Thanks Thanks:  2
Likes Likes:  5
Dislikes Dislikes:  0
Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: Three way dimmer switch for one of three switches: which switch?

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    5

    Three way dimmer switch for one of three switches: which switch?

    I know questions related to this have been asked before, but I am a bit more of a novice than others. So I need some more help than what I could find from other answers.

    I have a few lights controlled by three switches. I would like to install a dimmer. I do not need dimmers on all three switches. One dimmer on one switch will be fine. I have read that I can use a three-way dimmer switch to replace one of the switches. However, I believe it needs to be on only certain switches? I do not have any electrical diagrams of the house. My questions are:

    1) Can I use a three way dimmer for a light with three switches (one location only)?

    2) How do I know which switch to use?

    Thanks!

  2. Likes Justin F. liked this post
  3. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    2,587
    1) Yes. If you want to keep the existing mechanical switches you can just replace one of the 3-ways. You will be able to dim from 1 location and have on/off control from the other two.

    2) If you have toggle-style you will want the Ariadni AYCL-153-xx. If you have decorator style (big paddle) you will want Diva DVCL-153.

    Dimmers and LEDs don't always get along. You can check the Lutron site lutron.com/led or the bulb manufacturer site to see if they are compatible.

    Your circuit has a 3-way switch on either end and a 4-way in the middle. Either of the above dimmers can replace either of the 3-way switches.
    Convergence Technologies Raleigh, North Carolina
    www.convergenceusa.com

  4. Thanks Justin F. thanked for this post
    Likes Justin F. liked this post
  5. #3
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    5
    Thank you for the response!

    How will I tell the 3 way switches from 4 way one? And does it have to be those specific dimmers? Or can it be any Lutron 3-way compatible dimmer?

  6. Likes Justin F. liked this post
  7. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Posts
    2,587
    3-way switches have 3 terminals/screws - black, brass and brass. The stab-in terminals are connected to the screw inside the switch so they don't count as a separate terminal.

    4-way switches have 4 terminals/screws - typically 2 brass and 2 silver.
    Convergence Technologies Raleigh, North Carolina
    www.convergenceusa.com

  8. Thanks Justin F. thanked for this post
    Likes Justin F. liked this post
  9. #5
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    5
    Thank you!

  10. Likes Justin F. liked this post
  11. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
    Posts
    1
    i was not able to understand how to start a new question on this forum.... but my issue is close to this one here...
    i have a fan in my patio. fan and light are independantly wire. i can turn on/off fan from 3 different wall swithces. i can control light from 3 different witches.
    i will like to be able to control Fan speed... what lutron control can i use?
    fan model hampton bay Seaport

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 8
    Last Post: 04-23-2019, 11:24 AM
  2. 2 Three way switches and 1 4-way switch question
    By Long DaGe in forum Troubleshooting - Controls
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 08-06-2018, 10:25 AM
  3. Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-08-2018, 07:23 PM
  4. Caseta Dimmer 3-way circuit with remote dimmer or switch
    By Phred in forum Design Assistance - CAS
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 12-01-2017, 12:58 PM
  5. Pico Dimmer Switch and Smart Switch in a multi-location setup
    By jbaude in forum General Discussion - CAS
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 11-08-2017, 04:06 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •