3-way Dimmer for 12v LEDs

[BradKW]

I have these Recessed LED Accent/Task Lights that I wish to put on a dimmer, controllable from two switches. I believe these are dimmable LEDs, but honestly after spending past 90 min reading dimmer info and reviews, I can't even say that for certain atm.

Finding 3-way LED dimmers on Google/Amazon is easy...sorting out if they are appropriate for 12 DC uses gets a bit confusing.

Finding 12v LED dimmers is easy...figuring out if they are 3-way or can work in a 3-way gets a bit confusing.

Recommendations?

 

[galladanb]

Brad, by 3 way do you mean one switch in front and one in back to turn the lights on and off from two different locations?

How do ya wire that up? Sounds like what I would luv to do!?!?!?!?!

BTW, I saw this the other day and Ordered one. When it gets here, I can post images of the paperwork if that will help?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S667XZA...lid=1KA6EPU6VHEIZ&coliid=I149NOJYXXA8XT&psc=1

 

[BradKW]

Yeah, I looked at that one but I don't think it's a 3 way. 3 way switches are for as you described, two contol locations. It really only requires an extra 3 wire run between the switches and I believe the switches have some basic logic to communicate...So unless specifically labeled 3 way, I don't think it'll work.

There's probably some other way though, as I remember my old house had knob/tube and push button switches, so not exactly a new concept

 

[GotSmart]

Justwire it up like any 3 way switch.  You can use a 120v switch.  It will work just fine

The power goes to the dimmer, then the lights. 

https://www.askmediy.com/how-to-wire-a-3-way-switch-with-video/

 

[DannyB1954]

A 3 way switch is just a single throw double pole switch. You can get them in 12 volt versions easy. http://users.wfu.edu/matthews/courses/p230/switches/SwitchesTut.html

 

[BradKW]

Justwire it up like any 3 way switch.  You can use a 120v switch.  It will work just fine

The power goes to the dimmer, then the lights. 

https://www.askmediy.com/how-to-wire-a-3-way-switch-with-video/

Looking at the diagram, it seems to me that you are saying that only one of the switches needs to be a dimmer because power will run through it any time the light is on?

 

[GotSmart]

You set up the two 3 way switched to power the dimmer.  The dimmer powers the lights.   :idea:

People try to overthink it.  Easy~peasy.   

 

[Weight]

I haven't thought through the dimmer question, except I know the AC dimmers will not work on DC. The three way switching is easy. Two on-on switches. They have three connections. (Center), (On #1), (On #2). Front switch; (center) to plus battery; Front Switch (On #1) to Back Switch (On #1); The same deal with (On #2) to (On #2). Back switch (Center) to Bulb +, Bulb - to battery Negative. You could put any DC dimmer between the Back switch (center) and bulb. Or between Front switch (center) and battery Positive. I cant see anyway to use two dimmers.