Installing Dimmers for 3 Way and 4 Way Switches

How can I wire a 3way dimmer switch to one of the switch locations? Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections, Installing Multiple Dimmer Switches, Types of 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches. © By: Dave Rongey

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Wiring 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches
Electrical Question: How can I wire a 3way dimmer switch to one of the switch locations?

I want to add a dimmer switch to one of the switch locations. I replaced one of the three way switches with a 3 way dimmer switch.

• I have a four way switch set up like your diagram shows and it works great.
• The dimmer switch now acts like a master switch.
• As long as the switch is on, the other switches in the circuit work and I can dim the lights.
• However, if I turn the dimmer off, the other switches will not turn the light on. Is there a special type of dimmer switch in this circumstance?

Thanks

This electrical question came from: Terry, a Handyman from Bermuda, New York.

Additional Comments: Great Website.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Terry and Mary.

How to Wire 3Way and 4Way 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.

Common Problems When Wiring a Dimmer Switch and How to Fix Them

• Dimmer Switch Wiring Connections
  The wiring for the dimmer switch that you installed may be incorrect, or you may need to install the dimmer at the other switch location.
• Installing Multiple Dimmer Switches
  When there are multiple dimmer switches you will need to install dimmer switches that have a Master switch and one or more Slave switches.
• Types of 3Way and 4Way Dimmer Switches
  Brands such as Lutron, which have the Maestro series of switches are perfect for this type of multiple switch application.

More About Wiring 3Way Dimmer Switch Wiring

3 Way Switch Diagram

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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.

4 Way Switch Wiring

4 Way Switch Wiring
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.

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