Why Replace a Wall Switch with a Dimmer Switch?
What Type of Dimmer Switch Do You Need?
The dimmer switch you need is based on the application and how many lights you are controlling. Download this infographic.
Decora Smart® Dimmer Switches
Smart home lighting you can control from anywhere
- Use the My Leviton app, a time schedule, or your voice to set the scene and manage lights, electronics, and small appliances with Decora Smart Wi-Fi devices. You can start small with a smart switch to control your porch light or go BIG and outfit your entire home. Decora Smart Wi-Fi is customizable to meet your specific needs.
Decora Dimmer Switches
Great design stands the test of time
- Our Decora brand has set the industry standard for style and performance. Our robust collection of digital and slide dimmers offers contemporary elegance and adds a finishing touch to any room.
Decora Digital™ Dimmers Decora Slide® Dimmers IllumaTech® Dimmers SureSlide® Dimmers
Traditional
Classic look with modern performance
- For traditional homes, our Toggle and Rotary style dimmers offer the ideal way to upgrade functionality and support the latest bulb technology without compromising the character of the décor.
Toggle Dimmers Rotary Dimmers
Tabletop and Specialty Dimmers
Stylish solutions that make dimming easy and convenient
- For more specific needs we offer dimming sensors, a fan speed/dimmer combination, Plug-in Tabletop and Lamp Cord dimmers, Renu® dimmers available in 20 popular colors and a full line of commercial dimmers.
Key Features of Leviton Dimmers
Explore our Dimmer Switches
Find a Compatible LED Bulb
Dimmer and bulb compatibility are important for great lighting. Use our LED Bulb Compatibility Selector Tool to find the perfect match for your Leviton dimmer! It’s available online or on the go using the Leviton2Go mobile app.
Dimmer Frequently Asked Questions
First determine what type of bulb you are controlling. There are dimmers designed to work with specific types of bulbs and fixtures in order to get the best dimming results. Next understand your wiring. If you are replacing an existing light switch, do you have neutral wiring or not? Generally older homes do not have a neutral wire in the wallbox. Are you controlling the dimmer from one location or multiple locations? Finally, think about the style of dimmer you want. Leviton has modern as well as more traditional styles to choose from. Download our dimmer buying guide for more assistance.
LED dimmers are designed to work with dimmable LED, dimmable CFL, incandescent and halogen bulbs. Some models will also work with Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) and Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) loads. Leviton recommends only LED bulbs that are labeled DIMMABLE be used. The packaging on the bulb should identify it as dimmable.
Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) dimmers incorporate reverse-phase dimming control, which tends to provide enhanced performance with dimmable LED bulbs. Before using an ELV dimmer with LED/CFL bulbs, ensure the dimmer indicates that it is listed for use with these bulb types. ELV dimmers require connection to a neutral wire, which is often not available in older construction. In addition, Electronic Low Voltage dimmers are typically a more expensive solution.
No, Leviton’s LED dimmers are two wire devices that can replace any standard wall switch, which make them ideal in older homes that may not have a neutral wire in the wallbox.
The neutral wire is generally white and serves as a “path home” for the additional electricity used to power the dimmer. Some dimmers with higher ratings, or advanced technology, require a neutral wire for operation. Be sure to refer to the dimmer specifications on the packaging to find out if a neutral wire is required.
Single pole means controlling light(s) from one location. 3-way is the ability to control light(s) from two separate locations. Multi-Location or Multi-Way is the ability to control light(s) from 3 or more locations.
We strongly recommend you use the same light source to achieve consistent performance from bulb to bulb. If you choose to mix bulb types on the same dimmer, it is possible that you will experience a variation in dimming performance and start up characteristics.
Some dimmers contain a metal mounting strap that has fins designed to dissipate heat from the device. If more than one dimmer is being installed in a multi-gang application, the user may be required to break off the fins before installing. Please refer to installation instructions for when it is necessary to remove the fins.
Derating may be required if you have two or more dimmers sharing a wallbox to help dissipate the internal heat of the dimmer. Some dimmers will have fins (heat sink) on the side which will need to be removed. This decreases the wattage capacity that the dimmer can control. Be sure to refer to the dimmer instruction sheet for fin removal. Derating is NOT required when using dimmable LED or dimmable CFL bulbs. Refer to the derating chart in the instructions for maximum load per dimmer.
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