wiring dimmer switch with extention cord question

[whytepizza]

Ok, i saw a great how to on wiring a dimmer switch to make a rheostat and i totally lost the link so now i have to ask the question because noone explains it in any other DIY.
When you take apart the cord there is one side that his ridges and the other is smooth. What one do i connect to the dimmer? The smooth or ridged?

[dr del]

Hi,

Was this the link you lost?

As to the woring question instinct says the wire you are actually dimming should be the live wire - for safety reasons if nothing else.


dr del

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Off topic but it might help you as well, you can also find dimmers ready to go http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...-WH&lpage=none (no wiring)

[whytepizza]

Hi,

Was this the link you lost?

As to the woring question instinct says the wire you are actually dimming should be the live wire - for safety reasons if nothing else.


dr del

No, that wasn't the link. But it still doesn't tell me which wire is the live wire It only says 'live wire.'

[whytepizza]

Ahh, i found it! Thanks to a private message. Here is another copy of it on cornsnake.com
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/sho...8&page=1&pp=10
sorry, for the confusion, i hope this link will help some others out, too!

[dr del]

Hi,

Well we have a different electrical system over here so I can't really advise you any better.

But I would urge you to seek out the way of differentiating between the live wire and the not before attempting to make anything electrical.

**edit**

Glad you found it.

**end edit**


dr del

[whytepizza]

Off topic but it might help you as well, you can also find dimmers ready to go http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...-WH&lpage=none (no wiring)

Thanks for that, i will keep that in mind too!