Customer Reviews

Leviton R03-RPI06-1LA Decora 600-Watt SP and 3 Way Rotary Dimmer, Almond

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This dimmer installs in the wall in place of one of a pair of 3-way light switches.

Please note that you should never, ever use any dimmer with a fixture that has the high efficiency fluorescent bulbs installed.

The instructions are clear and the package contains both the dimmer and the wire nuts you will need in connecting the dimmer. Just make sure you determine which is the common wire from the 3-way switch you are replacing - The switch will be labeled, typically on the back. Then make sure that wire is connected to the wire marked common on the dimmer. The rest is straight forward.

Because a dimmer is a bit larger than a switch you need to fold in the wires carefully to make sure it all fits into the switch opening.

Note that a 3-way dimmer installation requires only one dimmer. Pick one of the pair 3-way switches to replace and leave the other as is.

What I like about this dimmer is its appearance. It has a single knob that is about one inch in diameter. You adjust the brightness of the dimming function by rotating the knob. You turn on and off the light by pushing on and off on the knob. The push on/off switch acts as one of the 3-way switches. The dimmer function controls the light brightness (when on) regardless of which end of the 3-way pair turned on the light.

The dimmer operates quietly (I heard no audible buzz) and has a good range of brightness from full on to full off. The control has a small green light that lights up when the light is turned off - I suppose it's to make it easier to find in the dark.

The switch cover plate is not included - Presumably you use the one from the original switch or you spend about 50 cents at Lowes or Home Depot for a new one.

The other thing I like about this dimmer is its cost is much lower than other units. By the way, you can use this in replacing a single switch instead of a three-way switch.

This was exactly what I needed and couldn't find it anywhere. It works great.

I bought five of these dimmers from HD and two of them stopped working within the first year. There are only 3 light bulbs on the dimmer and each is only 60W. Both times there was smoke coming out of the dimmer. I am surprised to see all the good review from the others. Maybe I got a bad batch. Anyway, I would stay away from these dimmers.

I installed over a dozen of these in my new home over the past year and am very pleased. They are simple, inexpensive, and hopefully won't look dated in 10-15 years like the ones I replaced. While they are 3-way compatible, most of mine are used in standard spst setup.
If I could change one thing, I would have dimmer connect directly to common, instead of using the bulb to complete the circuit for the LED light. In order for lighted switches to illuminate, it is necesary for the light (or LED in this case) to be part of a circuit. The simplest way (and the one used for this product) is to have the LED between the line and load terminals on the dimmer. This results in a small current travelling through the bulb at all times, which can give poor results with dimmable cfl or LED lights. Also, the load will be hot at all times, so be sure to turn off the breaker if you're going to change your fixture.

Some more modern dimmers and timers have a common connection right on the switch, preventing this situation.

Looks and works great. Just make sure you follow the directions and hook it up correctly (1 switch vs 3 switch connection). Product much cheaper at Amazon than Home Depot or Lowe's.