Wiring a Lutron Diva dimmer switch is a practical project for anyone looking to enhance their lighting control with a high-quality, reliable dimming solution. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure a safe and successful installation.
Understanding the Lutron Diva Switch
The Lutron Diva series is celebrated for its smooth, precise dimming performance and robust build quality, designed to handle both LED and incandescent loads. Before beginning, verify that your specific model matches the intended application, such as the DV-600P for single-pole or the DV-700P for multi-way configurations. A critical first step is confirming that your fixture is compatible with leading-edge dimming technology, which the Diva series utilizes.
Safety and Power Preparation
Personal safety and system protection are the top priorities. You must turn off the electrical circuit at your home's main circuit breaker or fuse box before touching any wiring. Use a non-contact voltage tester to double-check that the wires in the switch box are completely dead, ensuring there is no residual current in the fixture or junction box.
Required Tools and Materials
- Lutron Diva dimmer switch (e.g., DV-600P)
- Screwdriver set (flathead and Phillips)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Wire strippers
- Electrical tape
Identifying Existing Wiring
Inside the switch box, you will typically encounter a specific wiring layout. The standard components for a single-pole switch include a black "hot" wire from the power source, a black "switch leg" wire going to the light fixture, and a ground wire, which is usually bare copper or green. Note that the neutral wires, if present, are typically connected together and capped, and are not attached to the standard dimmer switch itself.
Wiring Process for Single-Pole Installation
For a single-pole setup, follow this sequence carefully. First, disconnect the ground wire from the old switch and attach it to the green grounding screw on the Lutron Diva. Next, disconnect the two traveler wires if present, as they are not used in this configuration. Then, connect one of the two primary wires (either the power hot or the switch leg) to the black load terminal on the Diva switch. Connect the remaining primary wire to the opposite black line terminal. Finally, secure the switch into the junction box and restore power.
Multi-Way Dimmer Configuration
Controlling lights from multiple locations requires a pair of Lutron Diva dimmers, which introduces a slightly more complex wiring scenario. In a multi-way setup, you will identify a common traveler wire that connects the two switches together. One switch will act as the "line" side, connecting to the power source, while the other acts as the "load" side, connecting to the fixture. The Lutron instructions provide clear diagrams for identifying the correct traveler terminals on each device to ensure the circuit functions properly.
Testing and Final Verification
Once the wiring is complete and the switch is securely mounted, restore power at the circuit breaker. Test the installation by toggling the switch on and off and adjusting the dimming level. The light should turn on smoothly without flickering, and the dimming range should be quiet and consistent. If the fixture does not operate correctly or the dimmer behaves erratically, turn the power off again and double-check the connections, ensuring that wires are stripped to the correct length and secured tightly under the terminal screws.
