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The simple act of replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer switch can change the ambiance of your home. By adjusting the intensity of your lighting, you can set just the right mood for a romantic dinner, an evening of binge-watching your favorite TV show, or an intimate family meal in the kitchen.
The best dimmer switches take your lighting options beyond the stadium bright and pitch-dark options a standard switch gives you, allowing you to select a happy medium somewhere between them. These gadgets come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional toggle switches to streamlined rocker switches. Some high-tech options link to smartphones and voice-activated assistants such as Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to control your lights through voice commands. Smart dimmer switches also control multiple lights at one time, enabling you to program different mood lighting.
In less than 30 minutes, DIYers can easily install these high-tech switches using nothing more than a screwdriver. Read on to learn more about how dimmer switches can add versatility to the lighting in your home and why the models below are some of the best on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Lutron Ariadni/Toggler LED+ Dimmer
- RUNNER UP: CLOUDY BAY in Wall Dimmer Switch
- BEST SMART DIMMER: TREATLIFE Smart Dimmer Switch
- BEST UNIVERSAL: Leviton TSL06-1LW Toggle Slide Universal Dimmer
- ALSO CONSIDER: Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer
- ALSO CONSIDER: ZOOZ Z-Wave Plus S2 Wall Dimmer Switch
- ALSO CONSIDER: TanTan Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch
- ALSO CONSIDER: Maxxima 3-Way/Single Pole Dimmer Light Switch
- ALSO CONSIDER: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Dimmer Plug-In
- ALSO CONSIDER: Lutron Maestro LED+ Dimmer
Photo: amazon.com
Types of Dimmer Switches
When shopping for a dimmer switch, it’s important to understand the different types that are available on the market. You want to make sure you’re buying one that’s compatible with the light fixture it will be controlling.
Single-Pole Dimmers
The pole of a switch refers to the number of terminals it has. A single-pole dimmer switch features two terminals that turn one circuit on or off. This type of switch will not work for lights controlled from more than one location, such as a hall light with a switch at the bottom of the stairs and another at the top of the stairs.
3-Way and 4-Way Dimmers
Dimmers that are 3-way include three terminals, while a 4-way switch has four terminals. These extra terminals allow you to loop more switches into the circuit. For example, you need a 3-way dimmer to control a light with two switches. A light controlled by three switches requires a 4-way dimmer. When using a 3-way or 4-way dimmer switch, you should have only one dimmer switch on the circuit.
Multilocation Dimmers
Unlike conventional dimmer switches, a multilocation dimmer switch allows you to have multiple dimming controls on the same circuit in more than one location. This type of dimmer works with 3-way switches, other compatible dimmer switches, remote controls, and smart home systems. In this setup, any device on the circuit is able to control the intensity of the lights. This is a good option if you’re using a smart dimmer to add voice control to your lighting but also want the option of using a manual dimming switch. A multilocation dimmer can have as many as nine additional dimming devices connected to it. This type of dimmer includes a manual on-off switch and dimming control at the switch.
Plug-In Dimmers
Plug-in dimmers allow you to add a dimming feature to lamps and other lighting fixtures that plug into a standard 115-volt outlet. This type of dimmer plugs into a standard outlet. When you plug the lamp into the dimmer, you can dim the lamp by connecting the device via Bluetooth to a smartphone, Alexa, or another smart device. Once connected, you can use voice activation to control the lights.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Dimmer Switch
How the switch operates, the type of bulb it uses, and its wattage capacity are just a few things you need to know about your home and lighting situation before you can determine which dimmer switch will meet your needs.
Control Style
There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to how you operate a dimmer.
- Rotary: A rotary dimmer features a round knob that you press to turn the light on or off and rotate to adjust its intensity.
- Toggle: This type looks like a standard switch and includes a small slider next to the switch that dims the light.
- Rocker: With a wide, flat on/off button that “rocks” on or off depending on which end you press, this type of switch offers a more understated, modern look. As with a toggle switch, a small slider next to the button adjusts the intensity of the light.
- Tap: A tap dimmer switch consists of a small flat panel that you tap with your finger to turn the light on or off. A small rocker switch to the side of the panel allows you to dim the lights.
- Scene selector: This type of dimmer allows you to control all the lighting in one room from a single dimmer, creating layered lighting for different looks or scenes to suit activities ranging from taking a nap to cooking dinner.
Bulb Type
Dimmers will work with incandescent, halogen, LED, and CFL bulbs; however, you need to make sure the specific bulbs you use are compatible with dimmers. While most incandescent and halogen bulbs will work with a dimmer switch, not all LED or CFL bulbs will. Make sure you use an LED or CFL dimmer bulb; otherwise, you may get flickering or buzzing at lower intensities. Using a standard CFL bulb with a dimmer will shorten the life of the bulb and may damage the dimmer.
