Hi:
In our kitchen we have two 3-way switches controlling the lights. One of the 3-ways is a dimmer. I just replaced the non-dimmer 3-way switch with a motion detector switch. The motion detector works fine, but now the dimmer does not. I just want to know if a dimmer can not work in this arrangement.

My setup is: incoming power to motion detector, then to dimmer, then out to lights.

The motion detector instructions said for the 3-way that remains (in my case the dimmer) to wire together the common, switch leg A, and out-going to lights.

For the motion detector:
1. incoming power to black
2. switch leg A to newly-joined common/switch A on dimmer
3. switch leg B to switch leg B on dimmer

As I said this new setup works, exception for the dimmer function. Will a dimmer not work here?

Thanks.

 

Ok, please help me to help you. For starters, what do you mean by "common?"

You have power at the motion sensor. From there you should have two wires going between the switches (which you labeled A and B.) then from the dimmer you should have a third switch leg going to the light. Of course, the neutral will also need to go to the light.

I can't say I've ever tried this combination, but I see no reason for a dimmer not to work in this set up.

 

The motion won't operate as a 3way.You don't have a 3way setup anymore. You have bypassed the second switch(dimmer).