Adding a dimmer to lights with 3 wall switches

[Dale]

I have a new home and a hallway has 6 lights, controlled by 3 wall switches. Can I replace one of the switches with a dimmer, and assuming so, do I need to modify anything about the other 2 switches even if I don’t need dimmers on them?

[Doug Seibert]

All Three switches operate the same 6-lights….right?…..a 4-way switch and 2-three way switches……..How many watts in the fixtures ?

You can replace either 3-way switch (not both) with a three-way dimmer switch…….I find 600 watt dimmers by Leviton…….Best to keep the total lamp wattage at about 80% of the dimmer rating………..Don’t use Compact Flourescent bulbs in the fixtures……..

When you change the switch be sure to mark/notice the wire attached to the “odd colored” screw…..the Common……

Reattach this same wire to the Common of the new dimmer…….

The other two wires…….Travelers……. are interchangeable and attach each to either of the other screws……..

[Author]

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