Since 1997, HomeTips has guided millions of homeowners with original, expert advice for DIY home improvement and repair. Founder Don Vandervort, a nationally recognized authority, has written more than 30 books and countless magazine articles, been a host on HGTV, and served as MSN's home improvement expert. MORE
With a standard, single-pole light switch, the most common variety, flipping the toggle up completes the circuit, turning lights or devices on, and flipping it down breaks the circuit, turning them off. There are situations where you want to be able to control a light—or a series of lights—from more than one location. Three-way switches, most commonly used at each end of a stairway or hallway, are the answer. Three-way dimmers will also work at these locations.
A standard three-way dimming control can be mounted at one end of the hall or stair, or you can buy special two-location dimming controls for dimming from either end. Four-way on/off switches may be combined with three-way dimmers or switches when you want control of lights from three or more different locations.
What is relatively new in this category is a variety of new devices that allow you to operate many different light and equipment circuits from a single location. With these, you can, for example, control all of the house lights from the master bedroom. One typical model, the LiteTouch control station, is the same size as a normal light switch cover but operates nine different light (or motor-control) circuits. Multiple-station controls can be pre-set for entertaining so that, with a single touch, they provide candle-like atmosphere in the dining room; relaxed, tranquil lighting in the living room; and bright, activity lighting in the kitchen.
Some similar controls can be programmed to handle several circuits in one room—Lutron’s Grafik Eye, for example, switches or dims up to six different lighting zones in one area. With it, you can pre-set light levels for each zone based on activities such as “Party,” “Reading,” “Cozy,” and “Family,” and then just push one button to activate those settings. You can set up fade times, create paths of light, and operate the system with a remote control.
