I installed a 3 way dimmer switch to a chandelier and it only works when the other toggle switch is on???

Question

any help?

Answer 1

you got two wires switched around on one of the switches. try changing the red and black wires around on one switch and if it doesn't fix it put them back the way they were and change the red and black around on the other switch. should clear it up. once you have it wired right it should work correctly.

if that doesn't fix it look at diagrams. http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/switchoutlet/3way/

there are several variants of a 3-way switch loop so you'll have to determine which case you have.

here is a video that might help:
http://www.askthebuilder.com/B141_3_Way_Switch_Wiring_Diagram_and_4_Way_Switch_Wiring_Diagram.shtml

Answer 2

For the USA: Make sure you installed a 3 way dimmer. Make sure you have a 3 way toggle switch at other end. If they check out ok, it sounds to me like you have crossed a traveler and a power (or point) connection.You probably have a black, white and red wire at the dimmer that comes from the toggle switch. At the dimmer, you also have a black and white that either goes to the chandelier (called the point) or the power source. Make sure the black and red from the switch are attached as the "travelers" at the dimmer and at the switch. The whites are to be tied together. At the dimmer, the other black should be tied to the "power" or "point" terminal, (or wire) whichever way it is marked. This is the terminal that goes to the chandelier or the power source.

Answer 3

A dimmer switch needs electric current to it at all times in order to work. You will have to keep the other toggle switch on when you want the dimmer to work.

Answer 4

Sounds like you have one of the runners wired to the hot contact. and the hot is wired to one of the runners. Need to find the hot leg.