Separating the Awning and Step Light - Add Dimmer

[colby]

Sinilar to this thread, I am getting ready to add in a dimmer switch for the awning and separate the step light. The plan is to leave the step light on the switch and add a switch and dimmer for the awning (similar to this thread - https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...tch-71163.html). The new switch and dimmer will be added just to the right of the awning deployment switch as per the pictures.

My issue, last time I looked at it, is the connections behind the switch plate are not anything I have seen, they look like some rounded connection. The switch looks to be identical to BanjoBob's in the thread above. Another problem is that the wiring is sooo tight, I can barely get the plate away from the wall.

I'm picking the trailer up Friday and plan to start this on the weekend, but I would like to try and get a head start if anyone has any ideas on how to get the switch out a bit further so it can be worked on. I will post some additional pictures on the weekend as I move through this.

[colby]

Ok, I’ve got things pulled apart and I think I have this figured out, just looking for a sanity check...





The first image shows the connector that looks like it runs to both the awning lights and the step light. The picture shows how far it comes out from the wall and it is not far...

The second picture is the back of the existing switch and the empty spot for the connector and the third is the front of the switch (awning step light on left).

My plan is to pull off the connector and the test the connection with the meter to make sure that it lights up with the switch. I will then cut that wire and lengthen them both. I’ll the set up the new switch, replace the old switch and that should be it.

But before I do this, just making sure that that sounds ok and I’m not missing an easier method...

[Cavie]

before you go too far verify if the led's are dimable.

[colby]

Originally Posted by Cavie

before you go too far verify if the led's are dimable.

Great minds think alike I pulled off the connector on the line going to the awning lights and put the dimmer switch in the circuit (connected the wire going to the lights to where the connector was and the light for the power to the switched connection on the original switch). When I turned the original switch on, the dimmer switch powered the lights on and off and also dimmed the awning lights using the dimmer control.

Good to go from that angle.

[colby]

And success!



I am roasting hot in this metal sweat box today doing this. Out at the storage facility in 32* C heat today.

Job done, home to check on slow cooking ribs and pool (plus drinks).