One interesting thing has been coming to light regarding the recent push for more energy-efficient CFL and LED bulbs: traditional dimmers simply donโt cut it. Even if you donโt experience the out-of-control flickering and lack of low-power start-up that can occur when combining a traditional dimmer with an LED bulb, you will, at the very least, lose efficiency. That efficiency is lost because the bulb cannot be dimmed to its lowest levels. Now, Leviton has introduced a brand new line of Universal Dimmers. These new dimmers are specifically engineered to work perfectly with incandescent, dimmable CFL, and dimmable LED bulbs without sacrificing performance.
Leviton Universal Dimmers
These new Leviton Universal Dimmers are targeted at the residential market, and home construction professionals need to be aware of the vast differences and potential problems that can occur when not accounting for proper dimming of both CFL and LED technology. Recognizing that these newer, energy-efficient bulbs have specific needs for full-range dimming, Leviton began working directly with the bulb manufacturers. Rather than developing three different products, the company found a way to unify the technologies under a universal feature set.
These devices enable retailers, distributors, and contractors to offer a single lighting control that can properly dim next-generation lighting sources while remaining backward compatible with current bulbs.
Styles and Options
Available in two distinctive styles, the Leviton Universal Dimmers feature an ON/OFF preset function which preserves the selected dimmer setting, smooth start-up, gentle-touch control, fluid slide movement for precise dimming, and modern aesthetics (they feature Decora-style snap-on plates which hide the screws). The newly-designed SureSlide model sports clean lines, sculptured controls and a contemporary rocker switch, and the IllumaTech model features a traditional push button switch and shorter-throw slide bar. Both devices address performance issues โ such as flickering, reduced dimming range, and low-level start-up โ often experienced when incandescent-only dimmers are paired with dimmable LED and CFL bulbs.
As consumers shift to using more energy efficient lighting sources, such as LED and CFL bulbs, Levitonโs Universal Dimmers fill the need for a single device that effectively controls all types of bulbs while helping save energy and the associated utility costs.
Michael Neary, Levitonโs Product Manager for Residential Lighting Controls
Characteristics of Leviton Universal Dimmer Switches
Leviton Universal Dimmers are equipped with a dedicated switch to control a wide range of dimmable LED, dimmable CFL, and incandescent bulbs. Users can easily adjust the settings for any dimmable CFL or LED bulbs that require fine-tuning.
The devices are certified to the applicable U.S. and Canadian Standards by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and come with a five-year limited product warranty. They offer single-pole or 3-way lighting control when used with a 3-way switch. The devicesโ slim, compact housings fit easily into a standard wallbox and are suitable for multi-gang installations.
Options and Final Thoughts
Both devices, available in a host of colors, are designed to enhance the dรฉcor of any room in the home. The SureSlide model is available in white, ivory, light almond, black, and brown, while the IllumaTech model is available in white, ivory, light almond, gray, black, red, and brown. Color change kits are available to conveniently change the face of the IllumaTech device for a new look. Both devices are compatible with Levitonโs complete line of Signature Decora wiring devices and wall plates.
For additional information on the Universal Dimmers, visit www.leviton.com/universal.
