Best Dimmer Switches in 2022

Last update: January 20, 2023

Can a dimmer switch cause a breaker to trip?

Dimmer switches are designed to regulate the flow of electricity to a light bulb in order to dim the light. However, if a dimmer switch is not compatible with the light bulb or the electrical circuit, it can cause the breaker to trip.

Can dimmer switches be used with LED lights?

Yes, dimmer switches can be used with LED lights. Dimmer switches work by controlling the amount of power that flows to the light, which in turn controls the brightness of the light. When used with LED lights, dimmer switches can help to create the perfect ambiance for any room.

Can you put a dimmer switch on any light?

Dimmer switches are a great way to save energy and extend the life of your lightbulbs. But can you put a dimmer switch on any light? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all dimmer switches are compatible with all lightbulbs. So be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions to see if your dimmer switch is compatible with your lightbulbs. Second, dimmer switches work best with LED and CFL lightbulbs. If you're using incandescent or halogen lightbulbs, you may

Do dimmer switches need special wiring?

Dimmer switches are devices used to control the brightness of a light. They are often used in rooms where a lot of light is not needed, such as bedrooms and living rooms. Dimmer switches need special wiring because they use a low voltage to control the light. This wiring is different from the wiring used for regular light switches.


Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with Remote (Requires Hue Hub, Installation-Free, Smart Home, Exclusively for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs) Review:


The Philips Hue system is fantastic. What you should know is as follows.The Bulbs: Do the job well. They are more radiant than any other A19/E26 bulb offered by Hue. But they cannot be made to change in color or temperature. Personally, when getting ready for bed, I want more than just a soft light. I want a cosy glow. I want the blue light turned off. Therefore, I would strongly advise customers to upgrade to the following light kit that Hue sells. It only costs $10 to $15 more, and in addition to being dimmable, it will provide warm to cool light. Because I like how bright it is and don't often want to fall asleep in the shower, I only use this bulb there.The Switches: I love these switches. Without a bridge, they may control up to ten bulbs simultaneously. No more purchases are necessary.Additionally, they have a piece of ferrous metal in the center, which gives them heaviness and makes them magnetic. They can therefore simply click into the given wall switch as a result. Additionally, it implies that magnets can be placed inside of furniture and still adhere to it. Take a look at these images of my nightstand. The fact that this is feasible is fantastic.These bulbs aren't really very adaptable in comparison to other Hue bulbs, as was already said. The switches in this kit work great if you want to add a dimmer switch to the rest of your Hue bulbs, though. My experience was upgraded right away.All of my other bulbs can emit soft light at various brightness levels. But using a phone to access them requires 1) staring at the screen while getting ready for bed, and 2) doing at least 8 taps and swipes to reach the scene I want to open. I can activate at least 15 different features and scenes with the help of these switches. And that's fantastic. It's practical. It's enjoyable. And it's fantastic. (For instance, the dim button performs a different task when I hold it down as opposed to pressing it. Additionally, when I press it while all the lights are off, it does a different action. Why else would I be dimmering the dark? Not from me. In that particular situation, I changed the Dim Down button into another On button.)Now, in order to use all of the features of a dimmer switch, another app must be used in addition to the Hue app, which is free. However, Philips has authorized it and it is simple to carry out.You don't even need to get out of bed to control everything in your room.These wall plates are fantastic as well. The wall plate separates to reveal a concealed chamber where screws can be used to secure the plate to the wall, and they include a built-in 3M adhesive you can use to glue them to the wall. You CAN use these to replace your switch plates, despite what some people have said! I've done it. (Check out my fourth photo.) It can be fastened into the walls on either side of your light socket thanks to the broad screw holes.Be aware that the Hue ecosystem is built to function with the power source always on. Consider having the wall switch left on all the time and having to use your phone, dimmer switches, or other electronic devices to turn the light on or off. Therefore, to install this switch in my bathroom, I first removed the old switch, linked the wires so it would be on constantly, and then set the Philips wall plate over the original hole and secured it with screws. Nothing has changed.I haven't utilized the supplied adhesive because I wanted something more reusable and releasable. In my bedroom, I simply kept my previous wall switches in the on position and attached the plates above and to the sides of the switches using 3M Command Strip Velcro adhesive strips. (View my second image.) Additionally available on Amazon, 3M velcro adhesive enables me to temporarily remove the plate whenever I need to without leaving any traces on the walls.Buyer Beware and Criticism1) Bulbs: The temperature of these bulbs cannot be changed. This is a significant issue for me. I only have one of these bulbs, which I put over my shower precisely for this purpose. I only ever genuinely want a full-light shower. I want my lights to provide better light coverage in all of my rooms, bathrooms, closets, and other areas. I want soft light when it's time for bed, not merely dull light.The plus side is that this bulb will not get more productive with any Philips Hue updates; by purchasing this kit, you are purchasing all of your future needs. (No app or bridge is necessary.) These bulbs have no upside, which is a drawback, and I personally find that switching to warm light and dimming is necessary while getting ready for bed.2) Switches: I wish that the symmetry of these remote controls weren't present. Although I don't immediately consider it, the remote does have a small bump on the rear to aid in clicking into the wall plate. In addition, there is nothing else to indicate which way I should be holding the switch when I grab it in the middle of the night, and I frequently press the on button when I meant to press the off button.Since this particular set's light can only be turned on, off, and muted, the app isn't really applicable, however for those wishing to support the Philips ecosystem, the app is.. okay.It is simple to rectify this with officially approved third-party "Friends of Hue Apps" created by other providers, however you should be aware that these do cost money. However, using an aftermarket app, my dimmer switch has 15 different functions from only 4 buttons, so I strongly advise making the purchase. The lights in my room and the entire home can be turned off. (Theoretically, 24 separate situations may exist, in my opinion.)In conclusion:This item is reliable. The Philips Hue eosystem comes highly recommended. The app may be awkward, but it dramatically improves a room with just one purchase thanks to excellent workarounds like the dimmer switch.



