Lutron  ELECTRONICS CO. Q-603PH-WH "QUOTO" 3 WAY DIMMER Logo
Posted on Dec 24, 2008

Dimmer switch is not dimming

I installed a lutron dimmer, which worked on a florcent light (kinda) - it would turn the light off if the dimmer was low enough. I installed it knowing that I was going to change the lighting to commercial electronic canned lights, which I have done. The dimmer is now not showing any capability to dim. The lights go on and off with the switch, but the dimmer does not change anything. Even when the dimmer is set to the lowest level, the lights are still at 100%! I have tried to wire a different dimmer, and believe I have used all the combinations, any suggestions? The direction are useless, so someone please help.

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  • Posted on Dec 25, 2008
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Florecent bulbs wont dim unless they are dimmable.

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1answer

Lutron Dimmer switch, single pole, will not dim

We are truly sorry for your inconvenience and want to help. Please call our Technical Support line at 1-888-523-9466 and we'll be happy to discuss the issues with you.
Craig, Lutron Technical Support Leader
2helpful
2answers

We have an older maestro style lutron dimmer switch with a horizontal slide button at the bottom that can turn it on and off. we are using this button to operate the light b/c the vertical...

These in-wall devices stop working and need to be replaced from time to time.
There are no repair parts.
Generally dimmers don't last as long as ordinary light switch, because they are electronic instead of mechanical.

Lutron makes the widest selection of dimmers.
http://www.lutron.com/Products/StandAloneControls/Dimmers-Switches/Pages/DimmersSwitches.aspx

Use link above to identify dimmer.
For example Skylark dimmer.

Then google search for a replacement.
For example: single pole 600 watt lutron skylark dimmer
Or: 3-way 600 watt skylark dimmer
Lutron also makes 1800 watt dimmers for larger loads.

Add a comment any time if you need more help.

You can also take advantage of fixya phone service.
Fixya expert will talk with you via phone for a price.
0helpful
1answer

My rotary dimmer doesn't switch 3-ways. I have to push the dimmer button to "on", then I can use the other switch to turn on/off.

You posted under Leviton rotary dimmer.
Lutron and Leviton have many 3-way dimmer styles, and both make 3-way rotary dimmers.

I remember years ago replacing 3-way switches with dimmers and having same experience as you. One dimmer has to be ON for the other dimmer to dim.

Later I learned when you replace both 3-way switches with dimmers, you buy a control-and-companion dimmer set. One dimmer is main, and it lets you dim from both locations. The two dimmers communicate with each other electronically. Buy these dimmers at lighting store that specializes in fixtures and dimmers. Ask for most experienced salesperson.

I checked to see if rotary dimmers are made in the companion set. And neither Leviton or Lutron show 3-way companion set rotary dimmers.

1) Leviton spec sheet on rotary 3-way dimmers does not show companion dimmer. This indicates that Leviton rotary dimmers don't have capability of communicating with each other.

2) Lutron has image of 3-way rotary dimmers.
Image shows single rotary dimmer in 3-way & 4-way circuit.
This tells me that Lutron does not have companion dimmer for 3-way rotary dimmer.
geno_3245_123.jpg
0helpful
1answer

The on-off switch for the dimmer is "loose" and does not turn the light on anymore.

There are no repair parts for in-wall electrical devices.
When they go dad you buy another.
Lowes and Home Depot carry inexpensive dimmers.
Look for 3 things:
1) Wattage: most off-the-shelf dimmers are 500-1000Watts. Add up total wattage.
2) If you are dimming incandescent bulbs, dimmer package will say tungsten or incandescent.
Package will say florescent if dimmer also works for florescent bulbs.
3) If dimmer is 3-way, with a dimmer on either end of a room, many times the dimmers are sold as a package of 2 dimmers with 1 dimmer that controls the other dimmer.

Lutron dimmers
http://www.lutron.com/Products/StandAloneControls/Dimmers-Switches/Pages/DimmersSwitches.aspx
Leviton dimmers
http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=15265&minisite=10025
0helpful
2answers

I AM REPLACING A LUTRON DIMMER SWITCH AND HAVE i THINK MADE ALL THE RIGHT CI=CONNECTIONS - COULD A FAULTY GROUNDING BE THE PROBLEM?

As a general rule, grounding will not affect operation of dimmer.
Type of dimmer, type of switch being replaced, type of load, and how you connect wires will affect dimmer.

Here is Lutron dimmer switch page
http://www.lutron.com/Products/StandAloneControls/Dimmers-Switches/Pages/DimmersSwitches.aspx

What is the load? Are you wiring dimmer to a ballast? Or fan? Or incandescent lights? Or florescent lights?
Are you replacing a 2-way or 3-way switch?
What color are your dimmer wires?
How many wires were connected to switch?
Can you re-install the switch, and know where each wire went?
Did you replace a light with a fan, and then want the dimmer to slow the fan? Not every dimmer will work with a fan, or florescent lights.
Dimmers cannot dim LED lights.

If I know what type switch you are replacing, and the type of load you want to control, and the specific dimmer you have, I can answer the question.
1helpful
1answer

Dimmer doesn't turn off! Right after I installed a Lutron electronic dimmer switch, it worked fine. After about a week, it wouldn't turn the lights off. The lights just dim to a low level at the lowest...

There is one more thing that you can try, turn the power off from the breaker and wait about 20 seconds, then turn back on. If that doesn't fix it you are probably right about the dimmer being bum. It is very rare that Lutron devices are defective. You can contact them directly and see if you can get it replaced since you no longer have the receipt. You may have to send it to them before they will send you a replacement but it beats spending another $50
http://lutron.com/CMS400/page.aspx?id=24679
1helpful
1answer

LUTRON DIMMER

The Lutron Maestro dimmer isn't rated or designed to operate low voltage lighting as it is a 120 V-AC rated electronic dimmer. You should either install a standard low voltage ON/OFF switch on this installation or obtain a dimmer rated for use on low voltage lights.

You need special low voltage dimmer designed for use on the low voltage pucks lights you have installed. Usually the low voltage is either 12, 24, or 36 volts, depending on the manufacturer of your particular light set. Once the correct dimmer is in place, the problem with the flickering and pulsing of the lights, should cease.

If you still are having this problem and you can't find a low voltage dimmer, you can contact the maker of your low voltage light kit and they can provide you with an acceptable dimmer option for your lights.

Most Home Depot and Lowe's carry the low voltage puck light kits, and usually have accessories for these lights, including dimmer switches that will work with them.

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

PS: I found this old, unanswered question and wanted to provide a solution to close out the problem and clear the question from the site.
0helpful
2answers

Lutron Dimmer Not Dimming But On/Off Works

What is the dimmer rated for? Your load on the track appears to be 200 watts. A standard dimmer will burn out, you need to look on the dimmer to see what it is rated for. Did it run hot with the dimmer before you had this problem? They make dimmers for higher wattage that will do the job for you.
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