Replacing 2 Way Light Switch With Dimmer

Replacing a standard single pole or three way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch.

Replacing 2 way light switch with dimmer.

The dimmer switch has a white a red and a black wire coming into it. If the words on and off aren t embossed on the switch and it s one of two switches that control a single light or receptacle you have a three way switch. Dimmer switches don t work on most fluorescent fixtures and low voltage lighting requires special low voltage dimmers. With a three way dimmer you can control a light with two switches.

When you control a light in two separate switches you actually have a three way switch. This fixture has no on and off label and has three terminals behind the switch. Once the switch is secured take the faceplate and place it over the switch. This allows you to turn the light on and off from one spot in the house.

This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another. Place the dimmer switch completely into the junction box and use the two included screws to secure the switch to the box. Im trying to replace a dimmer switch with a 2 way switch without success. I have a dimmer switch that needs replacing.

A basic light switch is a single pole with an on and off label. You will need a three way dimmer and a three way switch. But if you re replacing a three way switch with a three way dimmer label the common wire it ll be labeled on the old switch when you remove the old switch so you can connect it to the common terminal on the dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights you will.

Most dimmer switches can handle 600 watts of power. Check the rating of the dimmer switch you purchase. Can i replace the dimmer switch with a single pole switch. Currently there s a single red wire going into one hole at the top of the dimmer 1 way and another single red wire going into another hole at the bottom com.

How to replace a three way light switch a three way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. It doesn t matter if you reverse the two switch wires to a single pole dimmer. There are also two black wires going into a connector and nothing coming out the other side. Use your flat head screwdriver and screw the faceplate in with the two included screws.

If you find yourself with an unnecessary or unhelpful dimmer switch it s an easy task to replace it with a standard light switch on your own. The most basic three way switch setup has two switches that connect and control one light fixture like switches on either end of a hallway staircase or large living area.