Wiring a Lutron Diva Dimmer for 3-Way Circuits: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you looking to add a touch of elegance and convenience to your home's lighting with Lutron's Diva dimmer? Wiring a Lutron Diva dimmer for a 3-way circuit can seem daunting, but with our step-by-step guide, you'll have your lights shining in no time. This guide assumes you have basic electrical knowledge and follow all local electrical codes and safety precautions.
Understanding 3-Way Circuits and Lutron Diva Dimmer
Before diving into the wiring process, let's quickly understand what a 3-way circuit is and how the Lutron Diva dimmer works in it. A 3-way circuit allows you to control a light from two different locations. The Lutron Diva dimmer, on the other hand, offers smooth, consistent dimming and is compatible with a wide range of bulbs, including LED, CFL, and incandescent.
Materials Needed
- Lutron Diva dimmer (model DVELV-153P-WH)
- 14/3 non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable (Romex)
- 14/2 NM cable (Romex)
- Wire nuts
- Wire stripper
- Fish tape (optional, for fishing wires through walls)
- Screwdriver
- Voltage tester
Wiring the Lutron Diva Dimmer in a 3-Way Circuit
Step 1: Turn Off Power and Test Wires
Before starting, turn off power to the circuit at your main electrical panel. Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off and the wires are dead.
Step 2: Wire the First Switch Box
At the first switch location, remove the existing switch and connect the Lutron Diva dimmer as follows:
| Lutron Diva Dimmer Terminal | Wire Connection |
|---|---|
| Line (Black) | Power (Black) from panel |
| Load (Red) | Traveler (Red) to second switch |
| Traveler (Blue) | Traveler (Blue) from second switch |
| Ground (Green) | Ground (Green) from panel |
Secure the dimmer to the electrical box and connect the ground wire to the box's ground terminal.
Step 3: Wire the Second Switch Box
At the second switch location, connect the wires as follows:
| Second Switch Terminal | Wire Connection |
|---|---|
| Line (Black) | Traveler (Red) from first dimmer |
| Load (Red) | Light fixture (Black) |
| Traveler (Blue) | Traveler (Blue) to first dimmer |
| Ground (Green) | Ground (Green) from panel |
Secure the switch to the electrical box and connect the ground wire to the box's ground terminal.
Step 4: Connect the Light Fixture
Connect the light fixture's black wire to the second switch's load terminal (red). Connect the ground wire to the fixture's green or bare copper wire, and connect both to the fixture's mounting bracket.
Testing Your Lutron Diva Dimmer
Turn the power back on at your main electrical panel and test your new Lutron Diva dimmer. The light should turn on and off from both switch locations, and you should be able to dim the light using the Lutron Diva dimmer.
Congratulations! You've successfully wired a Lutron Diva dimmer for a 3-way circuit. Enjoy the convenience and elegance that Lutron's dimmers bring to your home's lighting. Always remember to follow local electrical codes and safety precautions when working with electricity.
