Dimmer
Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Dimmer/Bulb Compatibility 2
Wiring Options 3
Dimmer Styles 4-6
Basic Lighting Terms 7
Dimmers oer an ideal way to create
ambiance in a room or adjust lighting for a
specific task or activity. Leviton oers a wide
range of dimmers to suit every bulb preference
and lifestyle. Our selection of LED compatible
dimmers helps ensure smooth, flicker-free
dimming when used with the latest LED bulbs;
and our line of Smart dimmers is the perfect
way to control lighting by app or voice from
within your home or while away.
Dimmers easily replace standard switches
and can be used in any room of the home
such as family rooms, dining rooms, kitchens
and bedrooms. There are several factors to
consider when choosing a dimmer. This guide
will provide insight into the options available
so you can decide which is the right solution
to enhance your living environment.
Dimmer/Bulb Compatibility
Choosing the right dimmer and bulb combination can be a confusing task, especially because there are so many
dierent types of dimmers and bulbs on the market. Today, LED bulbs are the most common. Our LED Compatibility
Selector Tool (leviton.com/led) makes it easy to find the best dimmer and LED bulb combinations to avoid potential
issues such as lights flickering, limited dimming range, slow start-up, or inconsistent illumination.
The chart below provides some helpful hints pertaining to the most common types of dimmers you may see on
the market. It will give you a better understanding of the types of bulbs to use with them for the best dimming
experience based on your application.
Dimmer Type Helpful Hints
LED
(Light Emitting Diode)
Incandescent/Halogen
CFL
(Compact Fluorescent Lamp)
Works with dimmable LED bulbs. Some models
may also be compatible with incandescent,
dimmable CFL and magnetic low voltage bulbs.
Provides full-range dimming, smooth start-up,
and eliminates flickering of lights.
Works with incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Works with dimmable CFL bulbs. Some models
may also be compatible with incandescent,
dimmable LED and magnetic low voltage bulbs.
Be sure the bulb package indicates DIMMABLE.
Most bulb and dimmer manufacturers have
compatibility information listed on their
websites to help guide you to finding the
perfect pairing.
Visit: leviton.com/LED
These types of dimmers are not designed to
control LED and CFL bulbs and using them to
do so may result in inconsistent or limited
performance. Many incandescent dimmers do
not have LED ratings and therefore cannot be
used with LED bulbs.
Be sure the bulb package indicates DIMMABLE.
Provides full-range dimming, smooth start-up,
and eliminates flickering of lights.
E LV
(Electronic Low Voltage)
M LV
(Magnetic Low Voltage)
0-10V LED dimming protocol used when control
Fluorescent Works with fluorescent fixtures that
Works with electronic low voltage transformers
used in low voltage fixtures and dimmable LED
power supplies such as those found in ELV track
lighting, under cabinet lighting and LED strips.
Works with magnetic low voltage transformers
used in low voltage lighting fixtures and are
suitable for recessed lights that are magnetic
low voltage. Often found in under cabinet
lighting and recessed lights.
signal is DC voltage that varies between
zero and ten volts. Common in controlling
fluorescent dimming ballasts and some drivers
for LED lighting. Used in indoor and outdoor
lighting in high-end residential and commercial
spaces.
incorporate rapid start fluorescent bulbs
and dimming ballasts.
ELV Dimmers require a neutral wire for
installation and perform well when paired
with LED bulbs. Also referred to as trailing-edge
and reverse phase dimmers.
Magnetic low voltage transformers tend to be
larger and heavier than electronic low voltage.
Often dimming ballasts and dimming LED power
supplies use 0-10V control signals to control the
dimming functions. In order to choose the proper
control, be sure to know the maximum “sinking”
current needed to control the ballast. Use the
“sinking” capability of the dimmer and divide by
the source current of each ballast to determine
the maximum number of ballasts that can be
controlled by that device.
2
Wiring Options
All dimmers are designed for either single pole, 3-way or multi-location applications. Some models
are single pole and 3-way capable. Be sure to reference the packaging to choose the proper dimmer
based on the application.
Single Pole
Controls light(s) from one location.
3-Way
Controls light(s) from two locations. Usually, in a 3-way application, the dimmer is at one location from
which the user can switch the light(s) ON/OFF and adjust the brightness level. The second location is
generally a 3-way switch that only allows the user to switch the light(s) ON/OFF.
Multi-Location
Controls lights from three or more locations. Designed for larger areas or rooms, the dimmer is at one location
and the companion dimmers are in the other locations. The user can switch the lights ON/OFF and adjust the
brightness level from all locations.
3
Dimmer Styles
Dimmers come in a variety of styles to meet both decorative and functional needs.
