Dimmer switch problem

[Kelrich]

Hello everyone
i have a problem with my 2 way lighting circuit with 1 dimmer switch the problem being that the dimmer wont dim but will switch on and off, ive wired it as follows:

original live and black(two way) into L1
original neutral and grey(two way) into L2
brown(two way) into 3 presuming this is the common, ive copied the 3 core into opposite switch and all earths to tags with links to my metal faceplates.
Will the dimmer be faulty or have i blown it with my wiring any help greatly appreciated as am new to the industry thanks

 

[BlueToBits]

I always use brown for permanent live, black (brown sleeve) for switched live and grey (brown sleeve) for common, but different electicians use different colours. Your way is as good as any other. It looks like your dimmer is duff. If you confuse the switch wire with the loop in the ceiling rose and try to switch the light on (if it is not already in the on position at the time) you will instantly fry the dimmer switch. no smoke, no pop.
If it is exactly how you describe, this is what you have done, but I suspect you may mean 'switch wire' rather than 'neutral'.

 

[J.C.E]

I dont think you can use a dimmer in 2way switching

 

[telectrix]

I dont think you can use a dimmer in 2way switching

yes you can, but only 1 dimmer, not 2 (think there are some you can use 2 dimmers, but i never do)

 

[BlueToBits]

I dont think you can use a dimmer in 2way switching

Its pretty common. Only problem is that the switch can only switch the light to the current dimmer setting. If the dimmer is low then the switch will only switch the light on low. That can result in a rather dim staircase.

 

[BlueToBits]

yes you can, but only 1 dimmer, not 2 (think there are some you can use 2 dimmers, but i never do)

It can be any number of controls for the same dimmer. The dimmer is usually fitted remoty with 2 or more control points, each one 'takes control' as the user alters the level. The control wiring is usually alarm or cat5 cable.

 

[nickblake]

think the guys have mentioned all you need realy just wanted to point out you said neutral , not likley to be a neutral but a live (black return from the light Switch wire and should be identified with a red or brown sleeve

 

[bugsy]

It can be any number of controls for the same dimmer. The dimmer is usually fitted remoty with 2 or more control points, each one 'takes control' as the user alters the level. The control wiring is usually alarm or cat5 cable.

Your talking about inteligent lighting management which is totally different

 

[Kelrich]

I always use brown for permanent live, black (brown sleeve) for switched live and grey (brown sleeve) for common, but different electicians use different colours. Your way is as good as any other. It looks like your dimmer is duff. If you confuse the switch wire with the loop in the ceiling rose and try to switch the light on (if it is not already in the on position at the time) you will instantly fry the dimmer switch. no smoke, no pop.
If it is exactly how you describe, this is what you have done, but I suspect you may mean 'switch wire' rather than 'neutral'.

yeh sorry i meant 'switch wire' your advice has been top notch thanks very much

 

[telectrix]

Your talking about inteligent lighting management which is totally different

too many beers now for inteligent anything.

 

[Marvo]

Your talking about inteligent lighting management which is totally different

Maybe a tactile dimmer module. (I'm not sure if the wiring in the dwg below is UK compliant.)

 

[RogertheBodger]

Hello everyone
i have a problem with my 2 way lighting circuit with 1 dimmer switch the problem being that the dimmer wont dim but will switch on and off, ive wired it as follows:

original live and black(two way) into L1
original neutral and grey(two way) into L2
brown(two way) into 3 presuming this is the common, ive copied the 3 core into opposite switch and all earths to tags with links to my metal faceplates.
Will the dimmer be faulty or have i blown it with my wiring any help greatly appreciated as am new to the industry thanks[/QUOTE



It could be that "presuming (3) is the common" is where the mistake is being made, is the unit not marked to this effect?, because of the connections you have made you may be overiding the dimmer through your second switch, Good luck.