Lutron Caseta Wireless Wallplate Bracket for Pico Remote, PICO-WBX-ADAPT Review:


I adore using this to mount Pico remote controls to the wall so they appear to be regular light switches, such as the Lutron Caseta Wireless Pico Remote for Audio, Works with Sonos, PJ2-3BRL-GWH-A02, White. Although it would be best to place this inside a gang box, it can be mounted to a wallplate like the Eaton PJS263W Decorator Screwless Wallplate, 3-Gang, White by removing the plastic cover on the rear. It does, however, protrude just a little. Because the sheetrock currently just barely protrudes from the wall, I might scrape away some of it to make it sit flush. However, it still has a nice appearance, and controlling Sonos from the wall rather than my phone is quite handy.



Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant | for LED Light Bulbs, Incandescent Bulbs and Halogen Bulbs | PD-6WCL-WH | White Review:


In contrast to the reviews from 2014, *IF* linked with the Lutron Smart Bridge (version 2), this is now an Apple HomeKit Certified connected home device!Since I bought it a few weeks ago, it has exceeded my expectations.I've listed the advantages and disadvantages I've noticed below.PRO:*Can be operated by the dimmer's four physical buttons, a connected app, and a five-button remote.* 150 watt LED load or 600 watt incandescent/halogen load* Reliably prompt and responsive.* Smooth Dimming on LED, Incandescent, and Halogen throughout the Board* RF Wireless Range that is Stunning* No Neutral Wire is necessary* Comes with an RF Pico Remote with memory that can connect to more Caseta products.* Can connect to other Caseta products to sync with them* Simple Setup* If used with iOS devices and the Lutron Bridge, Secure Encryption* Exceptional Build Quality from a Reputable Lighting Brand* Completely Silent makes no audible hum, buzz, click, or other noises.* Can be operated via remote control or a physical control panel if the hub is absent or unavailable (you won't be able to manage it using a smartphone or tablet app, though).* If using version 2 of the Bridge, it is Apple HomeKit Certified, allowing you to utilize Siri on your iOS smartphone to change the brightness and power status of all or specific lights. NICE!!CON:* Employed the exclusive "Clear Connect" wireless control protocol from Lutron.* Power outages prevent dimming from returning to its former state when it is set to Full ON.* Only the Pico Remote has a memory button; the Wall Switch control panel does not.The dimmer has some restrictions, but I believe the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. I do suggest this system to anyone who already owns a Smart Bridge from Lutron or another type of hub that is compatible with it.Much appreciation for reading my review!Please select "Yes" at the top if it was helpful.If not, I appreciate feedback and queries.



Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch and Pico Remote Kit, Works with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and the Google Assistant | P-PKG1WB-WH | White Review:


These are excellent dimmers, but they can only be used in homes with a neutral wire (usually a cluster of white wires in the very back of the junction box, found in newer homes built since the 80s). Additionally, there is a software fault in these switches that prevents you from setting precise trim levels, as I confirmed with Lutron tech support on 3/31/2017. Here is an explanation of the firmware bug fix.The first thing you should be aware of with this switch is that it can cause your LEDs to continue to buzz unless you change the phasing from forward to reverse. The Advanced Caseta Installation guide contains inaccurate or at the very least ambiguous instructions. The appropriate procedure to change the phasing from magnetic low voltage (MLV) to electronic low voltage (ELV), which is the phasing type favored by LED lights, is to:1. For 3 seconds, pull out the little concealed tab at the switch's bottom. Then, push the tab back in.2. Press and hold the On and Off buttons simultaneously for around 10 seconds.3. The LEDs at the top and bottom either glow or flash. The switch is in MLV mode if the top LED flashes. The switch is in ELV mode if the bottom LED flashes. Press the Favorite button until the appropriate LED flashes to switch between settings. Use the bottom ELV mode if you are using LED lights.4. After holding Off for around 6 seconds, commit the phase change.The buzz in LED lights is removed by the aforementioned steps.The upper and lower trim functions on this switch enable you to build a linear dimming range, which is the second item you need to be aware of. This is particularly beneficial for LED bulbs since they typically cannot be dimmed as low as incandescents. The upper and lower trim functions are included on all Caseta dimmers, but because of a fault in the firmware implementation on the PD-5NE, the trim features won't function correctly unless you follow these guidelines.First, adjust the lower trim. When the LED starts to blink to indicate the lower trim level, hold press On and the Down arrow for 10 seconds.2. Adjust your lights' bottom trim level to the dimmest (or slightly above the dimmest) setting possible. The majority of LEDs are not as dim as incandescents.3. Hold Off for 6 seconds to commit the lower trim setting. then extinguish the light.4. VERY IMPORTANT: The firmware on the CPU is flawed. To turn off the power to the microprocessor, you must now pull the secret tab at the bottom of the switch for three seconds. Then insert it once more. The internal microprocessor must be effectively restarted in order for the high trim feature to prevent accidental overwriting or other interference with your low trim setting.5. Now adjust the high trim to the maximum setting that your lights should reach. The brightness of many LEDs reaches its peak far before the high trim point is reached. Set the high trim to the greatest brightness your eyes can sense for a totally linear fading experience. For a better user experience, this will make the fading appear smooth and linear. Holding down On and the Up arrow for 10 seconds, or until the LED blinks to indicate the highest trim level, will set the high trim.6. Adjust the upper trim level so that your lights are as bright as they can be, if not a little brighter. Before the high trim level, the majority of LEDs attain their peak brightness.7. Hold Off for 6 seconds to commit the upper trim setting. then extinguish the light.8. VERY IMPORTANT: In order to reset the microprocessor due to the problematic firmware, pull the switch's pin for three seconds. Insert the pin one more. By pressing the up arrow once more, you may confirm that the low trim is accurate. The light should be exactly as faint as you indicated in stages 2-3. Turn the light on full power to make sure the high trim setting is accurate. You should use the brightness that you selected in steps 6-7.9. Make that the phasing is still configured properly. Throughout the dimming range, there shouldn't be any buzzing. According to my own user experience, there are some situations where setting the trim can result in the switch forgetting whether you requested forward or backward phasing (ELV vs. MLV). To make sure there isn't buzzing, you might need to repeat the phasing setting.I've been told by Lutron that they would look into this firmware bug and that the switch should be capable of receiving software updates. Any updates, in my opinion, would be sent out via the Smart Bridge 2. I'm anticipating their inquiry. Until then, you can construct precise upper and lower trim functions that stick (or are remembered) appropriately using this workaround.



