Dimmer
Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Dimmer and 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 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.
There are several factors to consider when
choosing a dimmer. This guide will provide
insight into the options available so you
can choose the right solution to enhance
your home.
Dimmer/Bulb Compatibility
Choosing the right dimmer and bulb combination is a valuable first step to help ensure that you experience carefree
dimming for years to come. There are many dierent types of dimmers and bulbs on the market, but not all dimmers are
designed to control all types of bulbs. LEDs are the most popular bulbs used in homes today because they are energy
ecient, aordable and have a long life span.
The chart below provides helpful information pertaining to dimmer and bulb compatibility.
Dimmer Function/Application Helpful Hints
LED
(Light Emitting Diode)
Incandescent/Halogen - Works with incandescent and halogen bulbs - These types of dimmers are not designed to
- 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
- It’s important to have a good dimmer/bulb
pairing to avoid incompatibility issues such as
flickering, limited dimming range, slow start-up
or inconsistent illumination
- Be sure the bulb package indicates DIMMABLE
- Most bulb and dimmer manufacturers have
compatibility information listed on their websites
- Leviton’s compatibility tool can be found at:
leviton.com/LED
control LED bulbs (not LED rated) and using them
may result in inconsistent or limited performance
CFL
(Compact Fluorescent Lamp)
E LV
(Electronic Low Voltage)
M LV
(Magnetic Low Voltage)
0-10V - LED dimming protocol used when control signal
Fluorescent - Works with fluorescent fixtures that
- Works with dimmable CFL bulbs
- Some models may also be compatible with
incandescent, dimmable LED and magnetic low
voltage bulbs
- Provides full-range dimming, smooth start-up,
and eliminates flickering of lights
- Works with electronic low voltage transformers
used in low voltage fixtures and dimmable LED
power supplies
- ELV track lighting, under cabinet lighting and
LED strips
- Works with magnetic low voltage transformers
used in low voltage lighting fixtures
- Suitable for recessed lights that are magnetic
low voltage such as under cabinet lighting and
recessed lights
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
- Be sure the bulb package indicates DIMMABLE
- 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
- 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 dimmer companions are in the other locations. The user can switch the lights ON/OFF and adjust the
brightness level from all locations.
Decora Smart® Wi-Fi® Dimmers can also be used with Wire-Free Dimmer Companions. Wire-Free Companions are
wireless and adhere to any interior surface to create another dimmer location.
WIRED WIRE-FREE
(Decora Smart Wi-Fi only)
3
Decora Smart® Wi-Fi® Dimmers
Today, smart technology is everywhere – including in dimmers. Leviton Decora Smart dimmers bring app control
or voice command dimming with Amazon AlexaTM, Google HomeTM or Apple Home®/Siri® 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 models that work in newer and older homes with wall mount and plug-in
options to meet every need.
D26HD D2MSD D23LP
Dimmer
- Connects to a Wi-Fi
network and the My
Leviton app to provide
wireless dimming
- Use your voice with
Hey Google, Amazon
Alexa or Apple Siri to
dim and brighten
connected lighting
- Use the My Leviton app
to control light level or
adjust schedules
DN6HD, MLWSB
No-Neutral Dimmer
and Wi-Fi Bridge
- Ideal for use in older
homes or in homes
without neutral wiring
in the wallbox
- Remote control, easy
scheduling and voice
command, without
requiring a neutral wire
for installation
- To enable smart functionality, this dimmer requires a
Wi-Fi Bridge which is a small,
discreet plug-in
Motion Sensing Dimmer
- Provides the benefits
of a smart dimmer plus
hands-free motion
detection
- Use the My Leviton
app for easy set up
and adjustment of
schedules, dimmer and
motion sensor settings,
and remote control of
lighting
- Motion features such
as night preset light
levels, motion snooze
and room occupancy
response are easily
configured through
the app
Indoor Mini
Plug-In Dimmer
- An easy, aordable way
to add smart lighting
control to any room
without wiring, just plug
into an outlet
- Use your voice with your
favorite voice assistant
or the My Leviton app
to dim and brighten
connected lamps
- Custom settings for
preset light levels, fade
rates, and bulb types
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.
®
LED Dimmers
DDL06
Decora Digital®
- Decora rocker switch
for On/O and separate dim/bright bar
- Includes ability to set
maximum brightness
level, low end dimming
range and fade rates
DSL06 IPL06 6674
Decora Slide
- Slide bar to control the level of light
- Separate On/O function preserves the dimming level that has been set
and varies by model, may be either a rocker switch or push-button switch
IllumaTech
®
SureSlide
®
Traditional LED Dimmers
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.
Trimatron® Rotary
- Switch lights On/O
by pushing the knob
- Adjust to the desired
level by rotating the
knob
Toggle Slide
- Traditional switch turns
the lights On/O
- Separate slide bar that
moves up and down to
adjust the light level
RDL06/RNL06
TSL06
5
Lamp Dimmers
Aside from the more common dimmers, lamp dimmers provide dimming control for plug-in lamps.
TBL03
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
6250
Cord
- Installed directly on
the cord of the lamp
to regulate the level of
light desired
- No wiring is required
6151
Socket
- Replaces the standard
bulb holder on lamps
allowing dimming by
turning the knob
6
Common 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 Cozy Relaxing Friendly Clean Institution
Applications
2700K 3000K 3500K 4100K 5000K
- Living/Family Room
- Dining Room
- Bedroom
- Living/Family Room
- Dining Room
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- 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 which 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.
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.
Visit our Website at: www.leviton.com/dimmers
© 2023 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks within are the property of their respective owners.
JA-071320V2
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