Removing Dimmer Switch, 3 wires

Question

I want to remove a dimmer switch and cap off the wires. This switch will no longer be used – my question – I have two black hot wires and a red wire. I believe the black wires will be capped together but what about the red wire? In this instance the white wires are capped off and in the background. This room has two switches thus the irregular configuration. To be more clear – I am putting a flat plate over the box because we are moving a large cabinet in that spot – so I just want to cap off the wires correctly.

dimmer switch electrical wiring

Paul Logan · Answer

Yes, just connect the two blacks together and cap off securely the red.  Now you can cover over this box.

Harper - Reinstate Monica · Answer

Identify which two wires are the messengers and which is the common.

You would rely on markings on the old dimmer switch for that.

You can also look in the back of the box to see how the wires group in conduit or cable: if two are in one cable and the third is not, the two together are the messengers.

Join one messenger and the common.

If the other switch(es) now turn on in a position you don't like, use the other messenger.

Cap off the unused messenger.

It will be hot whenever the light is off!!!

Removing Dimmer Switch, 3 wires

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