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Installing a LED dimmer in my RV

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  • čas přidán 28. 03. 2019
  • In this video, I install a 3-way capable LED dimmer in my RV.
    --- advertisement ---
    Don't pay $85 for the dimmer.
    You can buy the dimmer here for much less: amzn.to/2FL87wp
    SPDT 3 way switch: amzn.to/2Pmc1DI
    Bezel: amzn.to/3rzecRv
    In case you missed it, the corresponding website is at www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php
    Copyright www.RV-Project.Com

Komentáře • 89

  • @tomapplegate8330
    @tomapplegate8330 Před 2 lety +2

    Thanks. I have two wires in the unit and three wires on the switch. Where do I connect the third wire (ground)?

  • @ChosenAdventures
    @ChosenAdventures Před 3 lety +2

    Very good information! We did this on several of our switches in the RV and we love it!

  • @The_VagabondZ_Jim_N_Amy
    @The_VagabondZ_Jim_N_Amy Před 4 lety +2

    GREAT video, thank you! It gave me the knowledge and confidence to install one myself.

  • @PacTel54321
    @PacTel54321 Před 4 lety +1

    Very good wire color chart. Also, that circuit board looks like good quality for a $30 item! Thank You

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Thank you for supporting the channel.

  • @Pzifylshi
    @Pzifylshi Před 3 lety

    This made my install super easy! Watched your explanation of the various dimmers to choose this one also! Thanks a bunch!!!

  • @hero2006
    @hero2006 Před 5 lety

    My travel trailer is the same way. Larger loose connectors. Good thing the devices aren’t pulling a lot of current. Ha. My springtime project will be replacing them. Thanks again.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      It is appalling that RV owners have to put up with this.

  • @chuckbobek215
    @chuckbobek215 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you sir helped out a lot. Drive safe.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Thank you for supporting the channel.

  • @MsRotorwings
    @MsRotorwings Před rokem

    To make the 3 way connection are you connecting the one middle prong directly to the other middle prong?
    It wasn’t clear from your demonstration.

  • @gonecoastaljk6913
    @gonecoastaljk6913 Před 5 lety

    I need to add a couple of these to our motorhome, I also need to add a 3 way switch (not easily done after the RV is already built!) beings my new 2018 Georgetown motorhome has NO light switch to turn the main cabin lights on or off back by the bedroom! The only freaking switch for the main lights is at the bottom of the stairwell by the door.. we didn’t notice this “feature” until we got the coach home and I almost took the thing back just because of it too!

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety

      You may want to look at my project where I added wireless remote capability to my light-switch. It does not have dimmer capability, but it might give you a project idea.
      www.rv-project.com/projects/remoteauto1.php

  • @stormbytes
    @stormbytes Před 5 lety +4

    Why not explain how to wire up a high side dimmer switch (per the video title) ? Not that I don't enjoy the scenic route but for anyone wanting to skip the whole lecture and JUST wire the damn dimmer in place of a wall switch (switching positive leg). Simply tie the black & white leads together and attach to the wire leading to your fixture. Attach the red lead to the positive lead coming into the switch. Presto. You're done.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety +1

      I am sorry you did not like the way I presented the material.
      For every project video I produce, I also create a webpage that has additional information, including schematics of the various methods to wire the dimmer. I always state that in the videos and provide a link.
      The video is just a summary.
      My goal for RV-Project.Com is to be a catalyst for doing your own projects. In that regard, I provide background information necessary should you want to do something a bit different, or want to learn the how and the why.
      I never intended RV-Project.Com to be a step-by-step instruction. First, things change over time and what was correct at one time might no longer be correct later down the road.
      And then there is the Chinese wiring color codes. I don't feel comfortable in just telling people hook one color wire to another when there is no real color code standard in the RV industry.
      I have a copy of the RVIA/ANSI LV (Low Voltage) standard. There is nothing in that standard enforcing a color code.
      So it is also a liability thing...

