London, UK — In his latest column, Guardian writer Tim Dowling recounts finally completing a long-overdue home repair by replacing a broken three-button dimmer switch in his kitchen.
Dowling describes a period of relative domestic stability, noting that the garden had been tidied by a helper referred to as “Gardening Steve,” and the back door had begun closing properly with the arrival of cooler weather. He also mentions refinishing the kitchen table himself, though the result initially disappointed his wife before growing more acceptable over time.
The remaining issue was a malfunctioning dimmer switch controlling one of the kitchen’s main lights. Dowling claims he told his wife, “If you can find a like-for-like replacement for the switch plate, I can put it in,” adding that she sourced the part quickly and it arrived the next day.
Upon opening the packaging, Dowling read the manufacturer’s warning that the product should be installed by a competent person. He jokingly suggested that examples of such individuals included chartered accountants or the Lord Mayor, despite his wife expressing concern over the complexity of the wiring diagrams.
Dowling proceeded the next morning after turning off power to the entire house. He removed the old switch plate and found himself working in near darkness, using his phone’s flashlight to illuminate the area. At times, he held the phone between his teeth while handling small components.
He described the process as resembling an attempt to bypass a museum alarm, carefully disconnecting each wire from the old switch and attaching it to the corresponding contact on the new one. Despite the challenge posed by short wire ends and tiny screws, he completed the installation without incident.
When power was restored, Dowling’s wife tested the switches, expressing surprise at his success. She reportedly said, “I thought I’d find you sitting on the floor crying.”
Dowling admitted to experiencing a panic during the job and pausing for half an hour to research the difference between leading edge and trailing edge dimmers. He explained that leading edge dimmers are cheaper but problematic with LED bulbs, while trailing edge dimmers are better suited for most modern installations.
The couple noted that their new switch could accommodate both types, though trailing edge was set as the default. Dowling concluded that while the project was initially frustrating, the result was deeply satisfying, stating, “When I turn the kitchen lights on my heart skips a beat, every time.”
This article is based on a column by Tim Dowling published in The Guardian on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
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