Converting to dimmer switch

M

Ms98

New Member
Hi all,

I’ve decided to convert a light switch in my house from a standard single light switch to a single dimmer switch. I’ve watched a few YouTube videos and done some research but I’m very confused with the wiring situation. I currently have 2 overhead lights connected to one switch. The current layout is:

-yellow wire into com
-red and blue wire into 1 way
-three red wires into 2 way

The new dimmer switch I’ve bought has the following terminals:

-L2
-Common
-L1

How should I convert these over? I’ve tried putting 3 red wires from 2 way and common wire into common terminal and other blue and red into L1 as per instructions, however this keeps the current constant, regardless of whether the light switch is on or off. I’ve since turned the fuse off again, as I’m worried this is a risk. I’ve never changed a light switch before and am relatively new to DIY electricals. Any help greatly appreciated!

TIA :)
 
Do you have a second switch covering the same lights ? You may have a problem adding a dimmer if you do.
 
WH55 said:
Do you have a second switch covering the same lights ? You may have a problem adding a dimmer if you do.
Click to expand...

Yes, just remembered I have a 2 gang light switch on the other side of the room, which controls these lights and an external patio light. Would it be a simple fix to disconnect this switch and attach the wires to a plastic terminal to make this one redundant or would that not work? Thanks for your help.
 
You will need to do two things -
1. convert the second switch to a single switch (for the patio light)
2. disconnect / alter the other connections behind that switch so that the one you want to be a dimmer can be converted to a dimmer switch.

Only then will it work. We can’t advise how to do that without some good, clear photos of the wiring behind both switches. Or get a spark in - it’s not a big job and should take less than 30 mins to do it all.
 
2 way switching using a dimmer switch at both ends you need a ‘master’ and a ‘slave’ dimmer switch. Not all brands make these, look up Varilight V Pro dimmers, great quality, 10 year guarantee, programmable dimmers with several options and if using LED lamps (bulbs) ? - a choice of 3 operating modes for best comparability between dimmer switch and lamp - oh yes, nearly forgot, they also sell a master and a slave dimmer

2 gang switch for lights and patio light, look at their ‘grid switches’ - individual switch modules that fit regular sized switch faceplate and you can build your own configuration. So can have 1 dimmer, and 1 regular switch for patio, so still a 2 gang switch on a single faceplate but giving you the option you need

Varilight also have a good technical department that can advise you over the phone as to above requirements

Basically yes, it’s doable
 
Ms98 said:
Hi all,

I’ve decided to convert a light switch in my house from a standard single light switch to a single dimmer switch. I’ve watched a few YouTube videos and done some research but I’m very confused with the wiring situation. I currently have 2 overhead lights connected to one switch. The current layout is:

-yellow wire into com
-red and blue wire into 1 way
-three red wires into 2 way

The new dimmer switch I’ve bought has the following terminals:

-L2
-Common
-L1

How should I convert these over? I’ve tried putting 3 red wires from 2 way and common wire into common terminal and other blue and red into L1 as per instructions, however this keeps the current constant, regardless of whether the light switch is on or off. I’ve since turned the fuse off again, as I’m worried this is a risk. I’ve never changed a light switch before and am relatively new to DIY electricals. Any help greatly appreciated!

TIA :)
Click to expand...
Common = com on old switch so yellow wire.
L1 = 1 way on old switch so red and blue wires.
L2 = 2 way on old switch so 3 red wires.

Don’t mix up the red wires. No need to remove other switch as other have said. You will still be able to switch the lights at both switches but only able to dim at the new one.
 
+1 - exactly what my sparks installed in our house - one switch, one dimmer on a 2 way switched light
 
What’s the point of having a two way switched light circuit with a dimmer switch one end and regular switch at the other ? Seems fairly pointless to me and if you want control over lighting level - why not have a dimmer at both ends ?

You can even have 3 way dimming with the switches I’ve mentioned, and they’re not even that expensive

Perhaps a lack of knowledge or understanding on the installers part ?

Ok, most of us don’t live in mansions where you may have a 200m walk from one switch to the other on the 2 way circuit but even so, there’s options out there
 
Last edited:
OP said “I’ve never changed a light switch before and am relatively new to DIY electricals”

On that basis, a simple solution might be better than his first light switch change being master and slave dimmers and grid switches.
 
WH55 said:
OP said “I’ve never changed a light switch before and am relatively new to DIY electricals”

On that basis, a simple solution might be better than his first light switch change being master and slave dimmers and grid switches.
Click to expand...

I’m just giving options that are available and maybe the OP / others on the forum don’t realise that such switches exist to give 2 / 3 way dimming control

Wether the OP carries out the work themselves or enlists a tradesperson, ain’t down to me !
 
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