Wiring a Maestro Dimmer in a 3-way (With a Mechanical Switch)

[@dsmoovest]

I LOVE these video instructions! I'm horrible with wiring 3-way switches and I had older model Skylark type switches that were not as nice looking. Plus, the dimmer switch tab kept popping off often when touched and we constantly looked on the floor until it was located. These Maestros were a wonderful change for my living room a couple of years back after buying LED Hi Hats so I just bought 2 additional switches for the kitchen. One of the LED hi hat sets was controlled by a traditional switch, as well as the old slide type dimmer. I tried install this new Maestro on my own with the instructions for 1 1/2 hours and finally gave up - did a search and this video came up. If these video instructions didn't work (which I followed very carefully), I would've been forced to pay someone to come in and do this super simple job! But it's only simple if one knows what they're doing. Thanks Lutron!! You Rock!

[@Noname-lv3zo]

Thank you, got my switch working, did not know there was programming that needed to be done.

[@michaelweis399]

Great video - really helpful! Thank you! Got it done in 15 minutes.

[@RHochroth1]

In my bedroom, I am swapping out two switches. One by my bedroom door that's a standard on/off switch for the bedroom lights. The other is a light switch next to the bed that also turns on/off the bedroom lights, but has the ability to dim those same lights. My desire is to be able to dim the lights from both ends. I was advised to get the Maestro switch for both switches. First, I swapped out the switches by the bedroom door. This was simple enough. There were 3 wires going to the old switch. Two wires on the right side went in the same spot on the new switch and the wire on the left was twisted and capped with the green wire from the new switch. The light turns on and off and dims properly. Second, I swapped out the switch next to the bed. This was much more complicated. The switch next to my wife's bed was a little different. It had 4 wires: 1) The green wire from the switch connected to the copper wire from the wall. 2) The black wire from the switch connected to the white wire from the wall. 3) The red wire from the switch connected to the black wire from the wall. 4) The second red wire from the switch connected to the pink wire from the wall. I connected the copper wire to the green wire on the new switch. I also connected the black wire and the white wire to the screws on the right side of the switch. Not sure what to do with the pink wire, I capped it off by itself and put it on the side. I put the power back on and now neither switch will turn the light on in my bedroom. I do know there is power going to both switches b/c both switches have a series of small lights on the left side of the switch that lights from the bottom to the top in like a "zip" pattern. Upon reading the instructions, which is confusing for me, I tried to program the switches as it said, but what I'm doing does not seem to be working. I don't think I have the wiring quite right. Based on the tutorial video, my question is two fold: 1) In the video, both switches have 4 wires going to the existing switch. Mine has 3 wires for one and 4 wires for the other. Why does the entrance switch have just 3 wires? I do see more wires capped off behind the switch. Do I need to bring one of those out? 2) One of the switches uses that yellow wire. Which one of my switches would I utilize the yellow wire? If I have the choice, I would rather the master switch be the one by the entrance. Thanks!

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi Richard, Thanks for taking the time to reach out. We recommend connecting with our tech support team for assistance troubleshooting your application. They are available 24/7 at 1-888-Lutron1 (588-7661). Thank you!

[@esgeed3142]

thank you! and thank you! spent hours trying to figure this out

[@roberthorachek7501]

Wired it in the same way the video demonstrates. Blew the light switch when I turned the breaker back on!

[@jeffj318]

What happened next?

[@DR-um2bv]

I wish you guys would say, nutrel, ground, hot, common, traveler. Like the rest of us decent people

[@berrisgomez5290]

Very helpful

[@carlnielsen8570]

Great video. Worked very well for me. Thank you.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

That's great to hear, Carl!

[@ricardo031281]

Wow.. very helpful!! Thanks

[@dakarikellen6709]

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[@benprince1212]

@Dakari Kellen yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself =)

[@mateostabio]

Thank you!!

