If you are in the market for a new, non-smart dimmer for your lights, there are a ton of options… too many in fact. One good route is to go with a reasonably priced product from a top name in the space. That’s how I arrived at the Lutron Diva LED+ dimmer.
Dimmers are difficult to tell apart, so I’ll be super explicit here. I purchased Diva C.L Dimmer Switch DVCL-153P, often sold as the “Lutron Diva LED+” with an extended model number of DVWCL-153PH-WH. It sells for about $27. It works with either 3-way or single-pole placements.
This same dimmer used to be called the CL (sometimes spelled “C·L”) but it’s identical to the LED+, which is simply the newer name.
What Is A Dimmer?
A dimmer is a type of light switch. Where a light switch only turns lights on or off, a dimmer will have some sort of way to control the brights of the lights in addition to the on/off switch. This light power control — the dimmer function itself — is sometimes called a rheostat or potentiometer, but modern electronics are complex enough that your dimmer may not exactly be one of those things, even if it serves the same function.
Lutron LED+ Features
The LED+ is pretty simple device. It has a large paddle-style on-off switch and a slider on the right side of the switch to adjust the level of brightness. It works in single-pole or three-way applications. And there is a setting on the back for adjusting the minimum power setting, which is useful for fully turning off LED lights which barely use any power so need fine grains controls here.
The switch includes a plastic front plate for hiding the hardware behind when mounted in a wall.
Lutron Diva LED+ Thoughts
I used the LED+ to replace some older Lutron dimmers which were causing buzzing in my lights. These older dimmers had a little button on the side that had to be clicked multiple times in order to adjust the brightness and they didn’t always allow all the bulbs in my house to turn offer entirely.
So, basically, I had a house full of old, non-LED dimmers and I needed something new. I’ve always had good luck with Lutron products so this seemed like a good way to go.
The installation was very simple. I used Lutron’s directions and had no problem. In the past I’ve called their technically support line and gotten fast, helpful advice. It’s a huge perk of shopping with a quality brand like Lutron. The dimmer has black, red, red plus white, and green wires coming out of it, which will be a little confusing for some people, but it’s an easy installation and all the necessary parts are included.
The installation worked and the lights worked great as well. My dimmer works in the full range and goes from very little light to full brightness. I’m using GE Relax bulbs so the lights get nice and warm at the lowest levels and the room feels quite cozy.
The dimmer has no buzzing and has had no compatibility issues with the incandescent or LED bulbs I’ve tried.
The switch is nice and firm with a feeling of quality. I’m sure it’ll be less firm over time, but I’m enjoying the tactility of the switch. The dimmer slide is rather small so it can be easy to forget it’s there, but I don’t have a problem adjusting it. I like that the dimmer doesn’t have any lighting built in, as some of my other dimmers have tiny LED indicators that bother me.
This is a nice light switch for LED lights and I do recommend it.
Pricing and Availability
The Lutron LED+ is widely available and should sell for about $28 online.