Learn how to install a 3 way dimmer switch to control the lighting in your home and save on electricity bills with these simple instructions from lowe s. How to troubleshoot three way switches test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. If you avoid the five problems below you will wire your 3 way dimmer switch like. They are often found in large rooms as well. Remember three things while doing 3 way switch troubleshooting. These wires attach to the travelers which are the pair of wires attached to the two screws at one end of the regular 3 way switch. Remove the two 3 way switches so you can access the switch terminals. Wiring a standard 3 way dimmer switch. This means that the lights can be turned on and off from the dimmer switch as well as another light switch. Complete guide to home.
How to troubleshoot three way switches test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. Some dimmer switches are set on a 3 way switch. Wiring a standard 3 way dimmer switch. Here s how to do it. When in doubt pull the switch and look for that pair of travelers. This means that the lights can be turned on and off from the dimmer switch as well as another light switch. Any pair of switch screws or dimmer s wires that are the same color as each other are for a traveler pair. Attach to the bonded ground wire s in the switch box. 3 way dimmer switches typically come with the following pre wired leads. They are often found in large rooms as well.
At the switch where you found power in step 2 put the other 2 wires you removed from the switch together and wire nut them. How to troubleshoot three way switches test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. If you avoid the five problems below you will wire your 3 way dimmer switch like. These wires attach to the travelers which are the pair of wires attached to the two screws at one end of the regular 3 way switch. Connect these wires to the switch 1 wire on each of the brass colored screws. The two travelers are in the same cable with each other. Wire it right with the help of my illustrated wiring book great for any home wiring project. It s a foolproof way for a proper. Here s how to do it. Installing home light fixtures.
Ignoring the optional green ground a 3 way will have 3 wires and a single pole switch will only have 2. Look at the 3 way dimmer diagram above. The third wire is the common wire that. They do not have to be red and often are not. If the power in line is hooked up to a traveler feed you may also get the odd switching troubles you are experiencing. How to determine the correct wires to attach to a 3 way switch when the wire and screw terminal color code is not certain. These are the runners of the circuit. Wire it right with the help of my illustrated wiring book great for any home wiring project. Any pair of switch screws or dimmer s wires that are the same color as each other are for a traveler pair. How to troubleshoot three way switches test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off.
It s a foolproof way for a proper. If you avoid the five problems below you will wire your 3 way dimmer switch like. Now go the other switch location. When in doubt pull the switch and look for that pair of travelers. Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3 way dimmer switch. You can avoid costly mistakes. If the power in line is hooked up to a traveler feed you may also get the odd switching troubles you are experiencing. The two travelers are in the same cable with each other. They are often found in large rooms as well. How to troubleshoot three way switches test a 3 way switch turn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off.