LED and CFL dimmer bulbs offer excellent energy efficiency and perform well on a dimmer. The disadvantage is they may not have as low a range as incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs, for example, will dim down to only about 20 percent of their total light output. LEDs will dim to only about 30 percent, but some dimmers designed specifically for LEDs offer a better range. Incandescent bulbs have excellent dimming properties, allowing you to dim them to very low levels. The downside is they are much less energy efficient and produce a significant amount of heat.
Wattage
Before purchasing a dimmer switch, first determine the wattage capacity it has to handle. Dimmer switches all have ratings that tell you their maximum watt capacity. For example, a dimmer switch may have a capacity of 250 watts for LED and 600 watts for incandescent bulbs. This means it can hand up to fifty 5-watt LED bulbs or ten 60-watt incandescent bulbs. Be sure to calculate the total wattage of the lights that are in the space the dimmer will control, and make sure the dimmer can handle the load.
Smart Technology
Add lights to the growing list of things you can control with a smartphone. Smart dimmers can connect to iOS, Alexa, Google, and Android devices, allowing you to control your lights from your phone, via voice command from the comfort of your couch, or even from hundreds of miles away. You can also use this technology to program your lighting to dim or brighten automatically, depending on the time of day.
Installation
Although it may seem like a daunting job, installing your own dimmer is relatively simple and requires nothing more than a screwdriver. Most dimmer switches come with detailed instructions about how to wire the new dimmer switch once you have removed the old one. As is the case anytime you are working with electricity, it’s crucial to follow certain safety protocols. Always shut off the breaker to the circuit you’ll be working on to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
Our Top Picks
The dimmer switches below are made by some of the most well-respected manufacturers of light switches. Whether you’re looking for a smart dimmer or one that works with a 3-way switch, there’s a terrific choice here for your home.
Photo: amazon.com
Most homeowners are looking for a way to add a dimmer to a single light. This dimmer from Lutron features a toggle-style switch that can accommodate LED bulbs up to 150 watts. It can be used as both a single-pole dimmer for single-switch lights or as a 3-way dimmer for lights that function from two switches. Because the light switch is separate from the dimmer, it’s easy to preset the slide switch to the brightness of light that suits you when you flick on the light.
The Ariadni is compatible with more than 800 different bulbs, including LED bulbs, and has an adjuster under the plate cover that allows you to fine-tune the dimmer’s range to accommodate LEDs that have higher low ranges.This dimmer can control up to 17 bulbs at once, making it a great option for rooms with recessed lighting that have multiple light fixtures on one circuit.
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If you’re looking for a sleek dimmer switch that won’t draw attention to itself, then look no further than CLOUDY BAY’s dimmer switch. Its clean rocker-style design meshes easily with a room’s style. A small slider under the switch allows you to preset the light to a set level, eliminating the need to adjust the lights each time they’re turned on. It has a capacity of 600 watts for incandescent bulbs and 150 watts for dimmable LEDs and CFLs.
This dimmer switch works as both a single-pole dimmer or 3-way dimmer for light fixtures operated by two switches. An adjustment dial allows you to fine-tune the dimmer’s range, eliminating flickering at lower levels. Easy-to-understand instructions make installing this dimmer switch yourself easy.
Photo: amazon.com
In addition to its standard dimming functions, this smart switch from TREATLIFE has a host of other functions. When combined with Alexa or Google Assistant, it allows you to manage your lighting using voice control. By installing multiple TREATLIFE smart dimmer switches, you can combine the lights into a group that you can control from one device, allowing you to create scenes for dinnertime, afternoon naps, or game night. This dimmer can also control ceiling fans and can be programmed to turn your lights on and off at random times while you are away on vacation.
TREATLIFE’s push-button panel features manual dimming controls and an LED light that helps you find the switch easily in the dark. This switch has a capacity of 150 watts for dimmable LEDs and CFLs and 400 watts for incandescent bulbs.
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Dimming CFL bulbs can be tricky. They struggle to stay lit when they are dimmed to low levels and take up to a minute to reach full brightness. This dimmer switch includes a starter for CFL bulbs that helps dim this type of bulb to lower levels without failing. The Leviton also allows you to fine-tune the range for optimal use with both LED and CFL bulbs to eliminate flickering or humming at lower levels. This dimmer switch, which has a load capacity of 300 watts for CFL and LED bulbs and 600 watts for incandescent bulbs, can function as a 3-way or single-pole dimmer. This switch is available in white, ivory, and almond, allowing you to coordinate with your home’s trim colors.
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With its LED+ technology, Lutron’s sleek, modern dimmer switch will lower dimmable LED bulbs to levels as low as 5 percent. It features a rocker switch with a small fader located on the side.
