A quick and concise guide to choosing a dimmer switch for your lights.

Basic Dimmer Types

• Standard/Rotary: Rotary dimmer switches were originally designed for incandescent lights, by turning the rotary it lowers the amount of power reaching the lamp and therefore the amount of light generated.
  
• CL: CL dimmer switch is for smoother usage of CFL and LED bulbs.
  
• Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV): Magnetic Low Voltage or MLV dimmer switches are designed to be used with a magnetic driver. The dimmer switch provides the power in a way that the driver can read and respond to without damaging the driver hardware.
  
• Electronic Low Voltage (ELV): Electronics Low Voltage or ELV dimmer switches are similar to MLV dimmers, ELV dimmer switches are designed for an electronic driver. Electronic drivers are used for most dimmable LED fixtures.
  
• 0-10 Volt: 0-10 Volt dimmer switches are a specific dimmer switch used most commonly in Europe and commercial applications in the US. This system requires additional wiring.
  
• Integrated Dimmers: Integrated dimmer switches fixtures offer more than just light controls and dimming. They usually come with their own systems and are remote based.

Dimmers for Each Lighting Type

Incandescent – Standard rotary or basic slider dimmers will usually work well.

Fluorescent – Fluorescent lights are not often dimmable. It would be best to ask the respective manufacturers.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL) – CLF bulbs are generally dimmable, however it is always best to double check. If dimmable you can use a CL or standard dimmer.

Integrated LEDs – Most lights today are LED lights due to their low cost and energy efficiency. Most LED lights require an ELV dimmer, some European brands use the 0-10 volt system. Dimming LEDs can vary based on the system used.

LED Bulbs – LED bulbs can most often be dimmed using a CL dimmer.