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What is the dimmer switch called when there is a switch controlling the light
on two different sides of the room, and
how difficult are they to install?
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You want to ask for a "3 way dimmer" The circuit controlled from 2 different locations is called a 3-way circuit. You will also need to know the total number of watts controlled by the switches, since there is a limit for different devices. If you have any doubts, it is a fairly inexpensive job for an electrician to do it right the first time.
*Joel,Also, with a 3-way installation with dimmers, you use only one dimmer. The other is a regular on/off 3-way. BUT, I haven't researched the availability of remote control switches, yet, such as the X-10's. I would think there would be a product with a receiver and controller that would be mounted directly in the light fixture, such as is used in ceiling fans. Then you could have not only the wall mounted unit for coming into a dark room but a little remote clicker so you could adjust from the laid back position of your Lazy Boy. A little research and a little more money is probably all it takes.A light at the end of the tunnel... Ralph
*Joel... Found my latest smart-home catalog and they do have all the remote stuff in the world. Check outhttp:///www.smarthome.comRalph
*I just changed some regular three way switches over to 3-way dimmers. I put dimmers on both sides and it worked fine. Each dimmer has a "click" to off at the lower end of the scale that activates the other switch. If neither switch is in the off position, neither dimmer will work.
*Try the Leviton multilocation dimmers, available at home supplies, electrical suppliers, etc. (consumer marketed as "Maestro" I believe.)The electronic versions are nice-looking and a bit pricey, but support multiple (9 for the Maestro) "remotes" to the master switch and thus "3-way" full control over the lighting from any location without qualification. Probably cheaper and higher quality than X10.
*Looks like my current electrician is not up on the eclectic variety of controls. Nothing humbles like parroting incomplete information. I will do better.
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What is the dimmer switch called when there is a switch controlling the light
on two different sides of the room, and
how difficult are they to install?