Family Room Lighting - Dimmer options? (load, best, replace, wiring)

[blakeas]

Not sure what type/size/etc of dimmers to buy for my family room. I have 3 switches that control the on/off of the 6 lights in the family room. suggestions?

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by blakeas

I have 3 switches that control the on/off of the 6 lights in the family room.
suggestions?

Are these 3-way switches? Maybe controlling all lights?
Or do you have 3 regular switches controlling maybe 2 lights each?

Do you have access to the wiring to/from those lights?
Do you know how the wire is run? (A to B to C to D etc is most common)

If you don't... get someone in who can figure it out.
They can probably also help you set up the switching to suit you best.

Not sure what type/size/etc of dimmers to buy...

The type that will work best with your bulbs (LED, etc) and wiring.

[blakeas]

they are 3 way switches and each controls all 6 lights shown in the picture

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by blakeas

they are 3 way switches and each controls all 6 lights shown in the picture

Then you're left to determine how the line to load (and neutral) are wired in.

Ideal:
Line --> 3way ---> 4way ---> 3way ---> Load (Lights A to B to C to D etc)
In this instance the dimmer replaces the last 3way switch.

But there are a LOT of ways that lights (and switches) can get wired.

[K'ledgeBldr]

Here are different 4-way wiring diagrams-

4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams - Do-it-yourself-help.com

The first diagram is the most common- the other diagrams usually come into play when there are situations that limit or restrict the running of wire. A current tester/multi-meter will help track down the line. Identifying the the others should be relatively easy by identifying the wires (multiples of) within the box.

[eggalegga]

Make sure your switches are compatible with your bulbs.