  • @benjaminf1004
    @benjaminf1004 Před 2 lety

    I’ve tried watching several of your videos and always get confused. You use terms that laymen wouldn’t know I.e. highsight, low sight

  • @hero2006
    @hero2006 Před 5 lety +1

    Great information. Thanks for sharing.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Thank you for taking the time to comment.

  • @tikkin11
    @tikkin11 Před 5 lety +2

    very helpful.. and "doable" by us average types! All of your videos are very informative. Even the projects that are are above my skill level provide valuable tips and education, thanks for all the help! Are the led's used in most rv's dimmable or do we need to change out the light to do this?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety +1

      Most LED lights are dimmable, although there are a few older puck lights that don't dim very well. Those typically have a different internal LED driver called "switch mode". They can be dimmed, but not all dimmers can dim them, as it depends on several variables.
      I would try to dim the existing fixture in your RV, and only change it out if it does not work very well.

  • @LarryRichelli
    @LarryRichelli Před 4 lety

    I have a one year old grand design trailer and my light has only two wires. I hook up the black and red wires and the lights come on but much dimmer than normal with the dimmer switch all the way bright. I guess you would need a ground which mine doesn't seem to have.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 4 lety

      You did not specify what dimmer you have. There are many wiring configurations depending on whether the dimmer is "high side" or "low side".
      If you have the dimmer as shown in the video, I produce a corresponding webpage for every video with expanded information.
      The webpage for this video include several wiring diagrams. You can find the webpage at: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php
      Also, terms like high side and low side are explained in this video: czcams.com/video/wv7h8jDPZ8g/video.html

  • @nickbrozek7888
    @nickbrozek7888 Před 2 lety

    Can you leave that red wire just capped not used?

  • @blakekillingsworth7487

    Is it possible to update the 3 way diagram with full color wiring or show how it was actually connected? The positive DC on the left side of the diagram doesn’t show the color or specify if any colors are un-used between the switches. THANKS!

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 2 lety

      Most of my videos have a corresponding webpage with more info. The webpage for this project is: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php
      It should provide a better drawing.
      One risk with using wire colors in the RV world is that there are no standards.
      You really need to be careful here and make sure you properly identify the wire's function as the color of the wire may not be consistant. For example, in a RV, a black wire could be 120VAC (hot), DC +12V or DC ground.

    • @maryf.6679
      @maryf.6679 Před 2 lety

      @@RVProject Thank you, thank you for making this info available!! Have been searching the internet for ages trying to find a diagram for wiring a 12 v 3 way switch and finally lucked out by finding this reply with a pointer to your web page. Going to order my puck lights and switches this weekend.

  • @simonomis514
    @simonomis514 Před 3 lety +1

    Wondering where you got the other switch. I ordered one and it came with just two prongs. Where did ya find the one with three?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Whenever I do a project video, I also produce a project webpage with additional information. The webpage for this project is here: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php
      It provides connection options for the dimmer, as well as the sources for the items.
      The switch cannot be bought as a set - that is, you cannot buy the switch with the bezel in a SPDT 3-way configuration (3 contacts). You have to buy the switch and bezel separately.
      Sorry it is this awkward to do, but this is because the mfg does not offer the 3 way switch already in a bezel.
      Here is the bezel with two way switch (which you probably already have): amzn.to/3rzecRv
      And here is the SPDT 3-Way switch: amzn.to/2Pmc1DI
      Hope this helps.

    • @simonomis514
      @simonomis514 Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject Well I didn't know that, thanks for taking the extra time to respond. It's the little things we do that help a stranger that make the world a beautiful place. ✌

  • @dugdug007
    @dugdug007 Před 3 lety

    Good job
    What's it mean when you dim the 12 V
    LED pucks and they emit a buzzing sound?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Some LED pucks use PWM to control the amount of current they receive. However, most all LED dimmers also use PWM to dim the LEDs.
      There is no standard as to what the frequency that the puck PWM and dimmer PWM signals operate, and in some cases, there can be some interaction between those frequencies, which causes the buzzing sound.
      It's basically "luck of the draw" as to whether a particular model dimmer and puck will interact this way or not.

