replace 3-way switch with dimmer switch?


  #1  
Old 05-09-02, 12:53 PM
mfrey
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Question 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
 
  #2  
Old 05-09-02, 01:47 PM
J
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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]
 
  #3  
Old 05-21-02, 09:21 AM
mfrey
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Talking thanks

Thanks for the help.
The 3-way wall switch was replaced with a 3-way dimmer switch with no problem.
This leaves the current set up as one 3-way wall switch and one 3-way dimmer switch.

Thanks again.

Matt
 
 

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