for LEDs to avoid problems.

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Ontdek onze led-dimmers en controls: draaiknop, drukknop of aanraakvrij — altijd upgradebaar.

Bekijk led-dimmers

What do you need to install a dimmer switch?

For a standard dimmer installation, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a voltage tester or voltmeter. You’ll also need the new dimmer itself, of course, which is compatible with your LED bulbs and fits into the existing recessed box.

Please check the following beforehand:

  1. Turn off the circuit to which the switch is connected at the meter box
  2. Use a voltage tester to make sure there is definitely no voltage on the wires
  3. Make a note or take a photo of how the current wiring is connected before unscrewing anything
  4. Check whether the dimmer fits into the existing recessed frame (System 55 is the most common size in the Netherlands)

Do you have a smart dimmer with Zigbee or Wi-Fi? If so, you may also need a hub or bridge, depending on the platform you’ve chosen.

How do you connect a dimmer switch to existing wiring?

To connect a dimmer to existing wiring, transfer the wires from the old switch to the corresponding terminals on the new dimmer. In most Dutch homes, these are the live wire (black or brown) and the wire connected to the light fixture. Always follow the manufacturer’s included wiring instructions.

The steps at a glance:

  1. Remove the old switch by unscrewing the cover plate and pulling the module out of the junction box
  2. Disconnect the wires and make a note of which wire was connected to which terminal
  3. Connect the wires to the correct terminals on the dimmer, as indicated in the manual
  4. Gently push the dimmer module back into the junction box and screw everything in place
  5. Turn the circuit back on in the utility closet and test the dimmer

Would you like to see an LED dimmer that’s compatible with existing wiring? Our selection includes models that fit standard System 55 flush-mount frames and are easy to install.

Why does the light flicker after installing a dimmer switch?

Flickering light after installing a dimmer is almost always caused by the dimmer being incompatible with the type of LED bulb you are using. LED bulbs require a specific type of dimmer—known as an LED dimmer—which regulates the power correctly without causing the bulb to flicker.

Other common causes:

  • Insufficient load: Some dimmers require a minimum power level to operate stably. If the total wattage of your LED bulbs is too low, the dimmer may flicker
  • Non-dimmable LED bulbs: Not all LED bulbs are compatible with a dimmer. Check the packaging for the dimmable symbol
  • Poor-quality LED bulb: Cheap LED bulbs sometimes contain a basic driver that does not respond well to dimming
  • Incorrect setting: Many dimmers have an adjustment screw for the minimum level, which allows you to reduce flickering at low power

Always check that both the dimmer and the light bulb are labeled “dimmable.” That’s the quickest way to avoid compatibility issues.

Can you install a dimmer switch without a neutral wire?

Yes, most standard dimmers work without a neutral wire and are therefore suitable for older Dutch homes where only a live wire and a switch-to-lamp wire are present. This is also known as a two-wire connection and is the most common setup in existing homes.

In some cases, smart dimmers with Wi-Fi or Zigbee do require a neutral wire to function properly. This is because these dimmers need a constant power supply to maintain the wireless connection. However, there are also smart dimmers that work without a neutral wire using a technique known as a bypass, in which a small amount of current flows through the light bulb when the lights are off.

When purchasing a smart dimmer, always check whether the model is suitable for use without a neutral wire, especially in older homes. This is usually indicated in the product specifications as “suitable for 2-wire installation” or “no neutral required.”

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Bekijk onze led-lichtschakelaars: eenvoudig te installeren en klaar voor de toekomst.

Bekijk lichtschakelaars

When should you hire an electrician to install a dimmer switch?

It’s a good idea to call an electrician if you don’t recognize the wiring in the junction box, if there are more than two wires that you can’t identify, or if the circuit in the meter box isn’t clearly identifiable. Never work on wiring if you have any doubts about safety.

Specific situations in which professional help is recommended:

  • Your home has an outdated electrical system without grounding or with aluminum wiring
  • You want to connect multiple dimmers to a group in a two-way circuit
  • The junction box is too small or damaged and needs to be replaced
  • You want to install a smart dimmer that requires a neutral wire, but there isn't one
  • After installation, the dimmer isn't working properly, even though everything seems to be connected correctly

A licensed electrician can also check whether the existing electrical system complies with the current NEN 1010 standard, which is certainly no luxury, especially in older homes.