This dimmer has a capacity of 150 watts for LEDs and 600 watts for incandescent and halogen bulbs. It comes in white, light almond, and ivory, allowing you to match it with your decor. Because it can accommodate up to 17 bulbs at once (even different types of bulbs), this product is a great option for rooms with recessed lighting.
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When you add a dimmer to a light that’s controlled by three separate light switches, you need a four-way switch. This tap-style dimmer from ZOOZ works as a 3-way or 4-way switch, allowing you to install it on circuits with up to three switches. It has a sleek, low-profile design that includes a small LED for visibility at night.
A great feature of the ZOOZ is that you can double-tap the button to bring the lights to full brightness; a single tap brings the lights back down to their previous level. When it is paired with a smart hub, such as the Z-Wave, this switch can be voice-controlled with Alexa. This dimmer has a maximum load of 100 watts for LEDs and 300 watts of incandescent bulbs. ZOOZ includes easy-to-follow instructions and is installed with just a screwdriver, so installation couldn’t be easier.
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Gain mastery of your home lighting with this four-pack of WiFi smart dimmers. This high-tech dimmer connects with Alexa or Google Home to give you voice control over your lighting. Use a smart device to adjust the lighting from wherever you are, or adjust it manually from the wall plate or the remote control that’s included with the switch. These four single-pole dimmer switches function as a group, allowing you to create and schedule scenes for different activities and times of the day. Each dimmer has a capacity of 150 watts for LED bulbs and 400 watts for incandescent bulbs.
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The Maxxima is a terrific way to upgrade your light switch to a dimmer switch without blowing your budget. It operates on either a 3-way or single-pole fixture. This switch is compatible with both incandescent and LED lights and has a maximum capacity of 600 watts for incandescents and 150 watts for LEDs.
With a large slide switch for dimming and a small rocker switch that turns the light off and on, the Maxxima is super easy to operate. It has a blue LED indicator light that lets you know when the switch is off or on and a dial switch under its cover that allows you to adjust the range of the dimmer to accommodate LED lights. Available in a variety of hues, including white, almond, and black, this dimmer will blend in easily with many home decor styles.
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Gain the power to control your lighting with your voice using this plug-in dimmer from GE. This plug-in dimmer is easy to set up: Simply plug this dimmer into a standard 15-volt outlet, and then plug your lamp or light source into the dimmer. Connect the dimmer to Alexa or Google Assistant, and voilà, voice-controlled lighting. The Enbrighten is also compatible with Z-Wave-certified hubs such as Wink, Ring Alarm, or HomeSeer to control your lights via a smartphone or voice control.
Perhaps best of all, you can program it to turn lights off and on (or change their brightness) at scheduled times. This plug-in dimmer works with dimmable CFL and LED bulbs up to 100 watts and incandescent and halogen bulbs up to 600 watts.
Photo: amazon.com
With its impressive set of user features, the Maestro from Lutron works in conjunction with other Maestro control products, including dimmers, switches, and occupancy sensors. Its tap-style switch allows you to dim the lights or tap your way through different preset light levels.
Lutron dimmers are the only UL-listed dimmers that allow users to control different types of lights on the same circuit. The Maestro has LED lights that help you find the switch in the dark, and it can be programmed so lights fade on and off, giving your eyes time to adjust or allowing you to get to the bed before the lights go out. This dimmer has a maximum capacity of 150 watts for LED and CFL bulbs and 600 watts for incandescent and halogen bulbs.
FAQs About Dimmer Switches
If you still have questions about dimmer switches, read on to learn how they are installed and whether they’ll save you any money on electricity.
Q. Do dimmers save electricity?
Dimmers save electricity by reducing the amount of power that flows to a bulb, allowing it to operate while using less energy. This lower power output also puts less stress on the bulb, leading to longer bulb life.
Q. Can you put any light on a dimmer switch?
You cannot put just any light on a dimmer switch. You need to check the compatibility of the dimmer switch to ensure it can handle the wattage of the bulb you have. LED and CFL bulbs also need to be dimmer compatible in order to work properly with a dimmer switch.
Q. How do you wire a dimmer switch?
Once you have removed the old dimmer, straighten the exposed wires so you can attach them to the new dimmer. Connect the bare copper or green ground wire to the box. Connect the house wires, which may be black, red, or white, to the wires from the dimmer box using wire connectors, making sure that no bare wire is exposed.
Q. How do you replace a dimmer switch?
Begin by turning off the power to the light switch by turning the circuit breaker off in the fuse box. Then unscrew and remove the switch plate. Use a voltage tester to make sure there is no power running through the wires. Unscrew the dimmer switch from the electrical box and pull it out. Remove the wires from the old switch.
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