The Best LED Dimmer Switch

4 LED Dimmer Switches from $20 to $30:
#6GRV IR Remote LED Dimmer, SCR Triac LED Lights Dimmer Switch, High Voltage Controller 90-240V Pack of 1#7Lutron MACL-153M-AL Maestro 150-Watt Multi-Location CFL/LED Digital Dimmer, Almond#8Lutron DVCL-153P-WH Diva Dimmer for CFL, LED, Halogen, and Incandescent Dimmable Bulbs, White#9Lutron MACL-153M-WH Maestro 150-Watt Multi-Location CFL/LED Digital Dimmer, White3 LED Dimmer Switches from $50 to $100. #10(Can be used in a smart home)
LUTRON P-PKG1W-WH Caseta Wireless 600-watt/150-watt Multi-Location In-Wall Dimmer with Pico Remote Control Kit, White#11Leviton R62-06674-P0W White Universal Incandescent Dimmer#12Slide Toggle Dimmer Switch For CFL And LED Bulbs3 LED Dimmer Switches over $100

#13Lithonia Lighting LED Troffer Dimmer Switch#14CFL/LED Slide Dimmer Switch#15(Can be used with 12 volt DC systems)
Diode LED -DI-12V-SE-60W - Switchex Dimmer/Driver Combo - 60 Watts - 120VAC Input Voltage - 12VDC Output Voltage
Dimmers can also be purchased in 3, 5 and 10 packs.
LED Dimmer Switches Buying Guide

LED lights are popular and energy efficient. Combining them with a dimmer switch makes them even more so.

This guide will help you understand the different types of lights and dimmers so that you can choose the right one for your needs. You will also find terms and their definitions so that you will be prepared to compare the different products available to you.
What is an LED Light?

LED stands for light emitting diode. These lights have come a long way in their development during the past few years and are now very popular because of the comfortable light they emit and their energy-saving features. Every indication is that they will continue to grow in popularity.

An LED emits light in a narrow light spectrum and is more energy-efficient than incandescent or fluorescent lights, which emit light in a larger spectrum. Phosphors within an LED light convert ultraviolet light to white light.

We can now buy LED bulbs that screw into the same light socket as the incandescent bulbs do.

Although LED bulbs can initially cost more, they are rated to last longer than any other bulb - up to 50,000 hours. If you use an LED light for 12 hours a day, it is expected to last 11 years.

LEDs can be used inside or outside. In fact, LEDs become even more energy efficient as the temperature drops.

LED lights are safe, emitting less UV (ultraviolet) radiation than any other type of bulb. They do not contain mercury, whereas the CFL fluorescent bulbs do.
What is a CFL Light?

A CFL (compact fluorescent light/lamp) is the spiral light that you often see in a regular incandescent socket. It is an energy-saving compact fluorescent tube/bulb, which contains a small amount of mercury vapor.
Most LED dimmer switches also work with CFL bulbs. If your room has these spiral bulbs, be sure the dimmer switch you buy indicates that it works with CFL bulbs.
How are LED Lights Different from Other Bulbs?

LED lights are more efficient and last longer than either the incandescent or the halogen bulb. An LED can be expected to last 50,000 hours whereas an incandescent bulb is rated to last only 1,000 to 2,000 hours for the same amount of light. A fluorescent bulb is said to last 30,000 to 36,000 hours.

An LED light does not emit the amount of heat that in incandescent bulb does, therefore LEDs are safer.

If an incandescent or halogen bulb uses 50 watts, an LED will use less wattage to create the same amount of light.
Why LED Dimmer Switches Save You Money

Dimmer switches save energy because they turn down the voltage going to the bulb, thereby using less electricity. LEDs are already cost effective but if you combine an LED bulb with a dimmer switch, you save even more on your electric bill.
The Use of Dimmer Switches Allow You to Set the Ambient Mood of a Room

You can change the mood in your room with a dimmer switch. You can customize your home's lighting using LED dimmer switches.

Some dimmer switches have a fade-to-off feature that allows you to leave the room as the light fades out. This increases safety, since you are not immediately left in the dark. It also produces a quiet, mood-setting feeling.
What Does Single-Pole Mean?

Dimmer specification will indicate whether the switch is single-pole, 3-way or whatever. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right switch.

Common household switches are single-pole. The only setting they have is on and off, designed to control only one light.
What is a Three-Way Switch?