[@TheJcesar1004]

Thank you very much Very helpful

[@penkpanther1]

Thank you very much. I'm not familliar with 3 ways and it works well. Also, an electrician came at home and doesn't fix it.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi there, If you are having trouble with a Maestro switch, we recommend contacting our tech support team at 1-888-Lutron1 (588-7661) for additional support. They are available 24/7 and would be more than happy to help. Thanks

[@kobygrimes1234]

Fucking EXCELLENT VIDEO. THANK YOU lutron

[@briangaudet7661]

Awesome it worked !!!!!! thanks

[@tanyofish]

Regarding the second switch (that needs re-wiring, not the switch change), is there any way to figure out which two wires to be connected together with an AC voltage detector? In other words, does the remained wire (in this video, red one, communication traveler) should be beeped when it's touched by the detector or not? The sensor switch works but not the 2nd switch; I'm not sure which wire should be remained, and which two should be connected. I found two wires are beeped. This video instruction to decide these wires by simply the color of wire or screw does not seem to be universal - what if the electrician previously did messed it up?

[@kimhousecompany4821]

thanks for your videos

[@RandyAugustus]

man-o-man. I kinda wish I would have seen this video a few hours ago. This is not an easy install if you've never done this before. At least in my case I ran into multiple issues. 1. None of my wires are tagged. 2. I'm using mine for stairs (main to 2nd floor). Mechanical switch at bottom is installed 'correctly'. The other switch (on 2nd floor) was installed upside down. Which means the colors of the wires are all out of whack. 3. I wasn't even aware of 'master' & 'companion' switches until now. SO I spent all afternoon trying to get this thing wired out. Only to realize, you can't have two (motion-detector) dimmers on the same circuit. So this is, practically speaking almost useless to me.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi Randy, We are sorry to hear that experienced issues installing your Maestro Dimmer. If you are still in need of support, we recommend reaching out to our support team. They are available 24/7 and would be happy to guide you through this. You can reach them at 1-888-Lutron1 (588-7661) or by email at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@josepgutierrez22]

Is this just for the maestro? Or would it work with Diva as well?

[@johnjuice8930]

This video only has the 12/4 wire where is the line wire?

[@auralplex]

I have 2 black wires and a red. My red wire is connected on the top right of the switch, and one of the black ones on the bottom. The other black one on the left. No clue what to do…

[@k.scottphillips8933]

What if you have a switch-light switch setup? In your video, the red is connected to the left side in the first switch, but the right side in the second switch. Whereas in my setup, the red is connected to the left side in both of the switches.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi! The two brass screws are essentially interchangeable on a standard mechanical switch. So having the red wire on the left brass screw versus the right brass screw from the mechanical switch will not have an effect on the circuit for the mechanical switch setup. When you change over to the Maestro, the wire color connected to the blue screw will need to be "by itself" on the mechanical switch side of the 3-way (the red wires in this video). The other traveler wire (in this video, that is the white wire, but your wall may use different colors) will then join to the black common wire (the load or line wire) using the yellow jumper as indicated in this video. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Technical Support for more information. We are available 24/7 at 844-LUTRON1 (844-588-7661). Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@geovanibain3576]

Why don't you need the 3 terminal screw on the regular 3 way switch no longer when using a maestro switch?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello, This unique wiring setup is due to the digital dimmer. The digital dimmer uses a communication method that requires this wiring setup and uses the traveler differently from a standard analog 3-way. If you have any other questions, feel free to call and speak with one of our Tech Support agents at 844-588-7661. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@KenVedder-ex8rx]

Because it is a very smart switch follow the instructions and let the switch do the rest

[@eyesky6809]

Well my MAW-R has three wires coming out. And the switch I’m replacing has 2 black. What do we do?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Our Technical Support team will be able to best help you with getting this sorted out. You can reach them at 1-844-588-7661 or [e-mail]. We’ll talk to you soon!

[@fabriceouandji9255]

Typically, one switch has the connection to the the load and the other switch has the connection to the line /hot. Can this dimmer be installed to replace either?

[@JOYPRODUCTIOS]

Congratulations friend,tnks

[@jennyzhang7067]

Err

[@jennyzhang7067]

I

[@lengwhite]

Can you do the same with RadiRA2 3 way? Have one switch inside and the other by my outdoor kitchen Would rather use a waterproof toggle switch outside for safety. Thanks

[@Lutron-Electronics]

If you could provide a model number of the RadioRA 2 dimmer, we can confirm how it would be wired for a 3-way lighting circuit.

[@AFel-pp1hp]

those terminations are giving me nightmares

[@chrism2351]

It seems like, when using a mechanical switch on the other side, you now no longer need a 3-way switch. Please confirm that a 2-way mechanical switch could be used with the MACL dimmer and still offer 3-way functionality.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi, Chris. Thanks for reaching out. That is correct. You can use a single pole switch instead of a 3-way switch when wiring to a MACL-153M in a 3-way application and retain 3-way functionality. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[@k.scottphillips8933]

It worked, thanks!

