0

I replaced a switch with a 3 way dimmer. There are 3 switches plus the dimmer to control 1 light. The only way the switches work is if the dimmer is in the on position then I can put the light on and off with the other switches. Why is that?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Short answer: because you wired it up wrong. Show us some pics and/or diagrams of what you've done and someone might be able to help. – brhans Oct 26 '17 at 18:29
  • Was it a 3-way circuit before? Which wires were the messengers? – Harper - Reinstate Monica Oct 26 '17 at 19:18
  • Can you post pictures of the insides of the boxes in question? – ThreePhaseEel Oct 26 '17 at 21:58
  • Voting to close. Not enough information and OP hasn't been back. – isherwood Sep 30 '19 at 20:08
1

You wired it wrong, or the switch you added is defective.

If you want more detail than that, update your question with a complete and accurate discription of the circuit, photographs of the wiring you changed, and details (model number) of the dimmer you installed.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.