replace 3-way switch with dimmer switch?
#1
replace 3-way switch with dimmer switch?
Hi everyone,
The set up, a dining room chandiler is operated by a 3-way switch, one on either side of the room.
We would like to put this light on a dimmer switch.
Is it possible to replace one of the switches with a dimmer switch?
Maybe remove one swtich and replace the other switch with a dimmer switch?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks, Matt
The set up, a dining room chandiler is operated by a 3-way switch, one on either side of the room.
We would like to put this light on a dimmer switch.
Is it possible to replace one of the switches with a dimmer switch?
Maybe remove one swtich and replace the other switch with a dimmer switch?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks, Matt
#2
Yes, you can do it. Simply remove either one of the 3-way switches and replace it with a 3-way dimmer, attaching the 3-way dimmer to exactly the same wires that the old switch was connected to.
Important notes:[list=1][*]Make sure you buy a 3-way dimmer, not a regular one. The 3-way dimmer is about 50% more expensive.[*]Make sure the dimmer you buy can handle the wattage of the light. Most dimmers sold are 600-watt, and that is usually enough for most lights. But check the wattage of the bulbs before you buy to be sure.[*]When you remove the old switch, don't disconnect any more wires than necessary to get it out.[*]If the old switch has a situation where two wires, one of which is connected to a screw and another that uses the immediately adjacent push-in connection, you'll need to attach both of these wires to the same dimmer wire. The old switch was connecting these two wires internally.[*]Before you disconnect the old switch, make darn sure you know which of the wires is connected to the "common" screw. The common screw is usually colored black on most 3-way switches, and/or it may be labeled "COM" or "COMMON". When you install the new dimmer, read the instructions carefully to see which wire is common, and attach the old common wire to it.[/list=1]
Important notes:[list=1][*]Make sure you buy a 3-way dimmer, not a regular one. The 3-way dimmer is about 50% more expensive.[*]Make sure the dimmer you buy can handle the wattage of the light. Most dimmers sold are 600-watt, and that is usually enough for most lights. But check the wattage of the bulbs before you buy to be sure.[*]When you remove the old switch, don't disconnect any more wires than necessary to get it out.[*]If the old switch has a situation where two wires, one of which is connected to a screw and another that uses the immediately adjacent push-in connection, you'll need to attach both of these wires to the same dimmer wire. The old switch was connecting these two wires internally.[*]Before you disconnect the old switch, make darn sure you know which of the wires is connected to the "common" screw. The common screw is usually colored black on most 3-way switches, and/or it may be labeled "COM" or "COMMON". When you install the new dimmer, read the instructions carefully to see which wire is common, and attach the old common wire to it.[/list=1]