[@KrisDBates1]

I have a bathroom 2 way switch with lights/fan. I have not been able to get it to work properly. is there a better video to use?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello, Kris. Thanks for reaching out. With lights and a fan, which Lutron device (model number) are you using? This video is for the MACL-153M which is a dimmer for lighting. It isn’t designed to control a fan. Are you using a different Lutron product? If so, it may wire differently. If you could provide us with a model number of the product you are installing and if it is controlling the light and fan or just one, we could see why your application may not be working properly. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@eloysoto7857]

Works whit 4 way between maestro dimmer and mechanical 3 way switch?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi, Eloy! In this situation, you would need to utilize a Maestro companion dimmer. You can learn more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV6Zqa2Pf6qYjac.

[@netarcSF]

Will this method also work with an RA2 RRD-6CL dimmer ?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi! The RRD-6CL requires a RD-RD for multi-location use.

[@danielechols5862]

So I have 3 switches for the same light (living room, house came that way). I want to put in a dimmer switch for that light. Do i need 3 dimmer switches? So far only installing one dimmer did not work.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello Daniel, We have two major categories of dimmers: digital and analog. This video was for a digital dimmer, the Maestro family. With the Maestro digital dimmers, you will need to use one master dimmer and two companion dimmers (or companion switches, if you only care about on/off at the other two locations). You won't use three master dimmers, so make sure the product says "companion." The model number for the companion dimmer is MA-R. You can wire a Maestro dimmer with one mechanical switch in a 3-way, but you cannot wire the Maestro dimmer with two mechanical switches in a 4-way. This is why your setup would need companions. The other category (analog) does not have companion dimmers. An example of an analog dimmer is the Diva family. You can use one Diva dimmer with two mechanical on/off switches, as long as the Diva dimmer goes in a 3-way wiring location (instead of the 4-way location in the middle). Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@crippledwizard666]

Can you not use two of these same 3 ways together?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi! You would not be able to use two Maestro dimmers in a 3-way setup. You would either need a Maestro dimmer with a Maestro companion (MA-R) or Maestro dimmer and an existing mechanical switch. 💡

[@henryschchch2668]

What side has the power and what side is the switch-leg?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Good morning! The black terminal is the power and the brass would is for the switch-leg.

[@Hansenstephenc]

I only have 2 blacks and a red coming to the existing switch. What do I do?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi. Please note that the color of wires in your wall may be slightly different from this video. Some applications will have black/white/red and some will have black/black/red. In other regions, the colors may be entirely different. If you would like wiring guidance, please call our 24-hour support line at 844-588-7661. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@mamajota1]

@@Lutron-Electronics so what happened with the neutral, u don’t need it for the light?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

@@mamajota1 Hello. Several of our switch models do not require a neutral wire. If you need more details please let us know. Thanks

[@ulisesbasanez3297]

Can you do two motion sensor swotches with the same 3way circuit?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello, Currently, only one motion sensor can be used per circuit, the other control must be a companion (MA-R) or a traditional 3-way switch. For more information on installation, please visit www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/0301660.pdf Thanks!

[@tmywu]

Hello, do you have a video for doing this with a Maestro Occupancy instead of the standard Maestro dimmer?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

For wiring with a Maestro Occupancy sensor, Lutron offers "Wiring a Maestro Sensor with Companion Switches". kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKHVpZ2Be6yLjZY For more Wiring help, please visit Lutron's wiring Wizard found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKHVpZ2Be6yLjZY

[@tmywu]

@@Lutron-Electronics gotcha! Is a companion switch required? Or can I use a standard decora 3 way switch?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

@@tmywu For a Maestro sensor, such as the MS-OPS5M, it can be used in conjunction with the companion switch (MA-AS) or a standard 3-way switch as long at the jumper wire is used in the re-wire as per the instructions. Please keep in mind, if there are 3 or more wall box location the MA-AS companion switch is required.

