Install a three-way dimmer switch

Looks like I cannot put dimmer switch on both.Can I just change one the switch to a dimmer switch?

 

Yes, you can put two or more dimmers on a light circuit. But the dimmers and bulb must be made for the purpose.

 

You're probably referring to a three-way switch, which has two switches - usually at two entrances to the room or at the two ends of a hallway (long story why it's called that). There are two options you have:

1) Use a simple/inexpensive 3-way dimmer. The dimmer will replace one of the switches, and the other switch will just remain a switch. You can turn on/off the light on either side, but only dim from one location.

2) Use an electronic dimmer like the Lutron Caseta. These are a bit more expensive, but they link together and allow you to turn on/off AND dim from either switch.

 

Thank you ,I only want to put dimmer on one switch and Zorfdt,you guessed it right 2 end of hallway.One should do(no wonder all the videos were about 3way dimmer switch).ty

 

Not sure exactly what you decided to do but if you decided to install a dimmer and a remote slave dimmer.... there will need to be wiring changes made. You can post pictures of the wiring at both ends and we can help you with the changes.

 

Just a comment.
To the OP, as you have found out controlling a light from two separate locations is called a three-way circuit (The light, and two switches make three ways). A four way would be a light and three switches one of which must be a 4-way switch with two 3-way switches. From there it's possible add as many switches as you like to control a light.

I mention this only because I have installed this scenario myself and it's confusing. I have seen several articles that reference or mention these and use the word two way when meaning three way. So don't beat yourself up about not knowing. Good luck. Once you do it, it seems simple. Until the next time.

 

Thank you Norm201.So the light was 3d switch,thanks again.
Pjmax,I am going to change one of the switches to dimmer and I let you know.Thank you for helping me.

 

How can I install this dimmer in place of the switch on the picture? ty

 

Is there a pair of white wires connected with a wire nut inside the box that we cannot see? If not, and if the three wires connected to the switch are from the same cable, you cannot use that dimmer to replace the switch.

 

There is a pair of white wires connected with a wire nut inside the box.

 

The switch appears to be a 3-way with a Line or Load wire (black) on the common terminal and 2 travelers (red and black). The dimmer appears to be a single-pole (1-way) with connections for Line (black), Neutral (white), Load (red), and Ground (green). That is not the correct dimmer for 3-way switching.

 

I think u missed something there,this is for single and 3way,it has that red with white line on it too.
It looks like (since I am changing one of the switches to dimmer),from dimmer switch to the existing switch Red&white wire goes with red ,common with black ,green to ground and red to traveller black.Could you guys tell me if I am right?

 

Sorry, I did not see it as red. I thought it was white. Now I see it. I looked up the wiring diagram to be sure. That dimmer does not require a neutral but it must be installed at the Load end of the circuit (the single black wire goes to the light.

In that case the single black wire at the top of the existing switch should be connected to black on the dimmer. The other two wires on the original switch connect red to black traveler and red stripe to red traveler. Green is connected to ground wire or to metal box.

 

If what 2john posted doesn't work..... check the unconnected black wire coming out of the two wire cable.
I labeled it as common. It must be always live for the dimmer to work there.

 

I did check ,it was written on the back by the wire COMMON,I wired them and it worked great.Thank you all for teaching me this,I talk you all on next new threat soon.