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you can only have one dimmer, the other switch needs to be not a dimmer. the green wire is ground, it connects to a bare copper wire found in the box, or to the box itself, if the box is metal. the black wire is"common" it either connects to the wire found in the box that has power in it or to the black wire that goes to the light. the 2 red wires are"travelers" they connect to the wires found in the box that go from switch to switch. if you don't know how to check which wire does what( continuity), it is possible to keep changinging the connections until the switch works. you will want to do this with a conventional switch, and install the dimmer afer you identify what wires are travelers and wich are common. you will destroy a dimmer switch by searching for the right connection. once you have identified the common wires, it will be on the black screw of a 3way switch; you can put that wire on the black wire of the dimmer. one red goes on one traveler, the other on another traveler. there might be a white wire in the box, if it is connected to other white wires and not to the switch, leave it alone. if a single white wire is connected to old switch, it may be a traveler.you will connect a red dimmer wire to this. opening the other switch location will show you if the white wire is used as a traveler.the black wire has to be either power coming in, or the wire going to the light. the reds are just connecting the 2 switches.

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βˆ™ 19y ago
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βˆ™ 1mo ago

To wire a 3-way dimmer switch with two red wires, one black wire, and one green wire to a box with two red wires and two black wires, connect one of the red wires from the switch to the red wire in the box. Connect the other red wire from the switch to the black wire in the box. Finally, connect the black wire from the switch to the remaining red wire in the box. Make sure to connect the green wire from the switch to the grounding wire in the box.

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βˆ™ 14y ago

Doesn't sound like a three-way switch, could be a double-pole or four-way. <><><>

As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

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βˆ™ 8y ago

It sounds like your switch box is wired for a four way switch. Not a three way. Can't be positive without looking at it. Are there two other switches that control the same light? If so the dimmer would have to go in one of those boxes.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

Remove the old single pole switch. Connect the green dimmer wire to the ground wire. Now connect the black dimmer wire to the black wire that is the hot wire (wire carrying the electrical current into the box). Connect the red dimmer wire to the other black wire.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

Not enough information, but generally: you can't.

The existing switch location will require another conductor, at the very least.

In other words, the existing switch will need a different cable and the wires will need to be connected properly to the new 3-way switch.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

It sounds like you have the wrong dimmer. With the colour of the wires you have it describes a three way dimming unit. These types have to be used in a three way switching setup. The type of dimmer for just a single switching circuit will have a black, white and red wire coming out of the unit. The black is the "hot" connection, the white is the neutral connection and the red wire goes to the lighting load.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

The two black wires go to the other 3-way switch. The red wire goes either to the load or to the power, and the red from the other 3-way switch goes to whatever's left.

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βˆ™ 12y ago

The black and white (neutral) wires connect to an unswitched voltage supply. The red wire and the same white (neutral) wires connect to the load.

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βˆ™ 11y ago

Very carefully.

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Q: How do you wire a 3-way dimmer switch that has two red wires and one black and one green when the box has two red and two black?
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How do you replace a dimmer light switch with a regular light switch coming off of a wall plug ive got 2 black wires 2 white wires 2 grounds and one red wire going to the light?

To replace the dimmer switch with a regular switch, connect one black wire to the switch's black screw, the other black wire to the switch's red screw, the two white wires together with a wire nut, and two ground wires to the green screw on the switch. The red wire is likely a traveler wire for a three-way switch setup, so it can be capped off with a wire nut. Be sure to turn off the power before making any connections.


Why does a dimmer switch have 2 red wires?

A dimmer switch typically has two red wires to allow for multiple connection options. One red wire is usually connected to the power source, while the other red wire is connected to the light fixture. This setup enables the dimmer switch to control the flow of electricity between the power source and the light, allowing for adjustable brightness levels.


Is it possible to wire a dimmer switch off another dimmer switch for a completeley different light?

No, the dimmer switch needs its own individual circuit power supply to feed the fixtures connected to it. The black of the second dimmer switch can not be connected to the red wire of the first dimmer switch. Now if you are talking about using a common "hot" to feed two dimmer switches then this can be done. The neutrals will be common also. So what you should have is two black wires connected together with the incoming "hot". Two neutrals connected together with the incoming white. The red from each dimmer is then connected to its own individual fixture load.


Were do you connect the dimmer wire?

The dimmer wire is typically connected to the lighting fixture or switch where you want to control the brightness. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical codes when connecting the dimmer wire to ensure safe and proper installation.


