Leviton Introduces Industry’s first CFL Slide Dimmer for Residential and Light Commercial Use

Leviton Manufacturing is the industry’s first manufacturer to introduce a slide dimmer specifically designed for use with a variety of dimmable CFL bulbs. Leviton’s Decora^® CFL Slide Dimmer optimizes the performance of dimmable CFL bulbs and works with the widest range of dimmable CFL bulbs available. In auto mode, the dimmer detects whether the bulb is an incandescent or a dimmable CFL, determines high- and low-end dimming capabilities and adjusts the dimming range accordingly. This is an important feature, as dimming varies by bulb manufacturer, type and rating.

Since the vast majority of dimmers available on the market today were designed to work with incandescent or standard bulbs, dimmable CFL bulbs do not work well with these dimmers. In addition, dimmable CFL bulbs have not received favorable performance reviews from consumers, causing consumers to shy away from the new energy-saving technology.

“After using standard dimmers, consumers often report such problems as flickering when they dim the lights to lower levels, not being able to turn the lights on when the dimmer is in a dimmed position and limited dimming range when using CFL bulbs with these dimmers,” said James Sherman, director of residential marketing at Leviton. “With the new Leviton Decora CFL Slide Dimmer, consumers can continue to enjoy the energy-saving benefits of dimmable CFL bulbs, but with improved ambiance and lighting options.”