Ask Me Help Desk - 3-way switch

I am having problems with a 3-way switch installation. I switched from incadescent to fluorescent lighting . One of the 3-way switches was a dimmer which I had to change out. When I did this (I wired the new switch exactly like the old) one of the two lights would come on but the other one would start to come one but then turn off.

Thinking one of the switches may be bad I attempted to replace them both but have been unable to get the lights to work. I have looked on line but am unable to find a wiring diagram that fits my needs.

The power comes into the first switch. There is a 3-wire from the first switch to the first fixture and then a 3-wire from the fixture to switch #2. Then there is a 2-wire from switch #2 to the second fixture.

Any help on the wiring order would be appreciated. Thanks

The dimmer probably had one black wire and two reds, the wire from the wall that connected to the black needs to connect to the common, dark screw, of the 3 way switch, and the wires that went to the two reds need to go to the two brass terminals on the 3 way switch.

See if this helps, otherwise I can draw up a diagram.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCSD094

I am having problems with a 3-way switch installation. I switched from incadescent to fluorescent lighting . One of the 3-way switches was a dimmer which I had to change out. When I did this (I wired the new switch exactly like the old) one of the two lights would come on but the other one would start to come one but then turn off.

Thinking one of the switches may be bad I attempted to replace them both but have been unable to get the lights to work. I have looked on line but am unable to find a wiring diagram that fits my needs.

The power comes into the first switch. There is a 3-wire from the first switch to the first fixture and then a 3-wire from the fixture to switch #2. Then there is a 2-wire from switch #2 to the second fixture.

Any help on the wiring order would be appreciated. Thanks

SCSDO94,

The fluorescent lighting must be dimmable rated, otherwise it will not work. Nm