Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    sward05's Avatar
    sward05 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 15, 2012, 09:33 AM
    How to replace light switch from dimmer to single pole
    I am trying to replace a light switch from a dimmer to a single pole. My wires are red coming from the top, and another red wire and yellow wire coming from the side. Currently the two red wires are tied together with one of the black wires from the dimmer switch, and the yellow wire is connected to the other black wire fro the dimmer switch.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 15, 2012, 09:57 AM
    Sounds like someone bypassed a three way.
    You can:
    1) Connect the new switch with the 2 reds and a short piece of wire to connect to the switch(pigtail), and connect the yellow wire to the other terminal on the switch

    2) Separate the 2 reds and connect to the same 2 colored screws on a 3 way switch, and the yellow to the odd screw. You will be able to switch from 2 locations again.

    3) Install a 3 way dimmer and had 3 way light control with dimming.
    tommybwiz's Avatar
    tommybwiz Posts: 58, Reputation: 2
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 16, 2012, 03:23 PM
    It's not necessarily a by-passed 3-way. The reds could be a feed-thru hot, and the yellow is the switch leg. However, Strats #1) is probably the way to go. (You'll Probably see a couple of whites in the box tied together if this is the case).
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Apr 16, 2012, 06:37 PM
    This is NOT a 3-way. The dimmer only has two blacks.

    The SP switch will connect to the same wires the two black dimmer wires are connected to.

    sward05, are you in or around Chicago?
    sward05's Avatar
    sward05 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Apr 20, 2012, 04:51 AM
    Stanfortyman,

    I am in the Chicago area. I actually connected the two red wires together to one terminal, and the yellow to the other terminal while waiting on the first reply and it worked. Thanks for all of your suggestions.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Apr 20, 2012, 06:08 AM
    I see now it was a red from the top and red and yellow from the side meant into the box, not on the switch, if he mentioned the whites which are likely with both of these sets of wires, I probably wouldn't have missed.
    I believe there are 2 whites tied together in the box. My Mistake.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Dimmer switch to single pole [ 6 Answers ]

I want to convert a dimmer switch to a single pole switch. How do I go about it ? I've got 3 lines coming in the box. See pics

Replace switch with Single pole and pilot light [ 1 Answers ]

I would really like some advice on changing the attic light switch so I can tell when that attic lights are on. I purchased a Cooper 227V combination single pole and pilot light switch that I want to use to replace a light switch. The switch has three screws on one side that are silver, green,...

Installing a combination single pole switch and pilot light [ 1 Answers ]

I am trying to install a combination single pole switch and pilot light where a sigle pole light switch existed. The exsisting switch had just two black wires connected and one is live power. There are white wires in the box but they bypass and did not connect to the exsisting switch. I've tried...

Trying to connect a light, single pole switch, receptacle and a line furhter down [ 1 Answers ]

I am trying to figure out how to connect a light, single pole switch, receptacle and a line that goes to another room. The "hot" is coming into a rectangular box for the light fixture. I can figure out how to get constant power to the receptacle and the room further down the line, I am having...

Trying to change a single pole light switch to a single pole swith with a light below [ 5 Answers ]

I have a kitchen light and a basement light that are together in one electrical box, but are on single switches. I purchased a "single pole switch and pilot light" combination so I could see easily if the basement light is on. In the box there is a black, red and white wire. For the single pole...

View more questions Search