Replacing old dimmer switch?

Question

I am replacing an old dimmer switch that has never worked. The wiring to the light fixture is one of each wire; black, white and ground. But.... at the switch there are two sets of wires. Two of each; 2 black, 2 white, 2 grounds. What is the safest way to wire the new dimmer?

Answer 1

Turn off the power at the circuit breaker/fuse box.

I assume there is only one switch operating the light.

Remove the cover and wire the new dimmer switch in the same way as the old.

Eric

Answer 2

The black not going to the light is the hot lead;;If in doubt just hook a normal switch(between blk&blk with whites tied together (green is ground)http://www.dimmers.net/how_to_install_di...

Answer 3

the 2 sets of wires coming into the switch box would be the power source 1 white, 1 black. the other 2 go to the light fixture. On the new switch attach the black line (hot wire, normally black)to the brass or black colored or line designated s***w. the whites should just be connected together. The black going to the light would be connected to the load s***w of the switch.