Can I use two three-way dimmers?
If you are switching from two locations, you also need to use 3-way switches for both the plain switches and dimmers (many dimmers are 3-way compatible). There are specialized dimmers that work as master and slave units. These do allow dimming from multiple locations, but you need to use a set of matched units.
Can you have 2 dimmers on a 2 way switch?
Installing the Two-Way Dimmer Switch Traditionally, you cannot dim a light from two different switches, as it will cause a conflict in the circuitry. Any electrician will tell you that this will not work for a regular double switch three-way circuit.
Does it matter which 3 way switch is the dimmer?
That’s where 3-way switches are handy—they allow users to turn on a centrally located light from different sides of a room or from the upper and lower ends of a stairway. A 3-way switch setup will even work with a dimmer switch, as long as the dimmer switch is designed for 3-way wiring.
Can you put two dimmers on the same circuit?
You can only have one dimmer per group. You can put the dimmer at either location, but not both locations. There are “companion” dimmers available from some companies, that allow you to place additional dimmers in the circuit. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer.
How many dimmers can be on a circuit?
As @Tester101 says, with conventional dimmers, you can only have one dimmer in a circuit if the fixture (or set of fixtures) is being controlled from more than one location. Dimmers come in two basic wiring configurations: standard single-pole dimmers and three-way dimmers.
What’s the difference between a 2 way and 3 way light switch?
The 2 way switch or single pole double throw switch is a three terminal switch. Here 1 terminal is the input and the other two are used as outputs. Because it uses two switches and one appliance. In 3 way switches you use two control a single appliance from two different locations.
How can you tell if a switch is 1 way or 2 way?
In its working, the main difference between them is the number of contacts they each have. The one-way switch has two contacts and the two-way switch has three contacts. In a two-way switch, there are two, one-way switches combined in one.
What color wire goes to the black screw on a 3-way switch?
When wiring a 3-way switch, first screw the terminal screws of the new switch until they are difficult to turn. Connect the ground wire to the green screw. Connect the wire marked common to the black or dark colored screw.
How can you tell if a switch is 4 way or 3-way?
A three-way switch has three terminals; a four-way has four. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances.
What do I do if I have two black wires?
However, if you need to rewire a light switch or a plug socket, you may occasionally come across two black wires. It’s essential that you determine which black wire is hot before proceeding. The easiest and safest way is to use a multimeter to test for current.
Why does a light switch have two black wires?
The bare or green-wrapped ground wires serve as a backup to divert the power safely away in case of an electrical fault. In most cases, two black wires will be attached to the switch’s two terminal screws. The ground wires will be connected to each other and attached to the grounding screw on the switch.