Weather Resistant dimmers

[Srv52761]

Do they make a 120 volt dimmer suitable to dim LED bulbs and rated for outdoor use?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Coppersmith]

I don't know if they make a WR rated one like they do receptacles, but you can place a standard dimmer in a weatherproof box with an in-use cover.

ETA: A quick search of the internet did not turn up any WR rated dimmers.

 

[ptonsparky]

Or use one of those PICO remotes outside and the dimmer in. Carry it in the pocket.

 

[drcampbell]

You could use a toggle-style dimmer and a Wx cover that has an actuating lever.

 

[hotneutral]

You’d have to take the cover off to use the dimmer. Lutron Pico is the way to go.

 

[Besoeker3]

Do they make a 120 volt dimmer suitable to dim LED bulbs and rated for outdoor use?
Thanks in advance.

I have seen them in UK (UK 230V)

 

[Srv52761]

All the dimmers I can find say, “indoor use only”. Does adding a weather cover change their rating?

 

[infinity]

All the dimmers I can find say, “indoor use only”. Does adding a weather cover change their rating?

IMO, technically no.

 

[Coppersmith]

All the dimmers I can find say, “indoor use only”. Does adding a weather cover change their rating?

"Indoor use only" is another way of saying "dry location use only". The interior of a weatherproof box with a proper weatherproof cover is a dry location.

 

[hillbilly1]

You could use a toggle-style dimmer and a Wx cover that has an actuating lever.

You’d have to take the cover off to use the dimmer. Lutron Pico is the way to go.

I’ve done that before using a slide dimmer, the lever inside adjusted the dimmer from off to full on depending on the position of the handle.

 

[infinity]

"Indoor use only" is another way of saying "dry location use only". The interior of a weatherproof box with a proper weatherproof cover is a dry location.

I would need to see some documention that states that the inside of a box installed outdoors is compliant with something label indoor use only.

 

[Coppersmith]

I would need to see some documention that states that the inside of a box installed outdoors is compliant with something label indoor use only.

I found this Discussion which I believe supports my position including this quote from you:

"The interior of a disconnect is not a wet location. It's that simple. "

 

[Jerramundi]

"Indoor use only" is another way of saying "dry location use only". The interior of a weatherproof box with a proper weatherproof cover is a dry location.

If it is, then why require Weather Resistant Receptacles in a Weatherproof enclosure?

 

[infinity]

I found this Discussion which I believe supports my position including this quote from you:

I like your thinking but indoor only means indoor only. I don't see any mention of dry location in “indoor use only” from post #7.

 

[LarryFine]

1. Dimmers are clearly not meant for outdoor use.

2. I would do it anyway, and I have, many times.

 

[Jerramundi]

Why not just install one of the Alexa/Google Home Smart Switches on the interior somewhere and they can control it via WiFi when outside?

Obviously these devices are a bit expensive, but so are most reputable dimmers. Splurge for the extra $10-$20 for an indoor smart switch and your WR concern for the outdoor dimmer is null and void.

 

[Jerramundi]

1. Dimmers are clearly not meant for outdoor use.

2. I would do it anyway, and I have, many times.

I have as well. While there is no Code Requirement for outdoor switches to be WR rated (as far as I'm aware), only certain receptacles, it stands to reason that said requirement should also apply to switches... but alas the world keeps turning and people want their patio string lights, lol

When forced into this conundrum, I just ensure the circuit has adequate GFCI protection and a wire type EGC bonded to both the box and the device itself regardless of whether or not it's in a metal raceway or splices are present. Obviously a WP cover too.

The first time I did this, I was so worried about what the OP is worried about, that I actually considered driving a ground rod near the outdoor switch, lol.

 

[synchro]

I think it would be a more robust setup to have a Lutron Maestro dimmer located indoors that's connected to a Maestro Companion dimmer at the outdoor location.
I believe the Companion dimmer only has mechanical switches and two diodes inside of it, and these operate on 120V level signals. Therefore the Companion should be less sensitive to any electrical leakage caused by condensation than the main dimmer (which has electronics inside that operate with low level signals and relatively high impedance levels). Also, I would think the Companion would be more likely to survive outdoors than a full-blown dimmer just because it's very simple and so there's less that can wrong.

 

[Jerramundi]

I think it would be a more robust setup to have a Lutron Maestro dimmer located indoors that's connected to a Maestro Companion dimmer at the outdoor location.

And by "companion," you mean "slave?" Do my eyes deceive me or is an electrician actually being somewhat PC?

 

[synchro]

And by "companion," you mean "slave?" Do my eyes deceive me or is an electrician actually being somewhat PC?

I believe Lutron has always called them Companion or Accessory dimmers.
Master/Slave terminology has been used for several decades in other electrical areas, for example sequential digital circuits such as:

Master-Slave Flip Flop Circuit

Before knowing more about the master-slave flip flop you have to know more on the basics of a J-K flip flop and S-R flip flop. To know more about the flip flops, click on the link below. So in this article, we are learning in detail about Master Slave Flip Flops. We will see what

www.circuitstoday.com

Just waiting for the PC police to disallow gender based designations on types of connectors ...