3 way dimmer help

townpump · 03-29-2008, 09:07 PM

I just installed a dimmer switch into my dining room. The room has 2 switches. The first switch I replaced with the dimmer. The second switch is a regular toggle flip switch. It seems that only one switch can control the lights. One switch can turn on and off the lights, while the other won't be able to turn on the lights. Is there something wrong with the current of the poles? What else could be wrong?

chris75 · 03-29-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townpump

I just installed a dimmer switch into my dining room. The room has 2 switches. The first switch I replaced with the dimmer. The second switch is a regular toggle flip switch. It seems that only one switch can control the lights. One switch can turn on and off the lights, while the other won't be able to turn on the lights. Is there something wrong with the current of the poles? What else could be wrong?

You messed up the travelers on the 3 way you installed.

townpump · 03-29-2008, 09:59 PM

I have tried to rearrange it numerous ways.
Any other possibilities.

JGarth · 03-29-2008, 10:00 PM

Did you take the initiative to mark the power and travelers before removing the original switches.

junkcollector · 03-29-2008, 10:14 PM

Does it work correctly if you reinstall the old switch?

Are you using a three way dimmer? (not a single pole one..)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGarth

Did you take the initiative to mark the power and travelers before removing the original switches.

goose134 · 03-29-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Are you using a three way dimmer? (not a single pole one..)

Your new dimmer should have three wires and a ground.
A single pole will have two wires and a ground.

townpump · 03-29-2008, 10:35 PM

The 3 way dimmer is a multi-pole. It has 4 wires. I unfortunately didn't write down what wires were what. When I replace the old switches, they don't work properly.

chris75 · 03-29-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by townpump

I unfortunately didn't write down what wires were what.

Looks like you better call someone more qualified...

frenchelectrican · 03-29-2008, 11:55 PM

what kind of dimmer you have ??

maybe one of us can help ya

some 3 way dimmer do have master and slave units they are little tricky to get wired right

Merci,Marc

jrclen · 03-30-2008, 12:31 PM

Try to give us more information. Like Marc said, we will try to help you. Look at these diagrams for an idea of how three way switches are wired.

http://www.thecircuitdetective.com/3...htm#threebasic

If you are not comfortable with any of this, please call an electrician. No sense getting hurt just to save some money.