    • @dugdug007
      @dugdug007 Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject
      Should I replace the dimmer using the same model but hope it's operating on a different frequency?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety +1

      @@dugdug007 Due to component tolerances, you may find that there will be a minor difference in frequencies, but it might not be enough.
      In the dimmer shootout article I wrote on RV-Project.Com (www.rv-project.com/gear/dimmers.php) I have a chart showing the PWM frequency of a few different dimmers.
      Also, if your puck lights use PWM, you might never totally get rid of the buzzing without replacing them with non-PWM pucks, which are becoming more common.

  • @colthenrie1631
    @colthenrie1631 Před 3 lety

    This video has been super helpful for me. I have a super long run between my switches for the 3 way set up. Would it be possible to add a relay?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      Are you wanting to place a relay next to the dimmer and control it from a distance?
      You certainly could do that, buy perhaps you might want to look into a 433mhz wireless relay, then you would have plenty of range.
      Something like this: amzn.to/2HP3zsU
      As long as it has SPDT relay contacts, you can wire the relay output like you would a regular SPDT switch.
      The only caveat is you will use a bit of 12V power to both energize the relay and to run the remote receiver. This might be important in a boondocking situation.

    • @colthenrie1631
      @colthenrie1631 Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject Thanks for the reply again. I already have three wires about ~15ft each running to the location I want my SPDT Switch making 30ft power run to my dimmer if I did no relay. I have about 8ft from my distribution block to the dimmer. If I was to put a SPDT relay, would I put Normally Open (NO) in the 3-way location on the dimmer or can it be interchanged on the dimmer switch? Even powering a SPDT wired relay over a wireless relay, it seems like it would be a small parasitic draw when the relay is charged and in the NO position even when the lights are off on the dimmer switch. Maybe it might be worth running the power over the 30 ft run to the dimmer switch but just afraid of voltage drop. I am running 4 2-watt lights off the dimmer on 12 gauge wiring.

  • @justinhopkins5036
    @justinhopkins5036 Před 4 lety

    I cannot seem to find a non-dimming 3 way switch that matches the dimming switch you show cased. Any suggestions?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      For every youtube video I produce, I do a companion webpage with expanded information and sources. You will find a link to the 3-way switch there: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php

  • @mattjohnson2637
    @mattjohnson2637 Před 4 lety

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I am trying to install the same dimmer switch in my camper and my current switch only uses 2 wires. I can not see a 3rd set of wires as seen in your installation. Do you have any ideas how to make this dimmer switch work with my wiring scenario?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 4 lety +2

      Check out my associated website which shows several different wiring scenarios:
      www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php
      Although the original switch is not shown, refer to the first schematic on the webpage. You will see two wires labelled 12VDC in the schematic. This is the positive and negative wires. The positive wire should go to the switch.
      If you still cannot figure that out, let me know and I will add a schematic to my webpage showing how to replace the switch with the dimmer.

    • @Questionmarks237
      @Questionmarks237 Před 3 lety

      I'm having trouble getting the dimer to dim. I have the red and white connected properly (I think) as they turn the light on and off. But the dimmer does nothing?

  • @thediemaster
    @thediemaster Před 5 lety

    How do you get the 3/16th connector off the switch? Everytime I try the pin actually comes out of the switch and I have to buy a new switch.
    You also did not mention that dimmer module is +$80 dollars.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety

      I bought my dimmer for $29. Each project I do has an associated webpage at www.RV-Project.Com. At the website, I provide links to where I buy the stuff.
      Here is the link for the $29 dimmer: pdxrvwholesale.com/products/dimmer-on-off-switch-with-slide-switch-and-bezel-black-ah-sld1-5-hs001
      You may have to pay shipping, so you might end up buying it for less on Amazon with free shipping. Here is a link on Amazon where you can buy one for $35: amzn.to/2FL87wp
      In both cases, these are American Technology Components products, not JR Products. But American Technology is actually the OEM and about half the price.
      The connectors can be hard to pry off. if you plan on replacing the connector, you can cut it off I suppose. Also, there are different "gaps" available for the 0.187 connectors. You might try a larger gap connector.

