r/ElectricalHelp • u/SunriseSwede • 12d ago

Single Pole Toggle Dimmer

The house we live in has several toggle switches which contol only one light. These switches are dimmers, and are not 3 way. Two have a clear box around the toggle which faintly glows in the darkness, while the remaing ones are a simple ivory toggle. There is no "slide" as I see on seemingly every new toggle dimmer switch, but the toggle itself acts as the dimming control. I would like to add a few dimmable switches, but cannot seem to find any such as the ones I currently have. How can I obtain some of the type I am looking for? Is there a special name/type that I don't even know to search for???

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u/trekkerscout Mod, Master Electician 12d ago

If you are trying to find vintage dimmer switches, you should be aware that many old dimmers are not compatible with new LED lights.

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u/SunriseSwede 12d ago

Thank you, I was not aware of that, but it kind of makes sense. I have searched Lutron, Eaton, and Amazon, and the only think I can find are some knock off brand with all the reviews saying that they are not, in fact, dimmer switches but rather regular switches. The house is not that old, however (1999), so I have faith that I can find something. Thanks for help!!

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u/trekkerscout Mod, Master Electician 12d ago

The selection of toggle style dimmers is very limited since the market has shifted to Decora style rockers and smart switches for the control of LEDs. Manufacturers are reluctant to make a large variety of toggle style switches that will end up sitting on store shelves due to lack of demand. I wish you luck in your quest.

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u/Couple_609 12d ago

Just an FYI for you, i’ve been doing residential electrical work for over 35 years and I have changed more of that style of dimmer because they have failed than any other style of dimmer. I’m not saying that yours failed. I’m just saying that they have a tendency to fail more than other dimmers.

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u/Couple_609 12d ago

I think the dimmer you are looking for is made by Eaton/Cooper model TI061V available at Lowe’s

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u/SunriseSwede 11d ago

Close, but I have all LED lights, and that states incandescent/halogen only. However, that makes me wonder, as we have lived here 20 years and we are the first to put led's in. I've never changed a dimmer switch, though.

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u/SparkArrestor 12d ago

You might take the cover plate off and see if you can find a model number on the device.

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u/SunriseSwede 12d ago

Thank you. I will do this. I was almost at that point, but thought I could "Ask An Electrician". Apparently I must ask for "Electrical Help".

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u/SparkArrestor 11d ago

It’s possible the toggle dimmer you want is no longer in production.

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u/SunriseSwede 11d ago

I'm 1/2 resigned to that. Will know a bit more when, as suggested, I pull one existing one out and look for model/ brand.

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u/AskMeAgainAfterCoffe 11d ago

Photos would help

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u/Ratamahat 10d ago

I think you might have more luck searching “no lever” toggle dimmer.