# Dimmers on lightswitch: Bad?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmers-on-lightswitch-bad/595496>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 7, 2011, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmers-on-lightswitch-bad/595496 "2011-09-07T13:18:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\
**Post date:** [September 8, 2011, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmers-on-lightswitch-bad/595496/21 "2011-09-08T20:11:35Z")

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> [@Terry\_Kennedy](#):
>
> Lutron (and possibly others) sell a modified dimming receptacle where either one or both connectors have an extra-narrow prong which only accomodates special plugs that you’re supposed to install on your dimmable devices.
> 
> PDF [here](http://files.lutron.com/hwi/TRG/366-963h_components_dimming_receptacles.pdf). Claims to be UL / CSA / NOM listed.
> 
> The OP might also be interested in [this](http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/362219.pdf) PDF, “Guide to Dimming Low-Voltage Lighting”.

I know we’re talking about electrical code and all so it’s expected to be a bit pedantic but you’re really stretching to find fault in **FoundWaldo** ’s statement. His use of ‘receptacle’ is clearly intended to refer to a NEMA-5 outlet. You could have just as easily cited any light fixture with a E-26 socket as an example of a NEMA outlet that can be used on a dimmer.

The answer is it is against code to have a dimmer installed powering standard outlets, as the OP in this thread has done. Either the dimmer needs to be removed or the device needs to be changed to something compatible.

The dimming socket you’ve mentioned shows the lengths one must go through in order to have a dimming outlet and minimize any accidental confusion.

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**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\
**Post date:** [September 9, 2011, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dimmers-on-lightswitch-bad/595496/22 "2011-09-09T02:41:11Z")

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Just replace those dimmer switches with regular on-off switches. You can get them in the same style. And changing them only involves 5 screws!

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