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Wiring for Lutron and 3-Way Dimmer Switches


How easy would it be for me to replace dimmer switches? How to Wire Lutron Dimmer Switches and Standard 3Way Dimmer Switches.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

How To Hook Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Wiring Dimmer Switches
Electrical Question: How easy would it be for me to replace dimmer switches?

THANKS!

This electrical wiring question came from: John, in Mahwah, New Jersey.

Additional Comments: Great website.

Dave’s Reply: Thanks for your electrical wiring question John.

Wiring 3-Way Dimmer Switches

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Electrical 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 wiring.
Notice: Installing additional fixture wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Electrical Materials: Make sure the replacement light 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 and size light bulbs that are installed.

How to Wire Lutron Dimmer Switches and Standard 3Way Dimmer Switches

More about Wiring Dimmer Switches

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Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Wiring a Dimmer Switch
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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.

How to Install Home Lighting
recessed lighting

Planning and Installing Home Lighting

Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.

Electrical Wire for Electrical Repairs and Home Remodel Projects

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
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Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.


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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Wiring for Lutron and 3-Way Dimmer Switches”
  1. jason says:

    I recently installed a 2nd 3way switch to control new recessed led floodlights. Previous there was a 3way switch that controlled the fan/light kit. I ran a 3 wire from the new led dimmer and a 2wire from led dimmer 1 to the new can light, and then connected the rest of the can in sequence, and then I terminated the 2wire at the last can. I have dimmers now on both ends to control the fan. I think I need to ditch one of the fan dimmers.
    The Problem: The lights dim fine from both led dimmers but the fan control at switch 2, controls both the lights and fan. Fan switch one works properly. I took power from the fan switch on a jumper to black screw on dimmer 1. Black from 3wire and 2 wire are on gold screw. Red from new 3wireswitch is on blue screw.
    —please help.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Jason,
    Make sure that the jumper is from the unswitched power to avoid having an overriding effect on the fan control switch. Keep in mind that having separate switching for the light and fan individually will require separate wiring from the switch box up to the ceiling fan. Make sure the connections for the fan and light are separate at the switch box.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave