The Leviton 6613-PL is a single-pole or 3-way magnetic low-voltage slide dimmer designed for use with incandescent and 120V halogen fixtures. Installation requires adherence to appropriate electrical codes and regulations, and users unfamiliar with electrical work should consult a qualified electrician. This article details the installation process, specifications, and safety precautions associated with the 6613-PL dimmer, based on available documentation.
Installation Procedures
The installation process differs slightly depending on whether the dimmer is being installed as a single device or as part of a multi-device application. The documentation emphasizes the importance of disconnecting power at the circuit breaker or fuse before beginning any wiring work.
Multi-Device Applications
In installations involving multiple dimmers, the maximum load per dimmer must be reduced. The documentation provides a chart outlining these limitations:
- Cat. No. 6613-PL:
- Single Device: 600VA
- Two Devices: 500VA
Single Device Installation
The installation process for a single dimmer involves several steps:
- Power Disconnection: Turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse and verify it is off.
- Wallplate Removal: Remove the existing wallplate and mounting screws.
- Switch Removal: Carefully pull the existing switch from the wall box, avoiding disconnection of any attached wires at this stage.
- Wiring Identification: Identify the wiring configuration. The documentation details procedures for both single-pole and 3-way switch configurations.
- Single-Pole: If two wires are connected to two screw terminals (excluding ground), it is a single-pole switch.
- 3-Way: If three wires are connected to three screw terminals (excluding ground), it is a 3-way switch. In this case, the common wire should be identified and tagged with electrical tape.
- Wire Disconnection and Preparation: Disconnect the wires from the existing switch. Prepare the dimmer leads by removing pre-cut insulation and stripping 5/8" (1.6 cm) of insulation from each wire in the wall box.
- Wiring Connection: Connect the wires according to the appropriate configuration (single-pole or 3-way). The documentation provides visual aids demonstrating proper wire connection techniques.
Technical Specifications and Limitations
The Leviton 6613-PL dimmer has specific technical limitations that must be considered during installation and operation.
Voltage and Wattage Ratings
- Voltage: 120VAC, 60Hz
- Maximum Load (Single Device): 600VA
- Maximum Load (Two Devices): 500VA
- Maximum Bulb Wattage (75% Efficiency):
- Single Gang: 450W
- Two Gang: 375W
The documentation notes that low-voltage dimmers are rated in Volt-Amps (VA), and the maximum bulb wattage is determined by the efficiency of the transformer in the low-voltage lighting system. Transformer efficiencies vary, but 75% is considered an average value for calculations.
Compatibility
The 6613-PL is specifically designed for use with:
- Magnetic low-voltage transformers
- Incandescent fixtures
- 120V halogen fixtures
It is not compatible with:
- Receptacles
- Fluorescent lighting
- Motor-operated appliances
- Transformer-operated appliances
- Electronic (solid state) low-voltage transformers (a Leviton electronic low-voltage dimmer should be used instead).
Cautions and Warnings
Several cautions and warnings are included in the documentation:
- When operating magnetic low-voltage circuits at a dim level with all lamps inoperative, excess current may flow through the transformer. To prevent potential transformer failure, use a transformer with thermal protection or a fuse at the primary windings.
- Only one dimmer should be used in a 3- or 4-way circuit. Additional switches will control the light at the brightness level selected on the dimmer.
- Always disconnect power at the circuit breaker or fuse before servicing the fixture.
- Use only copper or copper-clad wire. When using aluminum wire, only devices marked CO/ALR or CU/AL should be used.
Wiring Configurations
The documentation provides guidance on identifying and handling different wiring configurations.
Single-Pole Wiring
A single-pole switch has two wires connected to two screw terminals, excluding the ground wire.
3-Way Wiring
A 3-way switch has three wires connected to three screw terminals, excluding the ground wire. One of the screw terminals will typically be a different color (black) or labeled "Common." This common wire must be identified and tagged with electrical tape.
Available Models and Documentation
The provided documentation references a range of Leviton dimmer models, and directs users to search for specific part numbers. Leviton part numbers are typically five digits followed by three digits (e.g., ODS10-IDW). Users can search using the full part number or just the first five digits. The documentation lists several models, including:
- a-2000
- ACI06-1L
- ACM06-1L
- ACM10-1L
- 6613-PL
- 6615-P
- 6628
- 6631-L
- 6633-PL
The documentation also references other Leviton products, such as the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer (D26HD) and various Vizia RF + dimmers.
Conclusion
The Leviton 6613-PL magnetic low-voltage slide dimmer offers a solution for controlling compatible lighting systems. Proper installation requires careful adherence to the provided instructions, including disconnecting power, identifying wiring configurations, and respecting the dimmer’s technical limitations. Users should consult a qualified electrician if they are unsure about any aspect of the installation process. The documentation emphasizes the importance of safety and compatibility to ensure reliable and long-lasting performance.