Lutron Diva C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED, Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs, with Wallplate, Single-Pole or 3-Way, DVWCL-153PH-WH, White Review:


Update: I replaced this dimmer with one that was purchased as a DVCL-153P-WH instead of the DVCL-153PH-WH being reviewed after 5 months of it not truly dimming in my bedroom (it was by far the brightest dimmer while on the lowest position of any Lutron in my home).On the switch itself, they do indeed have the same part number (see image; the DVCL-153PH-WH is on the right), but the switch on the left (DVCL-153P-WH) can lower the lights to just approximately half the brightness that the DVCL-153PH-WH I purchased from this page could.The stickers on the sides of each dimmer have the same part number (DVCL-153P), but the stickers themselves are slightly different, and they are acting completely differently from one another when controlling the same lights in the same room. So maybe they are the same as the company representative says below, in which case I guess this one was just a dud.original assessmentCliff notes, go with the DVCL-153P-WH.I had been purchasing DVCL-153P-WHs and replacing one or two of the lamps in each room with LEDs at a time.Then I discovered Lutron offered the DVWCL-153PH-WH for approximately $5 less than the DVCL-153P-WH, so I decided to try the less expensive Lutron.My unscientific findings:The cheaper model has a 2-3 times longer delay before turning on, which shouldn't be a major concern, but after using it every day for a few months, it becomes noticeable and not in a nice way.Comparatively, the more expensive Lutron seems to happen instantly.Additionally, the light output of the less costly Lutron is roughly comparable to that of the more expensive dimmer when it is dimmed halfway. (Again, this is an unscientific test)The type, size, and quantity of lamps used will affect this subjective information, but in my home, I'll pay the extra $5 the next time.



Lutron Diva C.L Dimmer for Dimmable LED, Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs, Single-Pole or 3-Way, DVCL-153P-WH, White Review:


For some can lights we were installing in the kitchen, we installed two of them. In each one, we incorporated LEDs. These dimmers do a terrific job of altering the light in a variety of ways. They complement Decora wall switches well as well. The shade of the colour (white) is the same. simple to install



Lutron Diva C.L Dimmer for Dimmable LED, Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs, Single-Pole or 3-Way (3 Pack), DVCL-153P-WH, White Review:


For some can lights we were installing in the kitchen, we installed two of them. In each one, we incorporated LEDs. These dimmers do a terrific job of altering the light in a variety of ways. They complement Decora wall switches well as well. The shade of the color (white) is the same. simple to install



Lutron Maestro C.L Dimmer Switch for Dimmable LED, Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs, Single-Pole or Multi-Location, MACL-153M-WH, White Review:


I currently own many Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Dimmers and am pleased with them. I subsequently made the decision to install a few more "dumb" dimmers that didn't require remote controls or smart capabilities. I purchased three Lutron Maestro MACL-153M-WH dimmers since they are most similar to the Caseta range of dimmers.I won't go through its features and usage again because many reviewers have already covered them (my favorite feature is single tap = recall last dimming setting, double tap = full brightness). Since I struggled to find an LED light that would not buzz, I do want to add which LED bulb works best with this dimmer. I had planned to simply use the same CREE LED bulbs that Caseta had recommended, but it turns out that doing so caused the Maestro to make audible buzzing noises. In fact, it took me four different LED bulbs before I discovered one that did not buzz (or buzzed so lightly that I couldn't hear it even in a calm situation). I tested the following LED bulbs:The CREE SA19-08127MDFD-12DE26-1-14 (Buzzed - 37 dB@1ft) LED 60W Replacement A19 Soft White (2700K) Dimmable Light Bulb comes in an eight-pack.FBA 192000405-4Pack (Buzzed - 38 dB@1ft) from Hyperikon:Standard Light Bulb, Hyperikon A19 Dimmable LED Light Bulb, 9W (60W Equivalent), ENERGY STAR Qualified, 2700K (Warm White), CRI90 , 800 Lumens (4 Pack)EcoSmart 1001370384: EcoSmart 60W Equivalent Soft White A19 Energy Star LED Light Bulb 8-Pack (Buzzed - 36 dB@1ft).Philips 461228: Philips 461228 60 Watt Equivalent Soft White Dimmable A19 LED Light Bulb, Energy Star Certified, 8-Pack (No audible buzz - 32 dB@1ft).It is around the same volume as a soft whisper at 32 dB. Remember that the measurements were taken from a distance of 1 foot. In my bathroom, three Phillips bulbs are mounted over the mirror, which is several feet from where I stand in front of the sink. Even when there is no other background noise, I can hear the other 3 bulbs but not the Phillips bulbs at this distance.



