Use a multimeter by touching the wire and the other lead from the multimeter to the white in the us or to ground. A good rule is to not exceed more than 80 of the rate maximum for the dimmer switch.
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Troubleshooting a 3 way dimmer switch. When installing dimmers for 3 way switches remember to buy a special 3 way dimmer switch it will say at the store and on the package. That number will help you determine the perfect size. You may have to take the bulb out to read it however. If a dimmer is equipped for 500 watts and is given the task of turning on seven lights at 100 watts each it will work overtime and reach. Dimmer switch tips and troubleshooting. If you avoid the five problems below you will wire your 3 way dimmer switch like a pro.
Coming out of the switch itself is 2 red wires a black wire and a ground wire. No stripes of any color on them. Test a 3 way switchturn off power to the switches at the circuit breaker and using a tester make sure power is off. If you need to control lights from more than one switch a single pole or three way needs to be installed. Set the electrical tester to the continuity or ohms setting. Common problem 1 buying the wrong size switch.
The manual also calls out that in option 2 the switch has to be on the line side and the dimmer can only be installed load side. On a standard three way switch this is usually attached to the screw on the side of the switch that only has one screw. Since this is only single pole and not 3 way i dont need one of the red wires so i should cap it off. The most common problems with dimmer switches and led light bulbs. At the switch where you found power in step 2 put the other 2 wires you removed from the switch together and wire nut them. Now go the other switch location.
This is for if your switch is wired with a neutral wire and with an auxiliary. Using a continuity tester check continuity between the common black terminal and each of the traveler terminals brass colored of each 3 way switch. I believe this problem is a matter of compatibility with the led lights and with the light switches. Problems overview problem 1. The led light bulbs must be dimmable and work with your switches. There will be one of these on each switch obviously so there are really only two wires to test.
A dimmer cant control too many lights or it will surpass its maximum wattage. Otherwise it doesnt work. Aux switch inovelli switch is acting a fool. Single pole one dimmer only. My problem is lutron says to cap off the red wire with the white stripe. Aux switch does not work.
The following devices must all be compatible with each other in order for this type of setup to work properly. Also only one switch. The dimmer switches also must work with led lights. The maximum wattage should be clearly marked on the fixture. Aux switch turns lights off when you press up or down. More about wiring switches and dimmer switches.
One 3 way switch one smart dimmer. You should calculate the maximum fixture wattage before you buy your dimmer switch. Remove the two 3 way switches so you can access the switch terminalsthe wire connections do not have to be removed. The screw on the switch is usually a darker color too. When buying a dimmer switch check the maximum load its rated for. However on my switch the 2 red wires are solid.
Damage control overlamping a dimmer switch is the most common reason a dimmer switch fails. The two 3 way switches should be the same brand. Troubleshooting 3 way or multi switch setup neutral aux switch dimmer black series gen 2 lzw31. There should be continuity between the common terminal and only one of the traveler terminals. Programming instructions via parameters prerequisites. Once you have located the maximum fixture wattage for each individual lamp you will need to add them up.
How to troubleshoot a dimmer switch by kimberley mcgee updated april 16. For example if it has a limit of 600 watts you wouldnt want to install the dimmer on a switch that controls 8 100 watt recessed lights. This dimmer also requires neutral wires to be connected. Touch the probes to the 3 wires removed from the switch until you get a reading on the tester indicating continuity.
Gallery of Troubleshooting A 3 Way Dimmer Switch
