Could be several reasons, but here's what i think is most likely. First, there are other wires in the box that are not connected to the switch - 4 ground wires all connected together, and 4 white wires all connected together. You only 1 hot black wire coming into the box. This wire goes to one side of the switch, but it is tied to a 2nd black wire that is going on to something else (like another switch or an outlet). That counts for two of the black wires. The other two black wires are on the output side of the switch and are going to two places - pehaps the switch is used to control two ceiling light fixtures. The good news is that unless you have a lighted switch there is no difference between the IN side and OUT side of the switch - it works the same either way, and you can connect the switch just like the dimmer was hooked up - even if my explanation of why is not exactly your situation. Good luck!
SOURCE: replace dimmer switch with toggle
Both wires should be black because the switch interrupts or breaks the connection to the light. It doesn't matter which black wire goes where. Just be sure the power is OFF and then undo the dimmer switch (usually has wire nuts connecting the black leads) and then connect the wires to the new toggle switch.
Turn on the power and feel good about your work!
SOURCE: I want to replace dimmer switch with standard switch
the two black wires spliced are Live wires ( same value as RED) the other single black is the return. The two twisted blacks from the wall go into ther active hole of the new switch and the single into the return. No third wire for earth is needed
SOURCE: wiring dimmer to knob and tube
You should attach the green grounding wire to the metal box using a green grounding screw. You don't want to leave the wire loose, as any contact with the switch screws could cause a short.
Also, you should wrap the switch with at least 2-3 complete wraps of electrical tape to prevent the screws from contacting the sides of the wall box.
As a side note, you should likely have a complete check done on your house if you still have knob and tube wiring installed, as the dangers associated with this very old wiring are many. Typically, older K&T wiring was used in homes well over 60 years ago and houses then only had minimal electric current drawing devices, such as lights and a couple of other small appliance devices (toasters, coffee pot, TV and radio, etc.)
The problem with older homes with K&T wiring still in use, is that the circuits can be easily overloaded with modern electric convinences and lead to a possible fire situation, especially since there is no dedicated ground to help mitigate short circuits, etc. Also, the rubber based insulation used on this type of wiring deteriorates after 40 years (+/-) and rodents tend to chew on exposed wires in attics and crawl spaces.
I don't wish to alarm anyone, but as a Licensed Master Electrician, I've seen and done my share of repair work involving Knob & Tube wiring and even had a couple of homes that had a mix of it and other, newer wiring, that I've completely rewired. Many states require K&N wiring be replaced before a home can be sold, so getting a jump on it will make your home safer and better suited to operate all the devices that people tend to have, in today's society.
Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!
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