Adding a Dimmer Switch for Existing Lights

Selecting the Size and Type of Dimmer Switch for Existing Lights – The watt capacity or size of the dimmer switch should be greater than the total amount of connected watts from the light fixtures being controlled. Dimmer capacity typically starts at 600 watts.

Size and Type of Dimmer Switch for Existing Lights
[ad#block]I have 3 separate switches operating (on/off) 3 cans simultaneously, i.e., all on/all off.

• Would like to put a dimmer switch in place of one of the switches.
• Do I use a 3 way or do I go to a 4-way dimmer?
• The 3 lights are spots (100W each). Do I need a dimmer with a 600W capacity?

This electrical question came from: Bob, a Handyman from Ocala, Fl

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.

• Adding a 3 Way or 4 Way Dimmer Switch

• Bob, the type of dimmer switch being installed will need to match the existing light switch.
• So if the light switch is a 3-way, then a 3-way dimmer switch will be required.
• If the existing light switch is a 4-way, then a 4-way dimmer switch will be required.
• The selected dimmer switch must be compatible with the existing wiring to accomplish the dimming from the location you choose.

• Sizing a Dimmer Switch

• The watt capacity or size of the dimmer switch should be greater than the total amount of connected watts from the light fixtures being controlled. Dimmer capacity typically starts at 600 watts.
• The Following will assist you with your Dimmer Switches
  
• 3 Way Switch Diagram
• Light Switch Wiring
• 4-way switch wiring

• 4 Way Switch Diagrams
• Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations.
• The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.
• Wiring a dimmer switch

• 3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
• Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.
• This link is helpful as a Handyman
  Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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