[beachbumla]

I need some help please!

I just replaced 2 sets of 3 way toggle switches with 2 sets of 3-way dimmers (both in double electrical boxes). One set in the centerhall entranceway and the other set at the top of the stairway. WIth the upstairs light both dimmers light the light fine. With the downstairs light, however, only the upstairs dimmer fully illuminates the light, the downstairs dimmer only illuminates it half way.
My question is: did I most likely wire one the dimmers incorrectly or is the downstairs dimmer defective.

Thanks in advance for any assistance that anyone can provide.

[Stratmando]

Normally you can not switch 2 3 ways with 2 3 way dimmers, If one set works, you have stumbled onto something, Usually regular 3 way dimmers, you can only use at one location. There are X10 and other exceptions.
What type dimmers are they?

[KISS]

Hey Strat, you forgot to keep up with your education. 3-way dimmers.: You must, use a master and slave.

Lutron Electronics - Maestro

Available at Lowe's.

[Stratmando]

That was one of the "Exceptions", I am assuming regular 3 way dimmers.
X10 even allows a wireless 3 way wall switch, slightly thicker than a wall plate, and can be doublestuck anywhere, one beside the bed if you like.
I keep up with my Education, I would bet he doesn't have Maestro.
I was also asking what type of dimmer. I am curious.

[beachbumla]

Hey Strat, Thanks for the information. I rechecked after reading your post, and you are correct. The only way they work properly is if one set is left with the knob rotated all the way to the right. The dimmers I'm using are made by 'Classic Accents', they are 600w AC120v 60Hz dimmers.

[KISS]

Bu the Mastrtro dimmers don't act that way.

[tkrussell]

While the Maestro line of dimmers work in both locations, as master/slave, these are a high end product, and are not the cheapest product on the market:

Lutron Maestro Dimmers, Timers & Fan Controls - ProLighting.com

As an example.

I would love to sell products such as this, the higher the cost, the more margin I make.

But most average homeowners are interested in the typical, inexpensive products.

[Cobraguy]

Tk... you know better than anyone that most homeowners need to be educated. I'll bet it wouldn't take you long to show them the benefits of higher quality products... especially if it means not having to pay you to come back in a year and replace the junk they bought.

[Stratmando]

It is hard to "Sell Quality" People love to save a dollar, and think if they paid the least price, they got the Best Deal. I try to Find the Best Quality Products, then find the best price for those items. I hate Cheap. There are people that will Pay $10,000 for a front door, But then want a Free or Cheap Alarm System to protect their Family and Property?

[tkrussell]

I have had people pay over $100 for a sheet of cabinet grade paneling, many years ago, and then complain, ( I could not use the B word) about $25.00 for an outlet that code said was needed.

Nowadays I certainly understand about costs. I will always mention higher end products, if I think it will benefit the customer, or if there is a solution that can solve a problem.

This issue was clearly someone already had two standard 3 way dimmers installed, when only one was needed. I just wanted to help clear up the suggestion of the Lutron Maestro product line, that is is not the standard dimmer, and is more expensive.