Devices eliminate performance issues commonly found when pairing energy efficient bulbs with standard incandescent dimmers

Melville, New York, February 8, 2012 – Leviton, a leading global manufacturer of electrical devices, today introduced state-of-the-art Universal Dimmers, engineered to provide homeowners optimal control of current and emerging incandescent, dimmable CFL and dimmable LED bulbs without sacrificing performance. Recognizing that newer, energy-efficient bulbs have specific needs for effective dimming, Leviton worked with bulb manufacturers to develop dimmers that are tested and proven effective to function in harmony with the latest bulb innovations. The new devices give retailers, distributors and contractors the ability to offer a single lighting control capable of properly dimming next-generation lighting sources while remaining backwards compatible with current bulbs.

Available in two distinctive styles, the Leviton Universal Dimmers feature an ON/OFF preset function which preserves the selected dimmer setting, smooth start-up, gentle-touch control, fluid slide movement for precise dimming and modern aesthetics. The newly-designed SureSlide® model sports clean lines, sculptured controls and a contemporary rocker switch, and the IllumaTech® model features a traditional push button switch and attractive slide bar. Both devices address performance issues – such as flickering, reduced dimming range and low level start-up – often experienced when incandescent-only dimmers are paired with dimmable LED and CFL bulbs.

“As consumers shift to using more energy efficient lighting sources, such as LED and CFL bulbs, Leviton’s Universal Dimmers fill the need for a single device that effectively controls all types of bulbs while helping save energy and the associated utility costs,” said Michael Neary, Leviton’s Product Manager for Residential Lighting Controls.

Leviton Universal Dimmers are equipped with a dedicated switch to control a wide range of dimmable LED, dimmable CFL and incandescent bulbs. Users may easily adjust the setting for any dimmable CFL and LED bulbs requiring fine-tuning.

The devices are certified to the applicable U.S. and Canadian Standards by Underwriters Laboratories (“UL”), the leading safety agency in the industry, and come with a five-year limited product warranty. They offer single pole or 3-way lighting control when used with a 3-way switch. The devices’ slim, compact housings fit easily into a standard wallbox and are suitable for multi-gang installations. Both devices, available in a host of colors, are designed to enhance the décor of any room in the home. The SureSlide model is available in white, ivory, light almond, black and brown, while the IllumaTech model is available in white, ivory, light almond, gray, black, red and brown. Color change kits are available to conveniently change the face of the IllumaTech device for a new look. Both devices are compatible with Leviton’s complete line of signature Decora® wiring devices and wallplates.

Leviton Universal Dimmers are now available through Leviton’s network of retail and electrical distribution channels, including their online store http://store.leviton.com/.

About Leviton
Leviton Manufacturing Company is one of the largest privately held global providers of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Founded at the turn of the 20th century in America, Leviton has grown to become one of the preeminent leaders in the electrical industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry. Proven to be a smart choice, nine out of 10 homes throughout North America have Leviton products installed in them. Builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton products No. 1 in brand preference. For more information contact Leviton Manufacturing or visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/levitonmfg or http://www.youtube.com/user/Levitonmfg.