Leviton 6674-P0W SureSlide Universal 150-Watt LED and CFL/600-Watt Incandescent Dimmer, White Review:


Good results. applied on six brand-new 6" LED can light trims in a kitchen. For a 3-way switch application, the switch comes with hot in, hot out, ground, and a second hot in, which I didn't require. Although the LEDs could be dimmed and did so effectively, even when the dimmer was all the way down, some light was still visible. This was probably intended as there is a toggle for complete darkness. For this switch, there is no neutral connection. In comparison to other brands, the price was fairly reasonable, and the Leviton name is comforting.UPDATE: After utilizing a few hundred of these, I can confirm that they can dim to 0% when coupled with a high-quality driver and a dimmable LED bulb. I've had wonderful experience using it with different varieties of Feit Electric bulbs from Home Depot. The quality of the LED drivers will have the greatest impact on dimming quality. When the trims are screwless, they look fantastic.



Lutron Maestro Fan Control and Light Dimmer for LEDs, Incandescent and Halogen, Single-Pole, MACL-LFQ-WH, White Review:


VERDICT > Completes the task, but there are a few minor design compromises. In other words, a few of the praised "benefits" have minor downsides. Dimmable LED lights might function perfectly with your "old" "incandescent" dimmers and controllers, depending on your specific situation.PROSs> The statements that the Maestro "needs specific wiring" shouldn't scare you. You can use a Maestro as long as you have two distinct wires—one for the fan and one for the light, plus a "hot" wire. Fits even in antique metal single electrical boxes (Note that a Pass


How do I know if my dimmer switch is LED compatible?

If you're looking to upgrade your home's lighting to LED bulbs, you'll need to make sure you have an LED compatible dimmer switch. Many LED bulbs are not compatible with traditional dimmer switches, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an LED compatible dimmer switch: - Make sure the dimmer switch is compatible with the type of LED bulbs you're using. There are many different types of LED bulbs on the market, so not all dimmer switches will work with all types.

How do I know if my LED lights are dimmable?

When shopping for LED lights, you may notice some bulbs are labeled “dimmable” and others are not. So, how do you know if your LED lights are dimmable? And what does it mean if they are? Dimmable LED lights can be controlled with a dimmer switch to create different levels of light output. This is opposed to non-dimmable LED lights, which will remain at a single, bright light output no matter what. There are a few things to look for when trying to determine if your LED lights are dimmable

How long do dimmer switches last?

Dimmer switches are designed to last for a very long time. In fact, most dimmer switches will last for at least 10 years with proper care and maintenance. However, there are a few things that can shorten the lifespan of a dimmer switch, such as frequent use, exposure to sunlight, and extreme temperatures. If you take care of your dimmer switch, it should last for many years to come.

How many LED can lights on a dimmer switch?

If you're looking to install LED can lights, you'll need to know how many you can put on a dimmer switch. The number of LED can lights that can be safely dimmed depends on the wattage of the bulbs and the capacity of the dimmer switch. Most dimmer switches can accommodate up to 600 watts worth of bulbs, so if you're using 60-watt LED bulbs, you can safely dim 10 of them.

Is there a difference between a dimmer switch and a LED dimmer switch?

Yes, there is a difference between a dimmer switch and a LED dimmer switch. A dimmer switch is designed to work with incandescent bulbs, while a LED dimmer switch is designed to work with LED bulbs.

What are the different types of dimmer switches?

Dimmer switches are devices that are used to lower the brightness of a light. There are many different types of dimmer switches, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of dimmer switch is the rotary dimmer. This type of dimmer switch is very easy to use, and it is also very inexpensive. However, rotary dimmer switches can only be used with incandescent lights, and they are not very good at dimming LED lights. Another type of dimmer switch is the slide dimmer switch. Slide dimmer switches