Can Dimmer Be Installed On A Two Way Circuit

[Yaa]

Hi
I have recently had my kitchen ceiling lights replaced. There are 3x 18w led dimmable panel lights on a 2 way circuit.one of the switches is a 2 gang with one switch for the ceiling lights and the other for under cabinet/worktop lights.the other switch is a 1 gang for the ceiling lights.What I would like to know is if its possible to replace the 1 gang switch with a dimmer as the panel lights can be too bright at times.the dimmer switch I have purchased is a varilight v-pro which states it is suitable for 2 way circuits.please can someone on here help me with this..thanks

 

[Leesparkykent]

Yes it can be done.

 

[Darkwood]

You need to do your homework here and check what kind of dimmer can be used with the LED panels, there are different kinds and not all will be suitable. You need to check if the LED panel is suitable for a leading or trailing edge dimmer, check the instructions or contact the wholesaler or manufacturer about this.
Another point that could change how you achieve this is the method of wiring of your 2 way switch, the most common method will in your case see the switch wire at your 1 gang switch and your live feed at the 2 gang but other methods do exist where you would need to fit the dimmer at the 2 gang end, that is something you would need to test out.

 

[Richard Burns]

Varilight V-pro dimmers can only do two way switching with a slave dimmer at the other position rather than a standard switch.
So you would need to purchase a two gang master dimmer to replace the two way switch and a single gang slave dimmer for the other switch and connect load and slave terminals between the switches.

 

[HandySparks]

Varilight V-pro dimmers can only do two way switching with a slave dimmer at the other position rather than a standard switch.
So you would need to purchase a two gang master dimmer to replace the two way switch and a single gang slave dimmer for the other switch and connect load and slave terminals between the switches.

You're thinking of their touch dimmers. V-pro is available as an ordinary push switch dimmer which will work on a two way circuit.

VARILIGHT V-Pro Dimmer Series for Dimmable LED Lighting

 

[Yaa]

Hi
I can confirm the led panels and the varilight switch (which is a push type) are compatible but thats all know..I thought it might be as simple as replacing a switch which i have done before but this sounds a bit complicated from whats being said on here

 

[Richard Burns]

Thanks Handysparks, oops Richard.
Sorry Yaa.
I think if you have the push type dimmer then it should be OK to just replace the switch.
The wiring method does depend on how they have been wired already, but should be fairly straightforward.
The dimer should come with a wiring diagram like this

If your wiring on the two way switching does not match either of these then more experience will be needed to determine the method of wiring.

 

[Yaa]

Thanks..so I should check if the single switch(which is where i can only fit the dimmer)matches the above diagrams or do I also need to check the 2 gang switch to see if its wired like this?

 

[Marvo]

Depending on the existing wiring it might also be easier to use a 4-wire module dimmer and replace all the switches with bell-press type. Lighting circuits can get a bit complicated because there's several ways it could be wired, might be better to get a sparky in to advise if you're unsure.