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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Things to know about 3way digital dimmers

If you want to dim a light that is controlled by 2 switches you are going to have to decide 1 thing. Do you want to dim from both locations or just one? If you want to dim from one location you can not use a digital dimmer. A digital dimmer will only work if you have two of them in every switch location. One master and the rest slaves.
Things to know about 3way digital dimmers

If you have any questions please ask in the comment link below, I will answer them to the best of my ability, also if you have future projects that you would like step by step instructions please post in the comment box I will usually answer the same day.

1) Never install a digital dimmer with the power on. Digital dimmers have electronics in them and the slightest short will destroy them.
2) Most digital dimmers usually work with a control wire.
3) Your switches have 3 wires connected to them, one switch has a constant hot and two travelers, and the other switch has the wire going to the light(switch leg) and the same two travelers.
4) You are going to need to identify one of the travelers. It would help if the colors were different in the box so you can visually identify the wire. If not, you will need to use a meter and perform a continuity test.
5) Digital dimmers have 3 screws to connect to or 3 wires. Read the instructions, the wire you found needs to be connected to a specific screw or wire on the switch.
6) The master switch should go in the box with the constant hot.
7) On the bottom part of the face of the switch there is normally shut off switch just in case the power is on to avoid blowing up any of the circuitry.
8) Never overload the dimmer switch. Switches come in 2 common watt sizes, 600w and 1000w. All you have to do is look at the bulbs in the light and see what size bulbs you have in there. Add them up and make sure the dimmer switch has a higher rating than your total wattage. (ex. if you have 10 recessed lights with 65w per light, 65x10=650w, you will need a 1000w dimmer.
If you found this helpful please click on one of the links at the top or bottom of the page for support.

John

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. I can not be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

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