Dimmer Switch for LEDs

Other Devices & Integrations Lighting & Load Control
#1

I am trying to find the ideal dimmer. The load is less than 100W. I am looking for these features…

[ul][li]Supports LEDs[/li]
[li]Neutral Connection[/li]
[li]Rocker switch[/li]
[li]Z-Wave[/li]
[li]Screw terminals[/li][/ul]

I found the Linear WD500Z-1. This dimmer has every feature except the screw terminals (it has lead wires).

Does a dimmer exist with all of the features of the Linear WD500Z-1 but with screw terminals?

Thanks for any help.

#2

I dont know a zwave switch that use screw terminal… every switchs I saw was with wires.

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#3

Every GE Jasco I have used has normal screw down terminals.

#4

The requirement for screw terminals seems like a non-essential requirement that really limits your options.

May I ask why you must have screw terminals?

#5

[quote=“Z-Waver, post:4, topic:183081”]The requirement for screw terminals seems like a non-essential requirement that really limits your options.

May I ask why you must have screw terminals?[/quote]

Lack of nuts? ;D Wire nuts! ;D

#6

[quote=“Z-Waver, post:4, topic:183081”]The requirement for screw terminals seems like a non-essential requirement that really limits your options.

May I ask why you must have screw terminals?[/quote]

You’re right…it’s definitely non-essential. In fact, as part of my X10 to Z-Wave conversion, I just discovered that you could actually get a dimmer switch with screw terminals instead of the pigtails. So, I guess I should have phrased my request as “my perfect dimmer would have…”. ;D

I did some more homework and found this one and it seems to have everything I’m looking for unless I’m missing something.

Any thoughts?

#7

[quote=“SJMarty, post:6, topic:183081”][quote=“Z-Waver, post:4, topic:183081”]The requirement for screw terminals seems like a non-essential requirement that really limits your options.

May I ask why you must have screw terminals?[/quote]

You’re right…it’s definitely non-essential. In fact, as part of my X10 to Z-Wave conversion, I just discovered that you could actually get a dimmer switch with screw terminals instead of the pigtails. So, I guess I should have phrased my request as “my perfect dimmer would have…”. ;D

I did some more homework and found this one and it seems to have everything I’m looking for unless I’m missing something.

Any thoughts?[/quote]

Those are nice and will work just fine if you like the price. Your list of request seem to fit alot cheaper 3 wire switches and your 100w load even fits 2 wire switches (but your request was for 3 wire).

I have used JASCO at 30.00 a piece for 90% of the house. Except where I need instant status or scene controllers.

#8

[quote=“SJMarty, post:6, topic:183081”][quote=“Z-Waver, post:4, topic:183081”]The requirement for screw terminals seems like a non-essential requirement that really limits your options.

May I ask why you must have screw terminals?[/quote]

You’re right…it’s definitely non-essential. In fact, as part of my X10 to Z-Wave conversion, I just discovered that you could actually get a dimmer switch with screw terminals instead of the pigtails. So, I guess I should have phrased my request as “my perfect dimmer would have…”. ;D

I did some more homework and found this one and it seems to have everything I’m looking for unless I’m missing something.

Any thoughts?[/quote]
Yes. I thought you said you needed it to dim LED bulbs and have a neutral wire. This dimmer does neither. But, it’s got screw terminals!

My recommendation is to forget about screw terminals and use one of the following dimmers that supports LEDs. I’d also suggest reading up on the Instant Status feature, which is available only on the dimmers below the dotted line:

Linear WD500Z-1 500-watt Wall Mount Dimmer Switch
Leviton DZMX1-1LZ Scene Capable Universal Dimmer

…

Leviton VRMX1-1LZ 1000W Universal Magnetic Low Voltage Dimmer
Cooper RF9540-NAW Aspire Single-Pole Master Dimmer Light Switch
Leviton VRE06-1LX 600W Electronic Low Voltage Scene Capable Dimmer

#9

[quote=“Z-Waver, post:8, topic:183081”]Yes. I thought you said you needed it to dim LED bulbs and have a neutral wire. This dimmer does neither. But, it’s got screw terminals!

