Hi. I would like to add a Maestro Dimmer switch to a three way circuit. My current setup is that I have two switches that control one receptacle. I would like the finished job to have the receptacle be controlled by only the dimmer switch and have the second switch be inoperable.This is what I currently have for my wiring setup.Switch 1 (One wanting to add dimmer to and keep): Red and White wire connected at top of switchWhite connected at bottomTwo black wires connected to each otherSwitch 2 (One wanting to make inoperable):Black connected at topRed and White connected at bottom.Receptacle:White connected at topBlack and White connected at bottomTwo black wires and one white wire connected to each otherI understand somewhat how the two switches work but am baffled at the receptacles wiring. I am no electrician by any means so if someone could explain in simple terms, I would greatly appreciate it!
on the line switch you have one hot wire and two travelers, on the load side you have the other end of the two travelers and the wire that goes to the light. the light works by switching from one traveler to the other one either end.you need to figure out which wires are the travelers and which one is the hot in the first switch box line side, check the directions on the dimmer and wire it as instructed using one of the travelers as the wire to the 2nd switch box which you will connect to the black wire to the receptacle on the brass colored screw, the white goes on the silver colored screw and the ground goes on the green colored screw
Hi There, It is possible the light switch you installed has a high resistance. Try another switch or simply tie the two wires together and see if that makes a difference. Also very possible that you have a bad connection either to/from the switch.or where you connected to the original power feed. Could also be the wire you used to connect the switch is faulty. Try another wire for wiring the switch. From your description it sounds like the lights are wired in series (instead of parallel). If lights are wired in series they will all be dim (but if you turn one off they will all go off). Perhaps the bulbs are too large causing a hudge voltage drop because of too much load on the circuit. If that is the case try only one light at a time and it should be bright. Aslo the wiring would become hot to the touch. Check your wiring again and use a volt meter to find the problem. Hope this gives you some ideas for finding the problem. Al
Why not just install a three way dimmer switch in the location you wish to have it. Then leave the other switch alone, just don't use it. To simple?
