Before You Start

  • Check your globes are dimmable: Not all LED bulbs are dimmable. The packaging will say “dimmable.” Non-dimmable LEDs flicker or buzz when connected to a dimmer — always check before changing the switch.
  • Get a compatible LED dimmer: Standard old dimmers were designed for incandescent bulbs. LED dimmers are specifically designed for the lower wattage and electronic drivers in LED bulbs. Use an LED-compatible dimmer (clearly labelled).
  • This is electrical work: You must turn off the circuit breaker and verify there is no power with a voltage tester before touching any wires. If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, hire a licensed electrician.

Tools and Materials

  • LED-compatible dimmer switch (matching your current switch plate size)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Voltage tester (non-contact type — essential for safety, $15–30)
  • Wire strippers (if needed)

Step-by-Step Installation

  1. 1

    Turn off the circuit breaker and verify no power

    Go to your switchboard and turn off the breaker for the circuit you are working on. Return to the switch and use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm there is no power. Toggle the light switch on and off to confirm the light is off.

  2. 2

    Remove the switch plate and old switch

    Unscrew the cover plate. Behind it, the switch is screwed into the wall box. Remove the two screws holding the switch and carefully pull it out from the wall. The wires remain connected.

  3. 3

    Photograph the wiring before disconnecting

    Take a clear photo of which wire connects to which terminal on the old switch. This is your reference for reconnecting.

  4. 4

    Disconnect the old switch

    Unscrew the terminal screws and remove the wires, or unclip from push-in connectors. Note the wire colours: in Australia, active (live) is typically red or brown, neutral is black or blue, earth is green/yellow.

  5. 5

    Connect the new dimmer

    Follow the wiring diagram supplied with your dimmer. Most single-pole dimmers have two terminals for active wires and an earth terminal. Connect wires to the corresponding terminals. Tighten screws firmly. Ensure no bare wire is exposed outside the terminals.

  6. 6

    Fit, restore power and test

    Fold the wires carefully back into the box. Screw the dimmer to the wall box. Attach the cover plate. Turn the circuit breaker back on. Test the light — it should dim smoothly through its range without flickering or buzzing.

If your lights flicker or buzz after installationThis usually means the dimmer is not compatible with your LED bulbs, or the bulbs are not dimmable. Also check the dimmer's minimum load rating — some dimmers need a minimum wattage to function correctly. The dimmer should have an adjustment screw for minimum level — adjusting this can reduce or eliminate flickering.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Australia, electrical work is regulated. Replacing like-for-like switches is technically DIY in some states but the rules vary. In Victoria, NSW and most states, any work involving fixed wiring should be done by or supervised by a licensed electrician. A simple switch swap is low-risk but to comply with regulations and maintain your home insurance, using a licensed electrician is the safe approach. Costs are typically $80–150 for a single switch.
Add up the total wattage of all bulbs on the circuit the dimmer will control. Choose a dimmer rated for at least that total. For LED lights, also check the minimum load — some dimmers require a minimum of 40–75W to function, which can be challenging with modern low-wattage LEDs. Look for dimmers specifically rated for low-wattage LED loads, or consult the dimmer manufacturer's compatibility list.