3-way, 2 lights, dimmer - not working correctly
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3-way, 2 lights, dimmer - not working correctly
I used the attached diagram from the web and it isn't working for me. On one switch I get one light, and its bright. On the other switch(Dimmer) I get two lights not very bright. What am I doing wrong? My 14/2 is coming in to the dimmer first. It is a Lutron contour CTCL-153P(3-way) then a 14/3 to first light, a 14/3 to next light, and 14/3 to a 3-way switch.
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Can someone make me a simple diagram with the power coming into the 3-way dimmer first - 14/3 to light-14/3 to next light-14/3 to 3-way switch - end of run? The dimmer has a red,black and red/white line.
I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know why the diagram I have isn't working for my.
I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know why the diagram I have isn't working for my.
#7
Here is the simplest way. If you can't run a cable directly between the two switch boxes post back with your requirements and we will go from there.
Here is another way that meets 2011 NEC and does not need a 4-conductor cable to meet 2011 NEC that requires a neutral at both switch boxes.
Here is another way that meets 2011 NEC and does not need a 4-conductor cable to meet 2011 NEC that requires a neutral at both switch boxes.
Last edited by ray2047; 01-27-15 at 10:15 AM.
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My problem is this. My lines are already run and walls closed up. I ran all my lines as the first diagram I first posted. Simple... so I thought. Again they run as follows. 14/2 power source to 3-way dimmer switch - 14/3 to light no.1 14/3 to light no.2 14/3 to 3-way switch.
From your diagrams it looks like I need a fourth line between the lights. Am I screwed?
Thx
Todd
From your diagrams it looks like I need a fourth line between the lights. Am I screwed?
Thx
Todd
#11
Well I'm stumped. Can you post a link to where you got that diagram?
Using the cables you have here is as close as I got. No way to power the left light. If you see a way let me know. Note position of common will vary with the manufacturer of the switch. I chose position of common that is easiest for me to diagram. Your common position on the switch may vary. My diagram does not match the one you posted but it just didn't look right and even tripping its size I had trouble following it.. Maybe a pro can help.
Using the cables you have here is as close as I got. No way to power the left light. If you see a way let me know. Note position of common will vary with the manufacturer of the switch. I chose position of common that is easiest for me to diagram. Your common position on the switch may vary. My diagram does not match the one you posted but it just didn't look right and even tripping its size I had trouble following it.. Maybe a pro can help.
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I found it here: ➤3 Way Switch 2 Lights 6 3 2 way light switch - Schematic.pics
As I stated There is only one dimmer where the power comes in. The diagram doesn't have any dimmers. It is over an island so I don't have access to wires, unless I cut a hole in the sheetrock ceiling.
As I stated There is only one dimmer where the power comes in. The diagram doesn't have any dimmers. It is over an island so I don't have access to wires, unless I cut a hole in the sheetrock ceiling.
#13
That is a less than ideal way to wire a circuit and it is also incorrect.
You would need a four wire cable between the two lights.
What happened to yesterdays 4 way foray that I drew a diagram for ?
You would need a four wire cable between the two lights.
What happened to yesterdays 4 way foray that I drew a diagram for ?
#16
A fourth conductor is needed. You are going to need to rework the cables. The easiest way is power to SW1, xx-3 from Sw1 to Sw2, from Sw2 to fixtures with xx-2 cable.
#17
This is what PCBoss is describing:
Attachment 45637
You would abandon the cable between the left switch and the left light.
The red wire of the cable between the right switch and the right light would not be used.
The red wire of the 3-conductor cable between the lights would not be used.
Attachment 45637
You would abandon the cable between the left switch and the left light.
The red wire of the cable between the right switch and the right light would not be used.
The red wire of the 3-conductor cable between the lights would not be used.
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Thanks for your help guys. I guess I will have to rework it. This looks like my best solution. I'm going to have to open the ceiling add a wire between the 2 lights. They are only 2 feet apart. I don't have the option to open the wall or use a crawl space.
http://www.buildmyowncabin.com/electrical/img14.gif
http://www.buildmyowncabin.com/electrical/img14.gif