2 dimmers on 2 way switching

[a-z electrics]

I know you're only supposed to put one dimmer switch on a 2 way lighting setup but what would happen if you put 2 on, one at each switch position?
A client wanted an led dimmer each end of the dining room. It's going to use 10 led candle bulbs 4W each on two chandeliers .. I advised him not to but I didn't have an answer as to what the result would be.. hes already bought the led dimmers from Band Q. I think they're BG Nexus.

 

[a-z electrics]

It's not as though it's a large room either..

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

You need a master and a slave

 

[Dobes_88]

Believe Zano do dimmer modules compatible with 2/3 way dimming, haven't installed them myself though.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Connecting two ordinary dimmers in 2-way puts them in series. Dimmers work by interrupting part of the mains cycle to the lamp; two in series will interrupt each other's supply, probably resulting in flickering, flashing, one may not operate unless the other is full up or may not operate at all. They may even blow up each other's electronics. What is certain is that they won't work in any useful manner!

 

[Taylortwocities]

I know you're only supposed to put one dimmer switch on a 2 way lighting setup but what would happen if you put 2 on, one at each switch position?

Select your dimmers properly and you will not have a problem.
As mentioned above

You need a master and a slave

But not all dimmers have this capability.
You need to do some research and identify dimmers that can be "paired" up. But beware. Not all of them use conventional "two way" type wiring.

Phrase of the day:
Failing to plan is planning to fail

 

[littlespark]

Client has already bought from orange shed? Fit them, show client it doesn't work like you advised it wouldn't, then charge him again to put right.
Client knows best, customer always right, etc etc...

Saying that, the BG website states that some of there dimmers are compatible with LED - so it might work.
The BG website even has a step by step guide on fitting a dimmer, where the picture of the dimmer switch has the caption "socket" above it.
Trying to confuse us, huh?

 

[Marti]

Don't envy the OP on this one. Can I clarify; a dimmer and a switch on two way - that will work provided the dimmer is LED compatible?

 

[Ib≤In≤Iz]

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Systems/Dimmer_Selector_2016.pdf

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technical/DataSheets/Varilight/V-Pro_JQI_Dimmer_Instructions_832.pdf

 

[littlespark]

old style dimmers would work as 2 way, if the other switch was a regular switch with LED, IF the LED's were marked as dimmable.

As #4 states, Zano produce a dimmer that will work, and lightwaverf do a one-way dimmer switch, and you buy a slave remote for the other end of the room.

It depends more on the lamp itself if you go for LED.

 

[Octopus]

Tell the customer to take them back, normal dimmers won't work if they are at both ends.

Then supply and fit parts you know will work.

 

[a-z electrics]

Thanks for all replies.. I was aware zano did something that would work (and probably extremely expensive)
but client wanted matching switches everywhere in the house.
I think a dimmer and normal 2 way switch will have to be the way to go and second dimmer can be used elsewhere. I just wasn't sure if trying two dimmers was worth the hassle but after your input I wouldn't want to be responsible for damaging them.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You right. Just A dimmer at one end standard switch at the other.

Next job : if the customer buys the materials, walk away, or charge them double your normal hourly rate.

 

[a-z electrics]

It is a nuisance when clients buy the materials first.. I don't think they realise how complex things have become.. especially on lighting fittings

 

[Octopus]

It is a nuisance when clients buy the materials first.. I don't think they realise how complex things have become.. especially on lighting fittings

I would be charging them for wasting your time.....

And I up my hourly rate when customers supply parts .......... I have a business to run and an earning I need.

 

[a-z electrics]

Hmm... interesting! Apart from just looking at the dimmer switch and ensuring it is actually 2 way switching currently, I haven't actually spent any time on it as I'm doing lots of other things in the house too.
It was the same with the 6 bathroom downlights though.. they bought nice shiny new ones but not shower rated. I suppose 5 may be ok but there's one almost over the electric shower cubicle. Now strictly speaking it's outside the zones height wise but still should be ipx4?

 

[a-z electrics]

I know we've diverged from the original thread but how near to a shower MUST a minimum ip44 luminaire be used? Or is it down to the manufacturers instructions?
It's above 2.25M from floor and shower tray so clear of zone 1.. nothing in the fitting instructions about this at all. it is class2, not that that has any relevence I'm thinking..

 

[123]

Regardless of zones the light fitting should be suitable for the location it will be installed. I'm sure most of us have seen light fittings rusted and rotted away in a Bathroom, despite them being out of any zones.

 

[Octopus]

Bathrooms and ensuites ..... IP rated fittings, irrespective of height of ceiling and location .....

 

[Taylortwocities]

What’s up, doing a job same story client bought materials for switching , two, two way 1 gang switches In the hall at either end and one intermediate switch in the middle. They want all 3 changed to dimmable switches. Can I change both switches either side of the hall and leave the intermediate as a regular switch in the middle ?

Did you not read the thread that you hijacked? The answer in 2018 was no, and it is still no using the (probably) standard dimmers that your client has bought (don't you hate it when they do that!).

I'll not repeat the thread above. But, in short, you need specific master slave dimmers. Like the Varilight multi-point dimmers Varilight Multi-Point Slave Dimmer Switch - https://www.downlightsdirect.co.uk/varilight-eclique-slave.html#attachments
Lightwave have similar products.

There is a way of doing this by using "smart" dimmer switches, but needs some setting up and may depend on the existing wiring. Here's how to do it...