ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
Electrical Wiring | Home Wiring | NEC NFPA Electric Codes | Wiring Diagrams | Wire Ceiling Fans | Lighting | Wire Switches | GFCI Outlet | Wiring Outlets | Smoke Detectors | Dryer Cords | Exhaust Fan | Energy Savings | Solar Exhaust Fans | Wiring SIP Homes | Wire and Cable | Electrical Boxes | Circuit Breakers | Panels | Relays | Generators | Power Quality | Electrical Calculations and Formulas | Testers and Meters | Electrician Tools | Electrician Training | Electrical Safety | Wiring Plans and Symbols | Electric Repairs | Electrical Books | Electrical Troubleshooting

How To Install Three Way Dimmer Switches

Installing a Dimmer Switch: How to Install and Wire Dimmer Switches for Your Light Fixtures.

Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire
Check out my YouTube Channel and Subscribe to my Videos
» AskTheElectrician «
NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos
Will Display at the End of This Video
So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!

Three Way Dimmer Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: When installing a dimmer switch on a three way circuit, does it matter which switch is replaced with the dimmer?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bill.
Background: Bill, a Homeowner from Wadsworth, Ohio.

How to Wire Dimmer Switches

Application: Wiring a Dimmer Switch.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the dimmer switch wiring.
Materials: Make sure the replacement dimmer switch has the same amperage and voltage rating as the original switch, and is fully compatible with the electrical circuit, the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used. The dimmer switch must be rated for the amount of watts that will be controlled.

Installing a Dimmer Switch

Great question about wiring dimmer switches, Bill.

In addition to this information, I have provided the following links that lead to fully detailed information on this website that will assist you with your electrical question:

More about Dimmer Switches

Wiring a Dimmer Switch
wiring-a-dimmer-switch

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram

3 Way Switch Diagram

Dimmer Switch Wiring

Light Switch Wiring
Wiring Diagrams


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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 I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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 the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

More articles about Dimmer Switch, Electrical Wiring, Switches and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous Next »
Possible Causes of Electrical Shocks Electrical Wiring for Light Switches