Plan your installation with confidence. Check wall-box fit, switch configurations and lighting compatibility before choosing your GetSwitches switches, dimmers, outlets or wall plates.
Four checks before you order
1. Match the electrical rating
Confirm the exact model, supply voltage, AC or DC, load type and permitted load range. For LEDs, check the bulb or driver model as well as its wattage. Ratings can differ between variants.
2. Choose the control configuration
Count how many locations control the same lights. Choose the appropriate single-pole, 3-way or 4-way switch. For dimmers, check which companion switch or control the model supports.
3. Confirm the physical fit
Check the plate dimensions, number of gangs, opening shape, mounting points and the space available inside the box. Have your electrician verify box depth and capacity for the devices and wiring.
4. Check local requirements
Ask your electrician to confirm the product ratings and any certification or listing required for your location. For project documentation, contact us with the exact product and variant before ordering.
Wall boxes, wall plates & outlets
Check the dimensions and mounting details on the individual product page. A “US wall box” description alone does not confirm fit with every existing box, device or wall opening.
- Gang count: a gang is a device position across the box or plate. It does not describe how many locations control a light.
- Plate openings: match the cutout to your toggle, rotary control, decorator device or duplex outlet. Similar-looking devices may have different mounting requirements.
- Plate-only products: check what is included. A wall plate does not add electrical functions, grounding or GFCI protection to the device behind it.
- Mounting and grounding: use the hardware and assembly method specified for that model. Your electrician must verify the required grounding and bonding of devices, metal boxes and metal plates. Do not rely on decorative screws alone as proof of grounding.
- Outlets: confirm the outlet rating, circuit suitability and any required GFCI, AFCI or tamper-resistant protection with your electrician.
Check the product’s stated location rating before use in bathrooms, outdoors or other damp or wet areas. If dimensions or installation details are missing, ask us before ordering.
Installing the plate-mounted assembly
The illustration below shows the two-screw, plate-mounted arrangement. Follow the mounting instructions supplied with your product if its mechanism or hardware differs.
- With the power isolated and verified off, have your electrician identify the circuit and complete the model-specific wiring and grounding.
- For the assembly shown, attach the switch mechanism to the wall plate using the specified retaining hardware before securing the complete assembly to the box.
- Position the assembly without trapping wires. Align the mounting points and secure it using the specified screws. Do not force the plate into place or overtighten.
- Have your electrician check that the assembly is secure and complete the required safety and function checks before use.
Single-pole, 3-way or 4-way?
These terms describe where you can control the same lighting circuit. They are separate from the number of switches on a plate.
Single-pole
One control location. A switch operates the lights from one place. Select a model specifically rated for single-pole use.
3-way
Two control locations. A traditional mechanical circuit uses two 3-way switches. A 3-way dimmer may need a specific switch or companion at the other location.
4-way
Three or more control locations. A traditional mechanical circuit uses two 3-way switches with one or more 4-way switches between them. Electronic controls may use a different arrangement.
Planning to dim from more than one location? Do not assume two standard dimmers can be used together. Confirm the exact supported configuration before ordering. A “3-way” option does not automatically mean dimming control at both locations.
Wiring diagrams & connection guides
These references illustrate the arrangements shown. Your electrician must check the exact device labels, instructions and circuit before using them. Wire colors, terminal positions and neutral requirements can vary; the drawings do not show every installation detail.
Single-pole wiring reference
One control operates the lights from one location. In the illustrated arrangement:
- The incoming hot supply connects to the control’s designated line connection; the load connection leads to the light.
- The neutral continues to the light. This particular drawing shows no neutral connection at the dimmer; a model that requires neutral needs its own wiring diagram.
- Protective grounding must be completed for the device and other metal parts as required by the model instructions and local code.
3-way wiring reference
Two locations control the same lights. In a traditional 3-way arrangement, the supply connects to the common on one end device, two travelers run between the end devices, and the other common connects to the light’s load wire.
The original image below shows one 3-way dimmer and one 3-way switch. Use this arrangement only when the dimmer’s instructions permit that companion switch. It does not show dimming from both locations. Identify connections by the exact model’s labels, not by the terminal positions in the picture.
4-way wiring reference
A traditional three-location circuit has a 4-way switch between two 3-way end devices. The traveler pairs pass through the 4-way switch using its designated terminal pairs. Additional 4-way switches can provide more locations in a supported mechanical switching circuit.
The image shows a dimmer at one end. Use a dimmer in this arrangement only if its manufacturer explicitly supports a 4-way circuit. Some electronic controls instead require dedicated companions. The supply, load, neutral and grounding connections must be checked against the exact instructions.
Choose the right dimmer for your lighting
“Dimmable” does not mean compatible with every dimmer. Match the control technology, model and load rating to the bulb, fixture or driver. Do not use a lighting dimmer to control an outlet, fan or motor.
120V AC phase-cut / TRIAC dimmers
For models specified as 120V AC, confirm that the lighting accepts the dimmer’s stated phase-control type. Leading-edge (often called TRIAC) and trailing-edge (often called ELV) controls are not interchangeable for every load.