How do you install a dimmer switch black wire black wire and green wire to some existing black white wires?

Connect the black wire from the dimmer switch to the black hot wire, the black wire from the existing circuit to the other black wire on the switch, and the green wire to the ground wire or grounding screw in the electrical box. Consult the dimmer switch's instructions or seek help from a professional if needed.

Related questions

Why does a dimmer switch have 2 red wires?

A dimmer switch typically has two red wires to allow for multiple connection options. One red wire is usually connected to the power source, while the other red wire is connected to the light fixture. This setup enables the dimmer switch to control the flow of electricity between the power source and the light, allowing for adjustable brightness levels.


Dimmer switch that has one black wire connected to the left side and two black wires connected to the right side of the switch How do you connect these wires if you want to just install a regular flip?

Check the screws next to the wires and see what color they are if they are green, black, and red then do what i say next, if not you're screwd. just connect the red/black/green wires in the holes in the flip switch and be careful not to touch the wires just the protective covering and inert them they should auto lock in there...if not just screw them in.


Is it possible to wire a dimmer switch off another dimmer switch for a completeley different light?

No, the dimmer switch needs its own individual circuit power supply to feed the fixtures connected to it. The black of the second dimmer switch can not be connected to the red wire of the first dimmer switch. Now if you are talking about using a common "hot" to feed two dimmer switches then this can be done. The neutrals will be common also. So what you should have is two black wires connected together with the incoming "hot". Two neutrals connected together with the incoming white. The red from each dimmer is then connected to its own individual fixture load.


How do you wire a dimmer switch that has two black wires and one green wire to two black wires I have a old house and that is all that goes to all my light switches?

There is a good chance that the green wire is your grounding wire. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNo78fMZfRI&amp;feature=PlayList&amp;p=05D94AD4BF05DD32&amp;index=5&amp;playnext=4&amp;playnext_from=PL Attach black to black with connectors and ground (green) to ground (usually a white wire in the box).


How do you replace a dimmer light switch with a regular light switch coming off of a wall plug ive got 2 black wires 2 white wires 2 grounds and one red wire going to the light?

To replace the dimmer switch with a regular switch, connect one black wire to the switch's black screw, the other black wire to the switch's red screw, the two white wires together with a wire nut, and two ground wires to the green screw on the switch. The red wire is likely a traveler wire for a three-way switch setup, so it can be capped off with a wire nut. Be sure to turn off the power before making any connections.


How do you install a dimmer switch for multi fixtures where the original switch has 2 black wires and one red with no green?

This simple if you have two switches controlling a set of light you will need to buy a three way switch. A three way switch will have a place for three connection. Depending on what brand of switch you purchase the directions will be sightly different but most dimmer come with detailed directions and diagrams. When you by a dimmer you need to read what kind of load it is meant to control. They are built to control incandescent light, magnet low voltage lights or electronic lights.


How do you install a dimmer to a light installed with W wire B wire and ground W running into the switch box if the switch box has power from B wire W wire and ground?

If you have one wire into your switch box for your light. this is called a switch leg, the dimmer should be wired across the black and white wire wires.


Why don't the headlights work on your 1995 ford ranger?

AnswerIf the lights work on the flash to pass but do not work otherwise either the switch is bad or the dimmer switch is bad. I just am working on a 1995 Ranger and found the dimmer switch to be bad. I checked the headlight switch and that was good so I found the dimmer switch to be the problem. I jumped the wires after unplugging the dimmer switch and lights come on. Replace the headlight dimmer switch and good to go! Hope this helps.


Where is the fuel shut off switch located on a 1987 f-150 with the 300 six cyl motor?

under dash above dimmer switch small black with 2 wires and white reset button


Were do you connect the dimmer wire?

The dimmer wire is typically connected to the lighting fixture or switch where you want to control the brightness. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and local electrical codes when connecting the dimmer wire to ensure safe and proper installation.


Can you bypass the dimmer switch in a 94 Honda accord and not use it at all?

I was playing with mine and if you bridge the red and black wires, your instrument panel will light up. DON'T bridge the red/black wire and the black wire - it will blow a fuse.


I am removing a dimmer switch to put in a regular switch but there are two incoming hot wires what do i do?

The regular switch just connects in the circuit the same way as the dimmer switch came out. If the dimmer switch had its own wires the only difference will be is you will have to supply your own wires from the new switch to the existing connection. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOBSAFELY AND COMPETENTLYREFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS. If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicatorto insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.