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[scali2018]

Do you need to use x10 companion switches with a 3-way dimmer set up, or are the standard switched ok to keep in place?   What would be the issue if the x10 dimmer is on a slave circuit versus the main?

thanks in advance for you help.

[bkenobi]

If you are asking if you can remove the companion switch and just use the main switch, then I have done it and it seems to work.  I wouldn't design it that way since it's a bit of a waste.  There are newer switches that work this way and are documented too (e.g., WS469).

[scali2018]

Thanks for the reply. I don't think I was very clear on my question.  I am wondering if I can keep the old (leviton) companion switches and just replace the main switch with the X10.  I know x10 sells the companion switches, but I wonder if they are necessary, and if so what do they do that a standard leviton switch doesn't?

[Brian H]

Is the Leviton companion switch a mechanical standard type or the Leviton companion switch for their automation line of switches.
If it is a standard mechanical one. Yes it has to be replaced with an X10 one.
It is different. It does not switch between two traveler wires between the switches in a three way setup. It connects AC line to the control input on the X10 switch when you momentarily push it. As it is a momentary type switch.

Here is the instructions for the WS4777/CS277 three way switch set.
http://www.authinx.com/manuals/X10/WS4777-CS277.pdf

The standard X10 WS467 switch will not work with the CS277 Companion as it has no control input wire. So no three way.
http://www.authinx.com/manuals/X10/ws467.pdf

The Decorator style WS12 dimmer, WS13 Relay On/Off both have a control input and can be used in a three way with a WS14 Companion.
http://www.authinx.com/manuals/X10/WS12A.pdf
http://www.authinx.com/manuals/X10/WS13A.pdf

WS469 Relay On/Off type. Needs a Neutral power connection.
http://www.authinx.com/manuals/X10/ws469.pdf