  • @ajackson2967
    @ajackson2967 Před 4 lety +1

    Cannot understand why these dimmer switches are so EXPENSIVE!!! Ridiculous!

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 4 lety

      The dimmers are actually fairly complex, employing PWM drivers, high power mosfets, voltage regulators, and associated components. The part count can vary from a dozen to two dozen components..
      When I did the dimmer project (www.rv-project.com/projects/moad.php) the components (electronic parts, circuit boards, etc) for the dimmers cost around $25. While I bought these components at retail and I could have probably found a better price in quantity, there are other factors (component storage costs, etc) that tend to mitigate much of the cost differential.
      You also have to factor the cost of design, engineering, and testing which is not included in my $25 price point; and ultimately, the manufacturer, distributor, and retail all need to make some profit.

    • @ajackson2967
      @ajackson2967 Před 4 lety +1

      @@RVProject I understand all that but nearly 2-4 times more then a non-dimming switch is just plain crazy!

    • @Tom-In-Ga
      @Tom-In-Ga Před 4 lety +1

      I have to agree. I commented on this on a similar video that Tito made. Cost of manufacture is probably less then $2. And if anyone thinks this switch is made in America and the quality is great, think again. I purchased one and sent it back because it was assembled wrong. Switch was reversed internally and contacts would not connect. Easily fixable but for $35 to $40, you'd think it would come assembled correctly. I bought a couple of cheaper dimmers (less then $15) and they work perfectly. No buzzing or flicker that I can detect on my 2019 Phoenix fifth wheel that has all LEDs.

  • @Bwanar1
    @Bwanar1 Před 3 lety

    I don’t think their way is that confusing, as that is how we wire AC power here in the US. Blk being positive, only white is neutral.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety +1

      The issue as I see it is 12VDC is using the same color code as 120VAC. This is not the best practice as wiring codes should be for a specific purpose.
      The defacto standard of course for DC wiring is 12VDC = RED and 12V GND = Black. Even that can be confusing to some, so the ABYC recommends 12V "Safety Wire", where 12VDC = RED and 12V GND = Yellow.
      Like a RV, larger boats have both AC and DC wiring. Therefore, the possibilities are Black representing 120VAC ungrounded, 12V Ground, and +12VDC.

    • @Bwanar1
      @Bwanar1 Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject Agreed...you pretty much have to read and test everything, not assuming.

  • @ALGO49able
    @ALGO49able Před 5 lety

    Please cam
    you post the link for the black one that you used !

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety

      For all of my projects, I also publish a companion webpage that has extended information, wiring diagrams, and links to the items I use. You can find the project webpage here: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php

  • @ryanwaszak7699
    @ryanwaszak7699 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the video! Would you be willing to show a more detailed diagram on your site for wiring two, 3-way dimmer switches to a single lighting circuit? I cant seem to figure it out between the our video, diagrams, and comments with @Amanda Roosa
    In the diagram, it shows the top (3 way) tabs connect with a traveler, then from the line source, the line source connects to the red wire of the first switch.
    The second switch connects to the light and so the black and white wires to go the load per usual. The top 3 way tab is connected to the other switch as mentioned. This leaves switch two with an unused red wire and switch one with an unused black and white wire. I've tried every combo of the unused wires to no avail. I can wire a single dimmer 3 way switch no problem but am failing when trying the second.
    Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 2 lety

      You cannot wire more than two switches into a 3-way circuit.

    • @ryanwaszak7699
      @ryanwaszak7699 Před 2 lety

      @@RVProject Thanks for the reply. It is only two switches. Both of them dimmers. Same as the dimmer in your video, but instead of only one of them being a dimmer they both are.

  • @IndianaFr0g
    @IndianaFr0g Před 3 lety +1

    When not on shore power, have you had or seen any flickering of your led lights when using the water pump or other 12v power usage?
    I put a "cheap" 2 lead only dial --> www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C4UBMY6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and when I turn water on (when boondocking) the lights will flicker with the running of the pump.
    Thoughts?

