2 dimmers on 2 way switching

[a-z electrics]

I know you're only supposed to put one dimmer switch on a 2 way lighting setup but what would happen if you put 2 on, one at each switch position?
A client wanted an led dimmer each end of the dining room. It's going to use 10 led candle bulbs 4W each on two chandeliers .. I advised him not to but I didn't have an answer as to what the result would be.. hes already bought the led dimmers from Band Q. I think they're BG Nexus.

 

[a-z electrics]

It's not as though it's a large room either..

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

You need a master and a slave

 

[Dobes_88]

Believe Zano do dimmer modules compatible with 2/3 way dimming, haven't installed them myself though.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Connecting two ordinary dimmers in 2-way puts them in series. Dimmers work by interrupting part of the mains cycle to the lamp; two in series will interrupt each other's supply, probably resulting in flickering, flashing, one may not operate unless the other is full up or may not operate at all. They may even blow up each other's electronics. What is certain is that they won't work in any useful manner!

 

[Taylortwocities]

I know you're only supposed to put one dimmer switch on a 2 way lighting setup but what would happen if you put 2 on, one at each switch position?

Select your dimmers properly and you will not have a problem.
As mentioned above

You need a master and a slave

But not all dimmers have this capability.
You need to do some research and identify dimmers that can be "paired" up. But beware. Not all of them use conventional "two way" type wiring.

Phrase of the day:
Failing to plan is planning to fail

 

[littlespark]

Client has already bought from orange shed? Fit them, show client it doesn't work like you advised it wouldn't, then charge him again to put right.
Client knows best, customer always right, etc etc...

Saying that, the BG website states that some of there dimmers are compatible with LED - so it might work.
The BG website even has a step by step guide on fitting a dimmer, where the picture of the dimmer switch has the caption "socket" above it.
Trying to confuse us, huh?

 

[Marti]

Don't envy the OP on this one. Can I clarify; a dimmer and a switch on two way - that will work provided the dimmer is LED compatible?

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Systems/Dimmer_Selector_2016.pdf

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Varilight/V-Pro_JQI_Dimmer_Instructions_832.pdf

 

[littlespark]

old style dimmers would work as 2 way, if the other switch was a regular switch with LED, IF the LED's were marked as dimmable.

As #4 states, Zano produce a dimmer that will work, and lightwaverf do a one-way dimmer switch, and you buy a slave remote for the other end of the room.

It depends more on the lamp itself if you go for LED.

 

[Octopus]

Tell the customer to take them back, normal dimmers won't work if they are at both ends.

Then supply and fit parts you know will work.

 

[a-z electrics]

Thanks for all replies.. I was aware zano did something that would work (and probably extremely expensive)
but client wanted matching switches everywhere in the house.
I think a dimmer and normal 2 way switch will have to be the way to go and second dimmer can be used elsewhere. I just wasn't sure if trying two dimmers was worth the hassle but after your input I wouldn't want to be responsible for damaging them.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You right. Just A dimmer at one end standard switch at the other.

Next job : if the customer buys the materials, walk away, or charge them double your normal hourly rate.

 

[a-z electrics]

It is a nuisance when clients buy the materials first.. I don't think they realise how complex things have become.. especially on lighting fittings

 

[Octopus]

It is a nuisance when clients buy the materials first.. I don't think they realise how complex things have become.. especially on lighting fittings

I would be charging them for wasting your time.....

And I up my hourly rate when customers supply parts .......... I have a business to run and an earning I need.