Once you have located the maximum fixture wattage for each individual lamp you will need to add them up. The most common problems with dimmer switches and led light bulbs.
How To Wire A 3 Way Dimmer Switch
3 way switch troubleshooting dimmer. Also only one switch. Overlamping a dimmer switch is the most common reason a dimmer switch fails. The led light bulbs must be dimmable and work with your switches. 3 way touch dimming dimming on off. There are many. You may have to take the bulb out to read it however.
There are many types of dimmer switches available for the do it yourself enthusiast. The rope lighting plugs into a hidden outlet which is switched by the circuit. I believe this problem is a matter of compatibility with the led lights and with the light switches. Many manufacturers are now producing dimmer switches that can be used for either single pole or 3 way switchesfor the single pole application the instruction sheet will have you cap off one of the wires which will not be used. If you avoid the five problems below you will wire your 3 way dimmer switch like a pro. A dimmer cant control too.
Brown wire connector wire l pole. The following devices must all be compatible with each other in order for this type of setup to work properly. Circuit works fine with original rocker switches. My entire house is lutron maestro ma 600 and ma 1000 dimmers so im familiar. You should calculate the maximum fixture wattage before you buy your dimmer switch. The two 3 way switches should be the same brand.
More about wiring switches and dimmer switches. The blue wire is a common wire and the other wire of the light bulb and the male wire n pole are connected. Red line connects one of the light bulbs. Test a 3 way switchturn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. When replacing an existing 3 way switch take note of how the existing switch is wired before you remove the wiring then refer to your notes to help you wire the new 3 way dimmer switch. How to troubleshoot a dimmer switch dimmer switch breakdown.
I have a 3 way circuit controlling a 120v rope lighting feature as well as a halogen mr16 uplight on a fireplace mantel. When buying a dimmer switch check the maximum load its rated for. Using a continuity tester check continuity between the common black terminal and each of the traveler terminals brass colored of each 3 way switch. Common problem 1 buying the wrong size switch. If you are replacing an existing 3 way switch. 15 80w incandescent tungsten incandescent lamp.
Dimmer switch tips and troubleshooting. When installing dimmers for 3 way switches remember to buy a special 3 way dimmer switch it will say at the store and on the package. That number will help you determine the perfect size. Hello pretty much at my wits end with this problem. The maximum wattage should be clearly marked on the fixture. For example if it has a limit of 600 watts you wouldnt want to install the dimmer on a switch that controls 8 100 watt recessed lights.
Remove the two 3 way switches so you can access the switch terminalsthe wire connections do not have to be removed. A good rule is to not exceed more than 80 of the rate maximum for the dimmer switch. There should be continuity between the common terminal and only one of the traveler terminals. The dimmer switches also must work with led lights. I replaced the led rope light with a new strand old one had burnt out sections.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch Troubleshooting Dimmer
