When using a 3-way dimmer switch, you should only have one dimmer on the circuit . The other switches (you can have more than one) must be on-off switches only. In this setup, the light level is controlled from a single location, whichever light switch you replace with the dimmer switch.
Can I use 2 dimmers on a 3 way switch?
Unlike 3-way dimmer switches, which cannot support multiple dimmers on the circuit, multi-location dimmer switches allow for dimming controls in more than one location. These can be paired with a compatible dimmer switch, non-dimming 3-way switches, or smart-home systems and remotes.
Can you put 2 dimmers on a 3 way switch?
When using a 3-way dimmer switch, you should only have one dimmer on the circuit . The other switches (you can have more than one) must be on-off switches only.
Can you have two way dimmers?
Traditionally, you cannot dim a light from two different switches, as it will cause a conflict in the circuitry. Any electrician will tell you that this will not work for a regular double switch three-way circuit. However, you can set up specialized two-way dimmers using a master and slave switch.
Can you put two dimmer switches side by side?
Dual dimmer switches can control two separate lights or a fan and light combination. A dimmer switch for a fan must conform to power load rating specified by the manufacturer. Lutron Electronics makes dual dimmer switches that fit inside a single box.
Do you need special wiring for a dimmer switch?
Remember: Dimmer switches don’t work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers . ... Remove the wires from the old switch. Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals.
Can any light be dimmable?
Most light fixtures will work with standard dimmer switches, including those with halogen and incandescent lamps. ... LED fixtures, for instance, may work with standard dimmers, but some may need a specialized dimmer. Likewise, not all compact fluorescent (CFL) light fixtures can be dimmed .
How does a 2 way dimmer switch work?
In a two-way installation, as shown in figure 2, only one dimmer must be used . A standard 2-way switch must be used for the other position. With the push on/push off type of dimmer, as long as the rotary control knob is not turned, when it is pressed, the dimmer will switch on at the previously set light level.
What does 2 way dimmer switch mean?
2 way means there’s another switch controlling the same light . You can turn your lights on or off from two places, for example both at the top and bottom of your stairs. 2 way light switches are also great for large rooms with two doorways where you want to control lights both coming in to, and out of, the room.
What’s the difference between a 2 way and 3 way light switch?
Both 2 Way and 3 Way switches are SPDT switches. But 3 Way switches have an extra pin called ‘Grounding pin’, which is not present on 2-way switches. 2 Way Switches have 3 screws, whereas 3 Way Switches have 4 screws . But irrespective of that, in both cases, you can employ 2 switches to control the load.
What is 2 way switch?
In a two-way switch, there are two, one-way switches combined in one. One of the terminals can be connected to either of the two, but not both at the same time. The advantage of a two-way switch is the ability to control a single device from two separate locations .
How do you install a 2 way dimmer switch?
You can only use one push-on/push-off dimmer in a 2-way circuit. It must be used in conjunction with a normal switch. When you switch on a push-on/off dimmer the lights will come on at the same level they were at before they were last switched off. Push-on/off dimmers can also be used in 1-way circuits.
How do I wire a 2 way dimmer switch?
Installing the Two-Way Dimmer Switch
Traditionally, you cannot dim a light from two different switches , as it will cause a conflict in the circuitry. Any electrician will tell you that this will not work for a regular double switch three-way circuit.
How many wires do I need for a dimmer switch?
There will be three wires : one black, one white, and a separate ground wire that may be bare copper or is sometimes wrapped in green.
Can you put a dimmer on a 4 way switch?
Correct, no 4 way dimmers. The 3 way must be at either end of the switch legs, whatever it takes. If the dimmer is desired in a location where only a 4 way switch makes sense, the only solution is to extend the power and double back the switch legs so that it becomes the “end”.
Can you put a dimmer switch on LED lights?
A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.