How Freelux helps you install the right dimmer

We understand that choosing and installing a dimmer switch can be a challenge for many people, especially when dealing with older wiring or a specific smart-home system. That’s why we offer a wide range of dimmer switches that are easy to install, even without any technical background.

What we offer:

  • Rotary dimmers, push-button dimmers, and smart dimmers with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Zigbee
  • Models suitable for two-wire installations, including homes without a neutral wire
  • Compatibility with popular platforms such as Philips Hue, Homey, and KlikAanKlikUit
  • Models available in various power ratings, compatible with standard System 55 mounting frames
  • Products that fit within the WIIS concept for future-proof lighting control

Whether you're looking for a simple replacement for your existing switch or a smart solution for your entire home, we're happy to help. Browse our full selection in the online store or contact us for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dim any LED bulb, or do I need to buy special bulbs?

Niet elke LED-lamp is geschikt voor gebruik met een dimmer. Controleer altijd of de verpakking het woord ‘dimbaar’ of het dimbaar-symbool vermeldt voordat je een lamp aanschaft. Gebruik je niet-dimbare LED-lampen met een dimmer, dan kan dit leiden tot flikker, zoemen of vroegtijdige slijtage van de lamp. Vervang niet-dimbare lampen door dimbare varianten voor een optimaal resultaat.

What is the difference between a trailing-edge and a leading-edge dimmer, and which one do I need?

Een leading edge-dimmer (ook wel fasesnijding of RL-dimmer) is de oudere technologie, oorspronkelijk ontworpen voor gloeilampen en halogeenlampen. Een trailing edge-dimmer (RC-dimmer) is geschikter voor moderne LED-lampen omdat deze het vermogen zachter en stabieler regelt, wat zorgt voor minder flikker en een langere levensduur van de lamp. Voor LED-verlichting kies je bij voorkeur altijd een trailing edge-dimmer of een dimmer die specifiek als ‘LED-dimmer’ is aangeduid.

How do I know how many watts my dimmer can handle, and whether that’s enough for my situation?

Elke dimmer heeft een maximaal en minimaal vermogensbereik dat op de verpakking of in de specificaties staat vermeld, bijvoorbeeld ‘3–150W voor LED’. Tel het totale wattage op van alle lampen die op de dimmer worden aangesloten en zorg dat dit binnen dat bereik valt. Let ook op het minimumvermogen: als het totale wattage van je LED-lampen lager is dan de minimumbelasting van de dimmer, kan dit leiden tot flikker of instabiele werking. Bij twijfel kies je een dimmer met een laag minimumvermogen, zoals 3W of 5W.

Can I replace an existing switch in a two-way circuit with a dimmer switch?

A two-way switch setup, where you control a light from two or more locations, is technically more complex than a standard switch and requires special two-way switch dimmers or a smart system that uses a single dimmer and one or more associated remote controls or linked switches. It is not possible to simply replace one of the switches in a two-way circuit with a standard dimmer. In this case, it is advisable to consult an electrician or specialist to choose the right solution.

My dimmer is buzzing or making a humming noise after installation. How do I fix this?

A buzzing sound from the dimmer or the light bulb is often caused by incompatibility between the dimmer and the LED bulb, or because the dimmer is operating at too low a power setting. First, check whether the bulb is dimmable and whether the dimmer is specifically designed for LEDs. Also adjust the setting screw for the minimum level on the dimmer, as a minimum setting that is too low can cause buzzing. If this does not help, try a different dimmable LED bulb from another brand, as the combination of dimmer and bulb largely determines whether noise occurs.

Is it safe to install a dimmer switch myself, and are there any legal regulations I need to be aware of?

In the Netherlands, homeowners are permitted to replace an existing light switch with a dimmer switch themselves, provided they perform the work safely and always turn off the power at the meter box first. Always use a voltage tester to verify that there is no voltage on the wires before you begin. For more complex work, such as installing new wiring or replacing a junction box, stricter rules apply and a licensed electrician is required. If you have any doubts about the safety or condition of your electrical system, always consult a professional.

Can I use a smart dimmer even without a smartphone or smart home hub?

That depends on the type of smart dimmer. Some Bluetooth-enabled smart dimmers can be controlled directly via an app on your smartphone, without requiring a separate hub. Zigbee dimmers, however, typically require a hub or bridge, such as a Philips Hue Bridge or a Homey. Wi-Fi dimmers connect directly to your home network and don’t need a hub, but they do require an active internet connection for app control. Always check the product requirements before purchasing a smart dimmer to avoid any surprises.

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