---
title: "What Is Dimmer switch? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A dimmer switch is a wall control that sets how bright a light is, instead of only turning it on and off."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/dimmer-switch
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Dimmer switch

A dimmer switch is a wall control that sets how bright a light is, instead of only turning it on and off.

Leviton says a dimmer switch makes it easy to customize the light level in any room, for any occasion. The dimmer and the bulb must match. Lutron's instructions warn that its dimmer is not for use with standard, non-dimmable compact fluorescent lamps, because damage to lamps or dimmers will result.

A mismatch with LED bulbs is a common cause of flicker or buzz. A dimmer can also control a light from two places in a [three-way switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-way-switch) setup, or be part of a [smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch). Wall boxes are live, so call a licensed electrician. See [LED bulbs that flicker or buzz](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/blog/led-bulbs-flicker-or-buzz).

[Daniel Electric can helpLED lighting installation](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/led-lighting-installation)

## Related terms

-   [Three-way switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/three-way-switch)
-   [Smart switch](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/smart-switch)
-   [Switch box](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switch-box)
-   [Receptacle](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/receptacle)

## Sources

1.  [Leviton: Dimmer Light Switches](https://leviton.com/products/residential/dimmers)
2.  [Lutron: Single Pole / 3-Way Dimmer instructions](https://assets.lutron.com/a/documents/03099903B.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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