Can Double-Dimmer Switches Fit in One Wall Box?

Placing a 2-dimmer switch in a single gang box is not a common occurrence. The creation of single gang boxes was to protect single electrical devices like outlets. They are beneficial because they provide a safe place for the wiring connections.

Unfortunately, a singular wall box cannot house a 2-dimmer switch. The 2-dimmer switch typically is larger than the wall box. The 2-dimmer also tends to have more wiring connections than the wall box can handle.

Due to these reasons, most consumers look to purchase two gang boxes instead. If you are looking to buy a two-gang box, we offer Arlington’s 2-Gang One-Box Vapor Box that is perfect for a 2-dimmer switch.

Another alternative is to purchase a special dimmer switch that is capable of fitting in a single gang wall box. This might be more of a challenge finding the switch, but it can help you create the perfect aesthetic you were looking for.

A 2-dimmer switch, also known as a dual or double dimmer switch, is an independent electrical switch that controls two different light fixtures. You can use dual dimmer switches in rooms where multiple light sources are present.

Dual dimmer switches offer dimming solutions in many locations, such as bedrooms, kitchens, and office spaces.

A two-dimmer switch is beneficial for several reasons. One of the main reasons is the amount of space that you save when using them. The dimmer switch puts two dimmer switches into one unit. This helps to stay organized within the electrical box.

Another benefit is the energy efficiency that dimming the lights comes with in the long term. When the lights are at a dimming point, they use less energy. This helps to conserve energy and reduce your electricity bills.

Dual dimmer also add convenience to dimming light fixtures. You can control the dimming process from either your phone or a single location. This is an improvement from having to go to various locations to dim the lights.

As mentioned above, a dual dimmer switch can control two lights from a single location. However, a three way dimmer switch can control light fixtures from two different locations. Most 3-way dimmers are designed with two 3-way switches and the light they control.

3-way dimmers work with 3-way circuits to dim a fixture from two different areas. 3-way dimmers can be an option to look at if you like the idea of having more control in more locations. However, 3-way dimmers tend to be more expensive than dual dimmers. Choose which dimmer switch you prefer!

Yes, dimmer switches can save electricity. Dimmers reduce electrical current more than they consume, which directly translates to energy savings for you. Dimmer switches rapidly turn a light circuit on and off to reduce the energy that flows into a light bulb.

Using a dimmer helps to cut the energy running through the fixture. While it may look like the light is on, it is continuously flickering on and off.

No, not all light fixtures work with dimmers. For a light fixture to be dimmable, you need compatible fixture, bulbs, and switch.

Most traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs are dimmable. However, Fluorescent and LED lighting require specific dimmers.

If you are looking to upgrade your non-dimmable fixture, there are a couple of options you can do. One option is to replace the non-dimmable bulbs. Swap non-dimmable bulbs with bulbs that are dimmable. Make sure the dimmer switch you are using is compatible with the new bulbs.

Another option is to use a compatible dimmer switch. There are some instances where the bulb is dimmable, but the dimmer is not compatible with the lights. By installing a compatible dimmer switch, you can have better control over your lights.

For an LED fixture to be dimmable, it is important that the bulbs have “dimmable” labeling on the packaging. If the bulbs are not dimmable, they will not work with a dimmer switch. The dimmability of an LED bulb depends on the LED driver that the light uses.

How dimmable an LED bulb is depends on the capability of the LED driver the light fixtures uses. LED bulbs require LED dimmers. These special dimmer switches and LED lights help to avoid problems with the bulbs including flickering and buzzing.

The two main dimmers are leading-edge and trailing edge dimmers.

Leading-Edge Dimmers

Leading edge dimmers cut off the front edge of the AC wave’s half cycle. They are typically for dimming incandescent and halogen lamps. A consequence of leading-edge dimmers is that they have a high minimum load. A higher minimum load is less efficient with LEDs.

As a result, LEDs using leading-edge dimmers can flicker and make noise while dimmed.

Trailing Edge Dimmers

Trailing edge dimmers cut off the second half of the AC wave’s half cycle. They have improvements including smoother dimming and interference. They work better for dimmable LEDs than leading-edge models because they have a lower minimum load than the leading edge. Trailing-edge dimmers are ideal for LEDs and low-voltage electronic systems, as they offer flicker-free, consistent dimming.

Find more about trailing and leading-edge dimmers by reading this blog.