A three-way switch will control a light from two locations, such as a stairway light that can be turned on or off from either the top of the stairs or from the bottom.
Are All Dimmers Compatible with All Lights?

Dimmer switches need to be used with dimmable lights, whether LED, CFL, incandescent or halogen. When buying a dimmer switch, look at the specifications for the type of lights they work with. Sometimes wattage limits are listed as well.
Some Additional Points about the Dimming Capabilities

The proper way to use a dimmer switch is to use the slider or knob to set the brightness. Then use the on/off feature as you would for any light switch. In other words, don't use the dimmer feature to turn the light on and off.
Some dimmers, such as the Lutron Maestro CL, have a delayed-to-fade feature, which means the light will slowly fade out when you tap it. This allows you to leave the room before all the lighting is gone. This is a nice safely feature.
How Are Dimmers Operated?

Some dimmers are turned on and off with a switch, push button or by tapping a pad/plate.

Some dimmer switches control the brightness with a slider, knob or other method.
How do Dimmer Switches Compare?

Let's compare two LED dimmer switches so that you can get used to examining the specifications closely. This will help you determine which dimmer switch is best for your situation.
Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Buy the best dimmer switch you can afford.
The following two dimmer switches are in the $25-$30 range:

[1] Lutron DVCL-153P-WH Diva Dimmer for CFL, LED, Halogen, and Incandescent Dimmable Bulbs, White
($27.77)
* This dimmer switch is compatible with 800+ bulbs.
* It is compatible with all incandescent and halogen bulbs.
* It can be used in single-pole or 3-way applications.
* This switch also works with all incandescent and halogen bulbs that are up to 600 watts.
* This dimmer uses a paddle switch to turn lights on and off or return lights to a preset level.
* A slider dims and brightens the light.
* It comes in a wide variety of colors, not just white.
* The wall plate for this dimmer switch is CW-1-HW and is sold separately.
[2] The Lutron MACL-153M-WH Maestro 150-Watt Multi-Location CFL/LED Digital Dimmer ($29.00)
* This dimmer switch is very similar to the one above, Here are the differences:
* It costs a few more dollars than the Diva Dimmer.
* It differs in that it can also be used in up to 10 locations where you want to be able to dim the lights.
* Tapping the switch turns it off and on to your favorite light level.
* Then a rocker dims and brightens the light to give you the mood you want.
* This unit has the safety fade-to-off feature, which gives you time to leave the room before all the light is gone.
* It comes in white.
* All other specifications are the same as the switch above.
How to Replace the Old Standard Switch with Your New Dimmer Switch

If you feel comfortable changing out the switches yourself, read and understand the steps below. Also, read and understand the instructions that come with your dimmer switch. You will need a voltage tester and screw driver.
If you are not completely confident changing the switch yourself, ask an electrician to do the job for you.

1. At the circuit or fuse box, turn off the power to the switch
2. Test the old switch to be sure that the light no longer goes on (very important!)
3. Remove the old switch plate
4. Use a voltage tester to double check that the circuit is dead (very, very important!)
5. Unscrew the old switch from the electrical box
6. Pull out the old switch with the wires that are attached to it
7. Unscrew the wires from the old switch's terminals
8. Dimmer switches are usually connected by connecting the short lengths of wire coming out of the new switch rather than by screws like on the old switch. Using the wire-nut connectors that came with the dimmer switch, attach the black wires coming out of the dimmer switch to the wires that were attached to the terminals of the old switch
9. Position the wires in the box so that the new switch will fit comfortably
10. Put (don't force) the new switch into the electrical box
11. Screw the new switch to the electrical box
12. Attach the dimmer's switch plate
13. If the dimmer has a control knob, push it onto the switch post now
14. Turn the power back on at the circuit/fuse box
15. Test your dimmer. If the light doesn't come on, turn off the power to the switch again at the circuit/fuse box (very important!) before making any adjustments – or call an electrician.
As you can see, the combination of LED lights and dimmer switches have a lot of advantages. The most obvious is saving power and changing the mood in the room. Changing out the old switch to the dimmer switch is not difficult. LED lighting is the wave of the future.
Explore and enjoy.

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This page about LED Dimmer Switch was composed by V. Tobies and published by Alternative.me.
It was last updated on 2024-04-23 08:10:46 and has been viewed 3805 times.