Unlike standard dimmers, electronic dimmers can be installed at both control points in a 3-way circuit.Most have LED indicator lights that display the light level. Tap dimmers are typically flat with a large rectangle-shaped button that you tap to turn the lights on or off, combined with a lever or buttons used to adjust the brightness. Will only work in single-pole circuits.Lights can be accidentally left on at a very low level because the dimmer was not pushed all the way down to off.Because you slide the dimmer all the way down to turn the lights off, you have to set the brightness each time you turn them on. Great if you like to adjust the brightness each time you turn on the lights.

Typically cost less than other dimmers.To turn the lights off, you slide the lever all the way down. To turn the lights on, you slide the dimmer up to the desired light level. Slide Dimmers without a switch, aka slide-to-off dimmers, do not have an on/off switch. Can only install at one end of a 3-way circuit.You can preset the brightness lever, and then turn the lights on or off like a regular switch.The dimmer adjustment is simple and intuitive – raise the slider to brighten the lights, and lower it to dim the lights.They closely match the modern Decora (rectangle) style switches.They have a vertical or horizontal on/off switch, combined with a lever that slides up and down to adjust the brightness of the lights. Slider Dimmers with a Switch are probably the most common type of dimmer you’ll find. Let’s take a look at the differences between them, and compare the pros and cons of each style. The four most common styles of dimmers are:Īll four styles fit the standard Decora style (Rectangular) switch plates. Each dimmer style works differently, so it’s worth giving it some thought. These are very well engineered switches with many patents and are what I use in my own home.While the best dimmer switch for recessed lighting is a matter of preference, you may not want to choose one based on appearance alone. You do have to get the Lutron SmartBridge in order to get the integration (one smartbridge can support up to 40 Lutron devices). There is one issue that you didn’t mention but which does come up which is if you do not have a neutral wire at the light switch, then most of the Z wave switches that can be put there will only work with incandescent or Halogens.įortunately, Lutron Caseta switches now have an official integration with SmartThings, and most of their models do not require a neutral wire. So I’m not sure what you’ve been reading. None of them will work with smart LED lights, but that’s because of the potential damage to the radio in the bulb. Almost all of the currently available three way switches that work with SmartThings will work with dumb LED lights.

3 way dimmer for led lights