Understanding 3 Way and 4 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring

I have a four way switch set up like your diagram shows. It works great.

• I want to add a dimmer to one of the switch locations. I replaced one of the three way switches with a 3 way dimmer.
• The dimmer switch now acts like a master switch. As long as it is on, the other switches in the circuit work and I can dim the lights.
• However, if I turn the dimmer off, the other switches will not turn the light on. Is there a special type of dimmer switch in this circumstance?

Thanks

This electrical question came from: Terry, a Handyman from Bermuda, New York.
See more about Home Wiring for New York

Additional Comments: Great Website

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Terry and Mary.

Understanding 3-Way and 4-Way Dimmer Switch Wiring

• The wiring for the dimmer that you installed may be incorrect, or you may need to install the dimmer at another switch location.
• However if you would like to have multiple dimmer switches then you will need to install dimmers that do in fact have a master and one or more slave switches.
• Brands such as Lutron which have the Maestro series of switches are perfect for this type of application.

The Following links will assist you with 3-Way Dimmer Switch Wiring

3 Way Switch Diagram

Wiring a dimmer switch

3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.

4 Way Switch Wiring

4 Way Switch Wiring
Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.

Electrical circuit

Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.