Dimmer Switch
 

I installed a two way dimmer switch on one of the light switches and at full power, I only have about 2/3 the illumination that was there prior to the dimmer. I checked how I hooked it up and it was correct. Any ideas on what can cause the loss of power?

Is there a possibility that the dimmer switch is defective?

Is the lamp an incandescent or is it one of the newer compact flourescents? If incandescent, it should give you full brightness. Flourescents require special dimmers.

turn the dimmer switch 1/3 further! Only kidding.....don't know what the problem could be.

The lights are recessed in the kitchen. I tried two different dimmer switches and both worked the same. I might bring in an electrician. Maybe something is wrong with the original wiring but that doesn't make much sense.

I believe you may be trying to use a dimmer switch with to low a wattage rating. How many lights at what wattage are you running with the dimmer switch? What is the wattage rating of the switch? Switch should have a higher rating then the total for the lights your trying to control. Is there a match? Try placing a jumper to bypass the switch when only getting the 2/3 light and see if they go bright. That would prove to me you have a switch problem.

Two way dimmers are tricky, specially if they are lighted switches. Which end of the two way circuit did you put the switch? Is it on the main switch or the remote switch. Remember, there is a lower power current always available in the switch box to keep the switch lighted when it's in the off position. Are you tapped into that by mistake?

Two way dimmers are tricky. You didn't put a dimmer on both ends did you?

JLK

TH and l2ride, thanks for the replies. I have five 75 watt bulbs to turn on so maybe the switch can't handle it. I'll check the switch and see if it can handle the load and if that's not the issue, I'll try installing it on the other pole. I'm not sure which one is the primary.

jj - Check the rating on the dimmer. Should be on the body of the switch somewhere or on the packaging. If it's not rated for at least 375 watts (the load you're placing on it with five 75 watt bulbs), then there's the problem.

Bill