My recommendation is to forget about screw terminals and use one of the following dimmers that supports LEDs. I’d also suggest reading up on the Instant Status feature, which is available only on the dimmers below the dotted line:

Linear WD500Z-1 500-watt Wall Mount Dimmer Switch
Leviton DZMX1-1LZ Scene Capable Universal Dimmer

…

Leviton VRMX1-1LZ 1000W Universal Magnetic Low Voltage Dimmer
Cooper RF9540-NAW Aspire Single-Pole Master Dimmer Light Switch
Leviton VRE06-1LX 600W Electronic Low Voltage Scene Capable Dimmer[/quote]

You’re correct on all counts. I was looking at a chart on another web site and got the columns mixed up. Thanks for saving me an Amazon return. :-[

I’ll take a good look at your recommendations. You’re right about the screw terminals - it is providing to be a major limitation.

#10

I have recently purchased both of these:

Leviton VRMX1-1LZ 1000W Universal Magnetic Low Voltage Dimmer
Cooper RF9540-NAW Aspire Single-Pole Master Dimmer Light Switch

I like the Cooper better as the buttons to dim are much easier to press and hold. I don’t know if it is the replaceable color faceplates that make the Levition more difficult to press or they are just smaller, but it doesn’t seem as pleasant to dim.

I now have 5 of the Cooper dimmers installed with 2 accessory switches and they have all worked pretty well over the last month.

#11

Beach-
If the lighting is dimmed via the controller, can you “instantly” go full bright be clicking on with those switches? Thanks

#12

The two main reasons why I have my home electrical devices automated is for convenience and saving energy; I wanted to switch out my incandescent (w/ Jasco dimmer) with 100W equiv LED bulb but that does not work.

I found out that a lot of dimmer have trouble w/ low-wattage bulbs. What’s my best solution?

#13

Trey-
There are lots of options out there for that (search). I found that even ones listed not to work with LED, if they have a neutral they will as long as it is a couple bulbs.

The LED verified dimming solutions are more expensive of course. I have an Evolve w/ neutral on a track of LED lights that works great except for my above question. Hopefully Beachcontrol will be able to answer.

#14

I’m still a newbie and still reading more about it.

I got an older Jasco dimmer switch (45612). I’m going order the 45712 one and try.

#15

If I don’t absolutely need dimming, I use a on/off relay switch and am happy with the energy savings CFL and LED give me. I wonder if the dimmer manufactures can tell consumers what LED brands it tested with? That would take the risk out.

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#16

I’m having good luck with the Cooper Aspire dimmers. They are a bit more expensive but from my research seem to be the only ones other than Leviton’s that support instant notification (and are bit cheaper and in my opinion have a better design than the Leviton’s)

#17

Rgerrans-
Any chance you know the answer to my questions on the instant on? My evolve switch wont go above the prior dimmed level with out holding it.

I would prefer to be able to go from off or current dim level to instantly full bright… (I used to have Lutron non-zwave that did this with a double tap).

Does the Cooper do that? … currently dimmed, press “on” it goes full bright? Thanks.

#18

Jordon,

I will check tonight and let you know.

#19

I have linear dimmers and GE dimmers, both work with LEDs. I have an 18W (100W eq) on the linear 3 wire dimmers and 2 8W bulbs on the 2 wire GE dimmer. They work well, there is a little bit of whine from the GE dimmer but it is almost inaudible unless you’re up close and the lights are extremely dim.

#20

While I don’t doubt that your GE dimmer is working for you, I must recommend for everyone else that they do NOT use the GE/Jasco 45612 dimmer for LEDs. This forum is full of posts about disappointment and failure in trying to use the 45612 which, by the way, is labeled for incandescent bulbs.

The Linear dimmer works well with several different LED brands.