Electrical – Installed new 3 way switch, now lights are still dim when switch is off

electricallight-fixturelightingswitchwiring

I installed this switch, to an existing 3 way switch setup that worked just fine (no dimming present). I wanted the automation, thus the programmable switch.

This is setup on outside lights for the garage and porch. The porch has a CFL, and on the side of the garage door (3 of these LED's on each side).

The very strange thing is, the switch works like it should, both lights turn on, BUT when I turn the switch off (on either wall switch) the LED's just dim, they don't turn all the way off – see pics. What would cause this?

Wall switch is OFF
Switch OFF

Wall switch is ON
Switch ON

Best Answer

The switch specification calls for a minimum load of 40 watts (see page 2 of this). Apparently it does not draw power for itself directly from the source, but relies on current flowing through it to power the electronics.

This review expresses one user's frustration with trying to use it with LED lights.

Alas, the solutions are not wonderful:

  • Add an incandescent or halogen bulb to the circuit, or
  • Replace the switch with one rated for 0 watts minimum.

An incandescent will shunt most of the current when the switch is "off" so that the other bulbs will be dark without the incandescent being visibly "on".

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