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 2 lety +1

      I have not. But each RV is different, and flickering can happen if the wiring results in a voltage drop in the lighting circuit when running the pump.

  • @colthenrie1631
    @colthenrie1631 Před 4 lety

    Great video! It's helping me significantly! Having a hard time finding some reliable 0.187 connectors. Do you have a link to ones you prefer to order yourself? I looked through your website, but I could have easily missed it. Thanks!

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 4 lety

      0.187 Spade Lug Connectors: amzn.to/3fnD6P1

    • @colthenrie1631
      @colthenrie1631 Před 4 lety

      @@RVProject Thanks! I think I am fighting a battle uphill trying to stick with 12 gauge of wiring with these puck lights. (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ODSAQBI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) With a 3 way wiring, it will be an easy 30-50 ft from power source. I may just need to drop down to 14 to 16 gauge to make it easier on myself.

  • @robertbdesmond
    @robertbdesmond Před 3 lety

    Could you please come over to my RV and wire my RECPRO dimmer switch? I have 2 wires coming out of the wall in my RV, and 4 wires coming out of my dimmer switch. I have installed 50 house dimmers in my lifetime, and none of the houses have burned down yet. I can't figure out how to connect this RECPRO dimmer switch!

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      This might help: www.rv-project.com/gear/dimmers2.php

  • @shocks8699
    @shocks8699 Před 3 lety

    Hello where do I find the 3 way switch without the dimmer. You used 2 switches but only provided links to the 3way dimmer and not the other 3way. Can you please provide link so I can purchase it.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      On the project page at my website: www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.php I provide a link to a matching 3 way switch.
      Unfortunately, you cannot buy it in one piece. You must buy the bezel and on-off switch ( amzn.to/389QEMj ) then a replacement 3 way switch ( amzn.to/2LjJWut ) and insert it into the bezel.
      There is probably a complete unit available somewhere, but I have not found it.
      I have to state though, this would be for a matching 3-way switch. You can use any SPDT (without center-off) switch that is rated for DC voltage and it will work.
      See my video "All about switches... for your RV" for a discussion of switches. czcams.com/video/Bv7V2uVGevg/video.html

    • @shocks8699
      @shocks8699 Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject
      does the switch need to be a
      on/on switch

    • @shocks8699
      @shocks8699 Před 3 lety

      I had another question about your website. remote control lighting in different rooms. Can they also be on a dimmer? how do you control various rooms with remote

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety

      @@shocks8699 Yes. The typical 3-way switch will be ON-ON, or ON-NONE-ON

  • @ALGO49able
    @ALGO49able Před 5 lety

    What brand or RV did you made this installation in ???

  • @rollandbrower7827
    @rollandbrower7827 Před 5 lety

    Do you have a link where you found this.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 5 lety

      There is a link in the description of the video and on my webpage (www.rv-project.com/projects/sofadimmer.pjp)

  • @meowzic
    @meowzic Před 3 lety

    I wonder if you can just a 120v dimmer switch instead. For such a small simple device, these are stupidly expensive for some reason.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety +1

      A 120VAC dimmer will not work.
      LED capable dimmers are actually more complex than you might think. LEDs work differently than incandescent lighting and require more complex Pulse-Width-Modulation circuits. 120VAC dimmers are more simple and less expensive to build. When I designed my PWM dimmers, my cost in just components was around $25 per dimmer.
      I also suspect there is an economy of scale as 12V dimmers are pretty much limited to the RV and marine industry.

    • @meowzic
      @meowzic Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject I see. How do AC 120v dimmers work with LED lighting?

    • @meowzic
      @meowzic Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject so a simple potentiometer wouldn't work as a dimmer?

    • @meowzic
      @meowzic Před 3 lety

      @@RVProject I'm thinking about buying touch 12v dimmers since they are cheaper and I need to buy quite a few for my project, but unsure how well those will work plus I like the control a potentiometer gives you.

    • @RVProject
      @RVProject  Před 3 lety +1

      @@meowzic from a technology standpoint, they work similarly, but the voltage differences between 120VAC and 12VDC are such that the component values would be too far off to work properly.