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Does anyone know if a three-way electrical switch/dimmer can also be used as a simple on/off switch?
I bought 4 dimmer switches, two regular and two that are three way switches. Turns out I really only need for the three-way switches to function like a normal on-off switch with the dimmer as part of it. I cannot return the three way switches, so can I use them as if they were the normal kind? Electricians! You will know!! Thanks!
4 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Depending on the brand of dimmer switch, you have either 2 black wires and one red, or 2 reds and one black (Or blue instead of red or black) In any case, which ever color wire there are 2 of, cap one of the 2 off with a wirenut that should have come with the switch, and use the other wires to connect like a regular switch. CAUTION: There should be 1 green wire. That is the ground, and should be connected to the green or bare copper wires in the switch box. Do not connect the green wire to any other color wire than green or bare copper.
Source(s): Electrician for 18 yrs - 1 decade ago
Sure, just cover the extra wire, but since it is actually an on/off/dimmer switch, why not use it as such? They really add to the atomosphere.
I do not recommend these switches for us with the new fluorescent light bulbs, as they make a funny noise when used in conjunction. Good luck, JB
- Anonymous1 decade ago
YOU SURE CAN USE THEM AS REGULAR SWITCHS. JUST WIRE NUT THE EXTRA WIRE.
