3-way Dimmer Switch
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3-way Dimmer Switch
Hello, this is my first post and thought I'd give this a try. So, here's my question...
I want to add a dimmer to my ceiling fan that has 3 on/off switches on the wall to control the light. The existing on/off switch has three wires - 1 black, 1 red, and 1 white. I was told to buy a 3-way switch and I did.
Looking at this new 3-way dimmer switch I see a few differences. It has 4 wires instead of 3 - It has an extra red wire, 1 green wire that my existing setup doesn't have and no white wire when the old does.
I have no experience at this whatsover. All I need to understand is what wires to connect. Keep in mind, the number of wires are different and the colors don't match.
Thanks,
DonnieP
I want to add a dimmer to my ceiling fan that has 3 on/off switches on the wall to control the light. The existing on/off switch has three wires - 1 black, 1 red, and 1 white. I was told to buy a 3-way switch and I did.
Looking at this new 3-way dimmer switch I see a few differences. It has 4 wires instead of 3 - It has an extra red wire, 1 green wire that my existing setup doesn't have and no white wire when the old does.
I have no experience at this whatsover. All I need to understand is what wires to connect. Keep in mind, the number of wires are different and the colors don't match.
Thanks,
DonnieP
#2
Welcome to the forum.
The green wire would be attached to the ground wires in the switch box.
If you look at the existing switch do you see a screw that is a different color? Normally this will be a dark screw. This is the COMMON and would be attached to whichever wire is the COMMON on the dimmer.
The green wire would be attached to the ground wires in the switch box.
If you look at the existing switch do you see a screw that is a different color? Normally this will be a dark screw. This is the COMMON and would be attached to whichever wire is the COMMON on the dimmer.