[@tmywu]

@@Lutron-Electronics gotcha, so basically companion switches are needed for 4 way switches or more

[@crazygreek10]

I've tried wiring this as instructed. In the video i fail tk see which wire is the load and which is the common. For the dimmer does this matter. I want to install on the load end but cannit get the dimmer switch tobpower on. When i test in a single pole application there is no problem.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi! Because it is difficult to describe wiring scenarios in text, I recommend that you call our 24/7 Tech Support phone line when you are available to troubleshoot this wiring setup. On this Maestro dimmer, the common and load connection (the brass screw and the black screw) can be swapped without impacting the performance of the device. If that doesn’t work, it might indicate either a miswire or a defective unit. Our phone agents should be able to interpret the behavior and come up with the best solution. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@Lloydski]

Will it work between (2) four ways....

[@Lutron-Electronics]

The Maestro MACL-153M dimmer will work on a 4-way lighting circuit. There will need to be one master MACL-153M dimmer and two companion MA-R dimmers. An illustration of the wiring can be found here: www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/368-4493_Page_15.pdf Thanks!

[@jaker241]

How to connect a lutron sensor and 1 mechanical switch ,, 3 way !

[@djori2]

Where is your neutral?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello, this particular switch does not require a neutral wire. If you would like more information please let us know!

[@mikelevitt7365]

The fact that they did not provide any instruction or guidance on how to determine which wire was connected to the other switch is a MAJOR fail. TERRIBLE INSTRUCTIONS.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi, Mike. Thank you for your feedback. I am confused by your statement, the video goes step by step, removing a wire form the existing switch and attaching it to the dimmer. If you have removed the wires from the existing switch already and did not note which screw the wires were attached to, the only way to identify the wires at that point, is to use a multimeter. Let us know if we can be of further assistance!

[@user-lq1dk6gr3p]

Mike Levitt it’s called a tester. They’re 15 bucks

[@electricalron]

How come the box isn't bonded? Fail.

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hello, Electricalron. This is an instructional video, focused on the wiring of the dimmer and switch in 3-way application.

[@electricsuitbatman]

Can I not use 2 of these 3 ways together?

[@Lutron-Electronics]

Hi, Ray. If you would like to use two dimmers in a 3-way with the Maestro dimmers, you would use one master dimmer and one MA-R companion. Here is the video that shows that application: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV6Zqa2Pf6qYjac Please let us know if we can be of further assistance.

[@luisortho1165]

Thanks….

[@michukineke3059]

I did the same connection and never worked.

[@Fastrider1979]

This is by far one of the worst switches to install and takes much longer than usual. Instructions that came with it and the diagram are very poor. Wire colors are wrong and difficult to figure out.

[@danielkofman4592]

This switch is garbage. When testing voltage at the light, this dimmer switch does NOT shut off power to the light. It can detect whether a light fixture is connected, and thats not good

[@Lutron-Electronics]

We're sorry to hear about the issue you are having with your Maestro dimmer. If the light is not turning off by using the tap switch, Lutron recommends pulling out the FASS tab, which is located under the tap switch. The FASS tab should cut power to the dimmer and the light- if pulled out and the lights stays on, Lutron recommends to check the wiring. If the light turns off when the FASS tab is pulled out but not from the tap switch, Lutron would then recommend making sure the lighting load is compatible. To find compatible LEDs for your maestro, Lutron recommends using the compatibility tool at www.lutron.com/ledfinder or www.lutron.com/ledtool . Please reach out to our Support Team at [e-mail] or by phone at 1 [phone] for additional assistance.

[@danielkofman4592]

@@Lutron-Electronics Sadly the problem I had wasnt just with one switch, it was about 30 switches. I was replacing every light fixture in the house, and these switches would not cut power to the lights.

[@wedgepower383]

This would be way better without all the screwing and unscrewing footage.

[@walterbarber3271]

Re make this video. Everything about what you’ve got here is against code. Every home built since the 90’s requires a neutral in the box, you obviously don’t have one in your video. Not very educational if you’re not going to do this right from the start

[@XPsylocke]

Did not work at all. Also your written instructions on the switch and pdf on your website are nothing like this. Bunch of garbage

[@Lutron-Electronics]

We're sorry to hear this. Our Technical Support team will be able to best help with recommendations for specific scenarios. You can reach them at 1-844-588-7661 or [e-mail]. We hope to talk with you soon!

[@timgurr1876]

Really poor video. One should know which is line and which is neutral and which is traveler. Very poor explanation.