I am having a problem with a 4way switch. The setup starts with a 3-way dimmer, a 4-way toggle – two fixtures in line and a 3-way toggle. I know that it isnt the best setup to have the lamps in between the switches – but it was the only way possible (or so it seemed at the time) There is 12-2-2 running between the two fixtures to pass the common along.
Everything was working well with this setup for about a month. Now – evry now and then (maybe once a week) when the fixtures are on – they will shut off on their own. they dont appear to “brown out” – they just die. when i walk over to the last switch on the run – flipping it wont help. but – i can flip the light back on from either of the other two. I have an arc fault breaker on the circuit and it does not trip when this occurs.
although the 4-way is robust – the other two swithces are Home Cheapo specials. Is it possible that they broke allready? Should i go ahead and replace them all?
Replies
What kind of dimmer? My first thought would be to get the dimmer out of the equation. They're are special dimmers for three/four way circuits. Try it with all toggle switches first, if it works and you still want the dimmer, go to the electronic dimmer (lutron makes them).
thanks. I wondered if the dimmer would be the weak point.
Frank
" I have an arc fault breaker on the circuit and it does not trip when this occurs."
You have to have fairly heavy paralllel arcing for it to trip.
"The setup starts with a 3-way dimmer, a 4-way toggle - two fixtures in line and a 3-way toggle. I know that it isnt the best setup to have the lamps in between the switches - but it was the only way possible (or so it seemed at the time) There is 12-2-2 running between the two fixtures to pass the common along."
I am not following the 12-2-2. Exactly how does the wiring run from box to box to box?
In the futre remember that another 5-20 ft of cable can be run and the wiring greatly simplified. For example power - 3way-4way-3way-light-light.
"they just die. when i walk over to the last switch on the run - flipping it wont help. but - i can flip the light back on from either of the other two. "
When this happens and you fip the end switch (I am asusming that it is not the dimmer) and nothing happens do you move it back into the orginal position before trying the other or do you leave it in the new position.
A)You leave it in the new position. If the lights where working that would turn it off. Then you go to a new position and turn on. That part is normal. What that indicates is that the traveler associated with the orginal position opens up.
B) If you move end switch back into the orginal position then it means that the travelers have gotton "swaped" or maybe cross connected someway.
Specially in the first case I supsect a loose connection.
And since you have all of those wires in a ceiling box and the ceiling boxes are relatively small I would check there. Also light fixtures produce lots of heat.
Try pulling the wires out of the wirenuts.
Did you calculate the fill for the ceiling box. My guess is that it is overfilled 2 times.
A)You leave it in the new position. If the lights where working that would turn it off. Then you go to a new position and turn on. That part is normal. What that indicates is that the traveler associated with the orginal position opens up.
i think this may be the case. The box fill was correct when i designed the circuit - but i forgot that i needed a travler to pass between the two fixtures - so the 12-2-2 overfilled it i am sure. I am not at home or near the schematic now - i will look it up so i rememerb exactly what i did and let you knwo my origional "thoughts".
Thanks for the help.
Frank
what type of AFCI ? this will not answer your problem, but Sq D has recalled some of their products.
maddog
yes - it was a square d. I will check their it for recall info. thanks for the tip.
I just saw your other post - thanks for hte info.
Frank
Edited 6/26/2005 9:14 am ET by Frank547