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Oman, Muscat
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697 Review
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Review on Dimmable LED, Halogen & Incandescent Bulbs: Lutron Diva DVWCL-153PH-WH Single/3-Way White Wallplate Dimmer by Luis Harper

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Works well with LED lights, but feels cheap.

Functionally, this switch works as advertised. I bought two and wired them both up without any issues.Pros: works perfectly with LED retrofit lights (Commercial Electric T60 & gimbal versions). I wired four recessed LED fixtures in series after this switch and they all come on together and dim in unison, so bravo there. no buzz, flicker, or odd dimming once properly adjusted. On the bare face of the switch, in the lower left corner there is a tiny little switch which allows you to adjust the MINIMUM dimming level. It is well outlined in the included directions, but basically you set the lowest dimming level for the LEDs that allows them to all turn on together consistently. Three way compatible. EXCELLENT instructions. I really mean EXCELLENT. There are very clear diagrams and drawings that any person could understand. You don't need to be an experienced electrician if you can just take the time to read and follow the diagrams. Comes with wire nuts for all the connections you might need to make. That seems like a small thing, however if you are only using these as standard switches (not three way) you need to protect one connection from the switch that isn't used and since its a smaller wire gauge, its really nice they included a small wire nut JUST for that task. Its a small consideration that is really convenient.Cons: The switch is pretty deep. Be aware given the added electronics and wiring that allow this switch to work well with LEDs, you will want a deeper gang box. Otherwise, you will really struggle to fit this in the box. Its about as deep as an older GFCI, so plan accordingly. Shallow remodel boxes need not apply. My main, and only complaint, is that the feeling of the switch action itself is quite. off putting. The action feels "plasticy" and clicks with an sloppy cracking noise. It is hard to describe in words, but when you touch and use the switch, it's inherently apparent what I am describing. I have rewired my entire house now, many of the switches I used were the bargin 15A switches sold at HD and they feel much more solid and confident; they move with a solid, confident snap into position. To me, this is a major knock against this dimmer and so I deducted two stars. I find this feeling is actually a major deterrent and if I were to purchase another switch with LED compatible dimmer functionality, I would look to another brand on the basis of feeling alone. HOWEVER, most people probably wouldn't even notice this, and given the other reviews, only a couple people even mentioned it.So in summary, the switch FUNCTIONS flawlessly, includes some of the best instructions I have seen with any electronics, includes minor touches like wire nuts, but you get those positives at the expense of a quality FEELING switch. Every time I touch this switch I notice how cheap the action feels and it nags at me that a switch costing $40 seems cheaper than a $1 generic switch. If you want to feel confident before buying, head to your local big box store and actually touch one of these switches and its competitors before you buy so you can see for yourself if you find the feeling to be cheap.UPDATE 05/13/2015:I recently switched the halogen bulbs in my kitchen fixture to these Triangle LED replacements: http://amzn.com/B00LGZCVSWThe high level is perfect, and the dimming action works just fine, but the bulbs flicker at the lower dimming level. In fact at about anything under half power, they seem to flicker. I purchased this alternative LED compatible switch and will be installing it as soon as it arrives: http://amzn.com/B008X3CHM0.Look for an update soon.UPDATE 05/22/2015:I received the new Lutron Maestro switch and tested it out last night. I do prefer a large toggle switch of the DIVA to a momentary button on the Maestro, but the Maestro switch functions much better with respect to LED performance when dimming, especially in eliminating flicker. So it would seem not LEDs are created equal, nor are the switches that control them. With my retrofit LED can lights, the DIVA performed perfectly. With my GU10 LED bulbs the DIVA struggled, but the Maestro worked perfectly, so my suspicion is you will have to try both switches and see how they perform with your specific LEDs.

Pros
  • Switches & Dimmers
Cons
  • May not be compatible with older electrical systems

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