Voice Dimmer with
Amazon Alexa Built-in
Decora Smart®
Dimmer
Decora Smart®
Plug-in Dimmer
Decora Smart®
Today, SMART technology is everywhere – including in dimmers. Leviton Decora Smart® dimmers are available
with Wi-Fi®, Z-Wave®, Zigbee or Bluetooth® technologies to bring app control or voice command dimming with
Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to your home. Imagine using your voice or your smartphone or tablet to
dim and time your lights from inside your home or while away. Decora Smart dimmers make it easy to enjoy
scheduling lighting events, full-range dimming, adjustable fade rates and other exciting functions to create
ambiance, enhance safety and make every day living more convenient. Smart dimmers come in wall mount
and plug-in options to meet every need.
Control from anywhere
using the My Leviton
Application
Set up Wi-Fi Internet Internet Bluetooth
Hub required No Yes Yes No
app or hands-free
using your voice
(Amazon Alexa,
Google Assistant)
Control from anywhere
using a compatible
Z-Wave hub
Control from
anywhere using a
Zigbee Certified hub
Single point solution
using the Leviton
Decora DigitalTM Dimmer
& Timer app
App set up on smart device Yes Yes Yes Yes
Smart device compatible iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android
4
Decora
®
Good design stands the test of time and our hallmark Decora brand is no exception. From the first Decora
switch introduced in 1973 to a full collection of products today, Decora has set the industry standard for
style and performance.
Digital Dimmers
Provide full-range dimming with fade on/fade
o appearance, a Decora rocker switch for
ON/OFF and separate dim/bright bar. Includes ability
to set maximum brightness level, low end dimming
range and fade rates.
Slide Dimmers
Utilize a slide bar to control the level of light.
The ON/OFF function varies by model and may
be either a rocker switch or push-button switch.
The separate ON/OFF function preserves the
dimming level that has been set.
Traditional
For a traditional home, the classic style of Rotary or Toggle dimmers oer the ideal way to
upgrade the functionality of devices without compromising the character of the décor.
Toggle Dimmers
A traditional switch turns the lights ON/OFF and
a separate slide bar that moves up and down is
used to adjust the light level. Some models utilize
the actual toggle switch to control dimming.
Rotary Dimmers
Switch the lights ON/OFF by either turning
or pushing the knob. Once the lights are ON,
lighting may be adjusted to the desired level
by rotating the knob.
5
Other Styles
Aside from the more common dimmers just discussed, the following dimmer types are also available
to meet more specific needs:
1
Plug-in Lamp Dimmers
Designed to provide dimming control for plug-in lamps,
rather than for lighting fixtures. They come in four styles:
1) Smart Plug-in Dimmer - control your plug-in lamps
from anywhere. No wiring is required.
2) Table Top - the cord of this dimmer is plugged into
the outlet. Then the cord from the lamp is plugged
into an outlet on the dimmer. The dimmer sits on a
table or desk providing easy access to regulate the
level of light desired. No wiring is required.
3) Cord - installed directly on the cord of the lamp.
4) Socket - replaces the standard bulb holder on
lamps allowing dimming by turning the knob.
2
3
4
Dimming Sensor
Combines a dimmer with the energy savings
and convenience of a motion sensor.
6
Basic Lighting Terms
Watt – a measurement of the rate at which electrical energy is dissipated.
Lumen – a measurement of illumination or brightness. The higher the lumen value, the brighter the bulb.
Kelvin – LED bulbs have a range of what is known as “color temperature”, which is measured in Kelvin units.
It is the number of Kelvin units that make some LEDs appear stark white and others radiate a warmer hue
similar to the incandescent bulbs we are used to.
Kelvin Color
Temperature
Ambiance
Applications
2700K 3000K 3500K 4100K 5000K
Cozy
Personal
Living/Family
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Relaxing Friendly Clean Institution
Living/Family
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Garage
Basement
Commercial
Industrial
Heat Sink - 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 o the fins before installing. Please refer to installation instructions for when it is necessary to
remove the fins.
Derating – 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. By removing the fin, it 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.
Dimmer Type 1 Dimmer 2 Dimmers 3 Dimmers
LED/CFL No derating required
Incandescent/Halogen 600W per dimmer 500W per dimmer 400W per dimmer
E LV 400VA 350VA 250VA
Neutral Wire - for dimmers with higher ratings,
or advanced technology, a neutral wire may
be required for operation. The neutral wire is
generally white and serves as a “path home”
for the additional electricity used to power
the dimmer.
Visit our Website at: www.leviton.com/dimmers
© 2020 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks within are the property of their respective owners.
Ground Leakage – some dimmers mention that a
ground is required for installation. Similar to the neutral
wire, some additional electricity may be needed to power
the dimmer. These dimmers release very small amounts
of power through the ground line, while also ensuring
complete safety is maintained.
JA-071320
7
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