Why does my dimmer switch keep going out?

One of the most common causes for premature dimmer failure is over-lamping, a situation described by Lightbulbs Direct. Dimmer switches are designed to handle a specified maximum load in watts. Quite often, when a single dimmer switch is used to control a number of light fixtures, this maximum wattage is exceeded.

Why does my 3-way dimmer switch not work?

It sounds like someone has put a single pole switch in a system that needs two three ways. Part of the problem is that there needs to be the right wiring between the switches. There has to be two hot wires*. There also may need to be a neutral wire, depending on the wiring configuration.

Can a dimmer switch short out?

The solid-state switching devices in dimmers tend to fry when the dimmer’s output is shorted. Replace the dimmer, and this time, don’t peel the insulating sticker off to avoid another short.

Why does my light flicker when I turn it on with dimmer switch?

Dimmer Switches



One of the most common sources of flickering for LED bulbs is the use of dimmer switches. The majority of dimmers are made to handle higher electrical loads. This means that the low-voltage LEDs may dim or flicker if they are connected to higher-power dimmer switches.

How do you tell if a dimmer switch is broken?

Attach the continuity tester’s alligator clip to one of the dimmer wire leads. Hold the continuity tester’s probe to the other dimmer wire lead. If the continuity tester’s continuity LED glows, the device is working; otherwise, you have a faulty dimmer switch.

Is there a fuse in a dimmer switch?

So, are there fuses in dimmer switches? Older dimmer switches did have fuses to protect the switch or prevent dangerous temperatures if the switch got too hot. Unlike most fuses, they were integrated and difficult to replace. Modern dimmers have generally stopped using fuses.

How do you test a 3-way dimmer switch?

Locate a Bad 3-Way Switch

  1. Toggle each switch until the light come on. Toggle one switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch. Leave the light on.
  2. Toggle the other switch to see if it turns the light on and off. If it does, it is a good switch and the other is bad.


What happens if you wire 3-way switch wrong?

If you don’t correctly connect this wire, then your lights won’t work from more than one switch. Grounding the switch: You’ll also need to locate the ground wire and connect it to the switch too.

How do I know which wire is neutral on a 3-way switch?


Quote from Youtube video: If no house current is found on any of the three wires. Go to the other switch. And do the same thing one of the wires will have house current and that wire is the hot wire mark.

Can a bad dimmer switch causes lights to flicker?

Yes, dimmers can cause your bulb to flicker and it’s a common problem. If you have switched to dimming bulbs and LEDs compatible switches and you are still experiencing flickering then consider the issues above.

Why does my 3 way light flicker?

Flickering or blinking lights are usually caused by one of four things: Problem with the bulb (not in tight enough, wrong bulb type for dimmer switch) Loose light plug. Faulty light or fixture switch.

How do I stop my dimmable LED lights from flickering?

Summary – How to stop LEDs flickering

  1. Always drive LED products using an LED power supply that’s designed for the job. …
  2. Make sure all your LED products are compatible with the control circuits and power supply you’re using.
  3. Check for loose wiring and other faulty connections. …
  4. Consider using a constant-current LED driver.

How do you reset a dimmer switch?

Resetting The Dimmer



Switch on the dimmer and turn the dimmer knob folly clockwise to the maximum brightness position. By pressing the dimmer knob, turn the lights Off and then back On again three times. Leave a second between each dimmer knob press.

What causes LED lights to flicker on a dimmer?

LED bulb flickering can be traced in almost every instance to a non-compatible dimmer switch in the lighting circuit. Modern dimmer switches create the dimming effect by switching the power supply on and off many times per second.