How to Wire a 3G Smooth Dimmer Switch in Antique Brass

Quick answer

Wire the MAXWELL 3G Smooth Dimmer Light Switch by connecting the live, neutral, and load wires to the correct terminals on each gang, ensuring the dimmer module is properly seated and the plate is grounded.

Step-by-step wiring instructions

1. 1. Remove the existing switch and prepare the wires: Unscrew the existing switch plate and pull it forward carefully. Identify the live (brown or red), neutral (blue or black), and load (switched live) wires for each gang. Label them if necessary. If there is an earth (ground) wire, note its location. Common mistake: mixing up wires from different gangs. Label each wire with the corresponding gang number to avoid confusion.
2. 2. Connect the earth wire: If your back box has an earth terminal, connect the earth wire (green/yellow) to it. The MAXWELL plate has an earth connection point on the back; connect a short earth pigtail from the terminal to this point. If no earth wire is present, the switch must be a Class II (double-insulated) fitting – check the product documentation. Missing earth connection is a safety hazard. If your wiring has no earth, do not proceed without verifying the switch is double-insulated.
3. 3. Wire the first gang (dimmer): Take the live wire for gang 1 and connect it to the 'L' (or 'COM') terminal on the dimmer module. Connect the load wire (to the light) to the 'L1' or '~' terminal. The neutral wire should be connected to the 'N' terminal if present; otherwise, it is joined in the ceiling rose. Tighten the screws firmly. Over-tightening can strip the screw threads. Use a snug fit – do not force.
4. 4. Wire the remaining two gangs: Repeat step 3 for gangs 2 and 3, using the corresponding live and load wires for each circuit. Ensure no stray wire strands touch adjacent terminals. Common mistake: leaving wire insulation inside the terminal. Strip only enough insulation (about 10 mm) so the bare wire is fully inside the terminal but no copper is exposed outside.
5. 5. Seat the dimmer module and attach the plate: Gently push the dimmer module into the back box, ensuring wires are folded neatly and not pinched. Align the plate over the module and secure it with the supplied screws. Do not overtighten – the plate should sit flush without bending. If the plate does not sit flush, the back box may be too shallow. The low-profile plate requires a minimum depth of 35 mm (standard UK back boxes are 35 mm or deeper).
6. 6. Restore power and test: Turn the power back on at the consumer unit. Test each dimmer by rotating the dial. The light should smoothly transition from off to full brightness. If a gang does not work, turn off the power and recheck the wiring for that circuit. If the dimmer hums or the light flickers, the bulb may be incompatible. Use dimmable LED bulbs rated for trailing-edge dimmers.

Product details

• MAXWELL 3G Smooth Dimmer Light Switch - Antique Brass: The MAXWELL 3G Smooth Dimmer Light Switch features a smooth dial turned from solid brass in an antique brass finish, on a slim, flat, low-profile plate. The solid brass construction gives the switch a premium feel and matches other antique brass hardware in your space, but the low-profile plate means you need to ensure the back box is deep enough to accommodate the dimmer module.