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Removing dimmer switch from 2 way circuit

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  • 29-01-2012 1:36pm
    #1
    highdef
    Registered Users Posts: 6,258 ✭✭✭


    Hi, I currently have a dimmer switch at both ends of a lighting circuit, which is not a great idea, I believe. I want to completely eliminate the switch at one end so that there is only one dimmer controlling the set of lights.

    The image below shows how the dimmer that I want to remove completely is currently wired. It's marked as the one on the left. Currently, there is a wire going into common from the switch beside it. Then there is a wire into L1 and L2 (as it's a 2 way). If I am to remove this, do I disconnect the wire that leaves the common and place that into the common into the switch beside it? Also, do I connect L1 & L2 together in a connection box, or whatever it is they are called?
    Finally, as the circuit would then be 1 way, do I need to make changes to the existing wiring in the other switch?

    Cheers

    Dimmer-LivingRoom.jpg


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    #2
    meercat
    Registered Users Posts: 4,745 ✭✭✭meercat


    it may be simpler to replace the switch at the other end with a 2 way switch

    having said that,you can just replace the insert on that 3 gang dimmer with a dummy dimmer ,which just acts like a switch
    just get a plastic one from your local wholesaler and use the brass knob from your existing one

    this will keep your 2 way switching in place

    if you want to get rid of your 2 way switching then
    join wires from com + L1 in a connector block
    disconnect L2 and tape it up in a connector block(not connected to anything)
    no need to do any thing at other switch


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    #3
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    EDIT: Deleted, Meercats post is better.


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    #4
    meercat
    Registered Users Posts: 4,745 ✭✭✭meercat


    shorter and simpler than robbies;)


    if you want to get rid of your 2 way switching then
    join wires from com + L1 in a connector block
    disconnect L2 and tape it up in a connector block(not connected to anything)
    no need to do any thing at other switch

    cheers robbie
    posted same time


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    #5
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    meercat wrote: »
    shorter and simpler than robbies;)

    Indeed, although its the explaining thats tricky. Either way is effortles for the electrical person.


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    #6
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    A standard 2 way switch at the other end would be the best job alright.


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    #7
    Bruthal
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,422 ✭✭✭✭Bruthal


    robbie7730 wrote: »
    A standard 2 way switch at the other end would be the best job alright.

    Even i could manage that in my confused state today meercat:D


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    #8
    highdef
    Registered Users Posts: 6,258 ✭✭✭highdef


    Cheers, thanks guys. That seems fairly simple and straightforeward. Have a really bad headcold at the moment so won't do it today. Thanks again for your advice. :)


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