CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

WanMan · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 9668

Morning All,

I wanted to install some dimmers in my basement. At least one of these lighting circuits is three-way. All of the switches are in double-gang boxes, which means if I don't step outside of the style of the simple flip-switch (think Lutron Toggler 600-Watt Eco-Dimmer) I can retain not having to replace the faceplates, but that may be academic.

Has anyone used any dimmers three-way? Were you able to place a dimmer switch only at one of the locations of the dimmer (reasonable)? Is there a reason of going one manufacturer over the next (Lutron vs. Leviton)? Not looking for intelligent switches (scene lighting), but just simple dimming.

dturco · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:11 pm Post subject:

Check this page at Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?keyword=remote+control+dimmer&langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I used the maestro switch in my theater at one location because it was a remote. Don't do that. Get one that will work on your three way. I have to walk back 30 feet to the switch in the dark when the batteries die. If I had wired it three way it would have been only 12 feet in front of me, and easier to navigate to in the dark.

Concerning which brand to use I have no preference, just what's readily available.

Sparky015 · Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 2:34 pm Post subject:

Lutron is the top-end. I used both Lutron and Leviton in my house remodel, and Lutron is my favorite for quality, however you pay for it, They are considerably more expensive than their counterparts. Both Lowes and Home Depot both have Lutron catalogs so you can order what ever color and style strikes your fancy for 3-way dimmers. I think they only carry one style 3-way in the stores from the last time I bought some. I've had some of the cheaper brand dimmers die on me, so I don't cheap out on dimmers anymore, I just buy Lutron.

I also went with the Maestro remote dimmer for my theatre, but I use my Logitech Harmony remote to control it, rather than that cheap remote it comes with. Works great. They have it in 3-way as well.

greg_mitch · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 5198

I turned my 3-way switch into a 2-way and put two pre-programmed Insteon dimmers at each location. Now either switch can be programmed to control any Insteon light I have in my theater including dimming.

It took me a while to figure out the wiring but it seems to work now!

http://www.smarthome.com/2494M3/SwitchLinc-3-Way-Dimmer-INSTEON-3-Way-Dimmer-Kit/p.aspx

All you need is to have a power and ground at each switch location.