I want to install a decora switch with a non-decora dimmer as a three way switch. Will this work?

Mark

• 704 Answers
• Posted on Aug 07, 2009

SOURCE: Problem w/new sliding dimmer

The problem is that the Cooper #9530DS-K-L is actually a 3-way switch and you need a single pole dimmer switch to replace your existing single pole toggle switch.

If you want to use the Cooper switch you have you can take one of the black wires and cap it with a wire nut and connect the other two wires, but frankly, you'd be paying about 2 times the price for a 3-way dimmer switch when you only need a single pole switch.

You should be able to return the switch and get the correct one.

You should only have (2) black wires on the proper replacement switch, plus a ground wire

Hope you found this very helpful and best regards!

SOURCE: touch dimmer malfunction

sounds like a loose connection to me, check to make sure all connections are tight. sometimes the bulbs themselves don't make a good connection in there socket.

u will have to take the switches out of the wall box and make sure the wires are tight, whether they are on screws or wires connected to wires. if it is wires to wires u may have to take that apart to make sure u don't have a bad connection there.

if it is none of that, then it is time to replace the switches

Mark

• 704 Answers
• Posted on Nov 17, 2009

SOURCE: I'm attempting to wire a 3 way switch with a dimmer

Hello Chris,

What has happened, is that you've got th two "traavelers" reversed on the plain toggle switch. These are the RED and BLACK wires. turn off the power and reverse the position of these wires and the switch should work correctly from either the Dimmer switch or the plain switch.

Here's a link with a diagram, which might not exactly match your circuit configuration, but you can also watch a short video that explains how 3-way switches work.

It is just a matter of getting the travelers on the correct screws in order for the circuit to operate properly from either switch. Also, depending on the type of dimmer you've installed, the other switch will only turn the lights on at the dimmer setting that you've left the dimmer switch in. So be sure that you're not turning the dimmer all the way down before you shut it off (at the dimmer) otherwise, the other 3-way switch won't be able to turn the lights on, regardless of whether you've got the travelers in the correct locations.

Remember to turn the power off to the circuit you're working on while you rewire it and flip the breaker back on when you're done.

http://www.electrical-online.com/3waydiagram.htm

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

SOURCE: Looking for a wiring diagram

I know you asked for a diagram, but this may solve your issue. If both switches are 3 way (not 4 way) then they will have a single terminal on one side and two terminals on the other. The two terminals on both switches are for the "traveler" wires. Your first switch will take power in (the black wire) to the single terminal. Two traveler wires connect the two terminals on the first switch to the two terminals on the second switch. The single terminal on the second switch is the output to the light. In addition there will be a ground and a neutral coming in to the first switch box, and just passing through to the second box, and just passing through to the light. So, in total, here are the wires---- The input to the first box should be a black (hot) , white (neutral) , and bare (ground). Between the two boxes will be two travelers (usually a black and a red), the neutral (usually white), and the ground. Out of the second box will be the same as the input to the first box. I hope this helps. By the way, as long as there is only one dimmer, it's the same as no dimmer. And if you have four terminals (and therefore 4 way switches) you can just tape over (and don't use) any one of them and you have a three way Good luck Al K

SOURCE: I am replacing a Lightolier

It depends. Some dimmers are considered "smart dimmers," where the control on the other end of the 3-way has to be intelligent enough to send a signal back to the dimmer. If the Lightolier dimmer was a smart dimmer, then chances are that the 3-way control was designed to talk only to that specific dimmer. The Leviton product you replaced it with is a simple, basic dimmer - it should work in conjunction with a simple, basic 3-way switch.

If the 3-way control already IS a simple, basic 3-way switch - then I would simply re-check the wiring of the dimmer you replaced.