Home Electrical Question

[DJ]

Dimmer Switch.

I want to install a dimmer switch for an overhead light.

The circuit has two switches, on different walls.

Does this present any special challenges?

 

[Pascal]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Sounds like you need 3-way dimmers then wire them in like the on/off switches there now. I would think that a dimmer would only set light level from the one location so for total control, two are necessary. You could even get remote control ones if you want.

Also need to know the total watts on the circuit. I think you can get up to 1000w capacity.

just a guess - I'm not an electrician........

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Nope, no special challenges at all, DJ.

Just make sure the dimmer you get is a 3 way dimmer. Be careful, most 3 way dimmers can only be dimmed from one of the two locations, and the other location remains a standard switch. There are some (few) products that allow you to dim from both locations, but you would need to replace both switches then.

Make sure you do not exceed the maximum wattage of the dimmer. Most are 600 watts, but larger capacity ones are available. Also, this light you are dimming is an incandescant, right? Fluorescent adds a whole new twist.

Do you have toggle type or Decora (paddle or rocker) type switches? I highly recommend Lutron products, available at an electrical distributor, or most Home Depots.

 

[DJ]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Thanks.

The bulbs are incandescent, far under 600 watts.

I only need to be able to dim from one location.

I have the rocker type switches now.

I take it I still need a three way dimmer?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Yes, but it's cheap. Usually only a buck or two more than a normal dimmer. It will have three wires coming from it rather than the normal two. Excluding any green coloured ground wires that is.

Take note of which wire is connected to the (C)ommon (identified) terminal on the switch you're replacing with the dimmer, and connect it to the (C)ommon lead on the dimmer. That's the only one that's important.

 

[DJ]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Thanks all. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Home Electrical Question

Oh...one last tidbit....

Make sure you turn the breaker off before installing the dimmer. Do not wire a dimmer live. Most have sensitive electronics in them and they will fry if you wire them live.

 

[DJ]

Re: Home Electrical Question

I finally got around to installing them.

Thanks everyone, for the tips. They work great.