- Use only the lamp and load types supported by the exact dimmer. Check the LED-specific minimum and maximum load, not just an incandescent wattage rating.
- Verify neutral-wire requirements and any reduction in maximum load when devices are installed together in a multi-gang box.
- For low-voltage LED strips controlled from the AC side, use a driver explicitly compatible with that AC dimmer and the strip. Never connect a mains-voltage dimmer directly to a low-voltage strip.
0–10V / 1–10V signal controls
The GetSwitches low-voltage signal controller is intended for the dedicated dimming input of a compatible LED driver. It is not a standard 120V wall dimmer. Do not connect its signal terminals to 120V or 240V AC.
Confirm the controller and driver’s control method and electrical limits. Do not assume that 0–10V and 1–10V devices are interchangeable or that turning the control down switches the lights fully off. A separate means of switching the driver’s power may be required by the system instructions.
12–24V DC PWM dimmers
These controls operate on the low-voltage DC side of a compatible power supply. Match the supply voltage, polarity, current rating and LED load to the exact controller. Do not connect a 12–24V DC controller to mains AC power or use this lighting control for fans or motors.
For a larger project, confirm a representative dimmer, bulb or driver combination before committing to the full installation. Dimming range and performance depend on the complete lighting system.
Fan speed controls
The GetSwitches 120V fan control is intended for compatible standard ceiling paddle fans designed for wall speed control. It is separate from a light dimmer.
The current fan control is not intended for smart fans, remote-controlled fans or fans with built-in electronic receivers. Confirm the fan manufacturer permits this type of wall control, and check the motor type and current rating. Do not assume compatibility with DC-motor fans or combined fan-and-light wiring.
Basic wiring terms
Wire color alone cannot confirm a wire’s function. Existing wiring, markings and device terminal layouts vary. A qualified electrician must identify and test the circuit.
- Line / hot
- The incoming power supply to a device or circuit.
- Load
- The connection to the light or other equipment being controlled.
- Neutral
- The normal current return conductor. Some electronic controls require one at the wall box. It is not interchangeable with ground.
- Ground
- A protective connection for fault conditions. It must not be used as a substitute for neutral.
- Travelers
- Conductors used between switches in a traditional multi-location switching circuit.
- Common
- The designated terminal on a traditional 3-way switch. “Common” in this context does not mean neutral.
Retro toggle terminal labels
Use the diagram supplied for the exact switch mechanism. Terminal numbers and positions are not universal, even when the front of two switches looks similar. If the diagram is missing or does not match the device, stop and request the correct instructions before installation.
For the mechanism pictured below, terminal 2 is labeled HOT/common, and terminals 1 and 3 are travelers. In a traditional 3-way circuit, common serves the supply at one end and the lighting load at the other.
Where the exact model’s instructions allow single-pole use, it uses common and one traveler terminal; the unused terminal remains unconnected as specified in those instructions. A wire nut is for a conductor, not for covering a screw terminal. Use the approved grounding connection and hardware for the assembly.
If something is not working as expected
Stop using the device if there is overheating, a burning smell, smoke, sparking, discoloration or repeated breaker trips. Turn off the affected circuit at the breaker if safe to do so and contact a qualified electrician. Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker. For smoke or fire, move to safety and contact emergency services.
LED flickering, buzzing or a limited dimming range
Note the dimmer, bulb and driver model numbers and the number of lamps. Have your electrician check the control type, load limits and any permitted adjustment described in the model’s instructions. Do not assume that a bulb marked “dimmable” will work with every control.
The lights do not turn on, or multi-location control behaves incorrectly
Do not move wires or change terminals based on a general online diagram. Have your electrician isolate the power, identify the circuit and check the installation against the instructions for the exact model and companion devices.
The dimmer feels warm
Some dimmers produce heat during normal operation, but acceptable operating conditions depend on the model and installation. If heat seems unusual or you are unsure, stop using the device and have it checked. Do not dismiss excessive heat as normal.
The plate does not sit flat or the device does not fit
Do not force the assembly into place or overtighten screws. Ask your electrician to check box alignment, depth, mounting hardware, wall clearance and space for the wiring. Contact us if you need the product’s dimensions or mounting details.
Need help choosing the right product?
Send us the product link and selected variant, your installation country, and a brief description of the setup. For dimmer questions, include the bulb or driver model, wattage, number of lights and number of control locations.
If available, include a photo of the product label or the manufacturer’s specification sheet. Do not remove a cover or expose live wiring to take a photo.
Ask a compatibility questionUsing this guide
This page provides general product-selection and installation information. It does not replace the instructions for your exact model, an on-site electrical assessment or applicable local requirements. If information is missing or conflicts, stop and ask for clarification before installation.
Certification and approval must be checked for the exact product and intended location. A component’s certification does not automatically certify the complete assembly, and CE marking is not equivalent to a US or Canadian safety listing.
Nothing in this guide limits rights or remedies available under applicable consumer law. See our Terms of Service and Shipping & Returns Policy.