[mcme]

I installed a new dimmer switch in a three way for two lights. The light farthest from the dimmer is brighter than the light closer to it. The brighter light in question also turns on a few seconds after the dimmer one but did this with the toggle as well. What would cause both of these things to occur?

[tkrussell]

What type and size light bulbs do you have?

[Stratmando]

If bulbs are identical, I would identify the circuit the 3 way is on, see if that circuit is shared with another, if so turn that circuit off, if the second light is out or no longer bright, then I would look for a loose neutral connection, would start with the bright light box first.

[ballengerb1]

So are you saying that before the new dimmer both lights were exactly the same, using the same bulbs?

[mcme]

TK: 60W incandescent
Ballengerb1: Nope. Toggle had the bright light coming on a few secs later.
Stratmando: Will look into circuit and loose neutral.

[tkrussell]

What your noticing should not happen, all things being equal, assuming all lamps are of the same make and type.

Perhaps we should focus on the dimmer lamps rather than the brighter one.

Could be the sockets have dirty, burnt from arcing, or corroded sockets. Or a loose connection in the boxes for these lamps.

Are these separate fixtures or are all the lamps in one fixture?

[mcme]

TK: Two separate and different fixtures but the contrast is such that I thought it had to be something other than that but hey, maybe not!

[Stratmando]

Got a Meter?

[mcme]

Stratmando: Yep.

[Stratmando]

If you have the same voltage at both sockets, wiring and neutral is OK, if voltage is different, it is in the wiring.

[mcme]

Okay found out the problem and do feel rather foolish. TK was righ t it was the bulbs; One is a fluorescent.

[tkrussell]

I hate being right all the time.