Question

So, it looks like the Lutron Caseta dimmers that don’t require a neutral (PD 6WCL) are much cheaper than the ones that do (PD 5NE). I have neutrals at my switches, so what happens if I install the 6WCL? And will that dimmer work just as well with a neutral as without? (The lights are Edison style housings with Philips retrofit led downlights) Edited to add that it looks like what I should be using is the PD 10NXD, which, strangely, doesn't appear on the main Lutron Caseta Dimmer Product list.  Any idea why that might be?  
https://www.casetawireless.com/prod...tches

Answer 1

The ones that require a neutral will work better (ones without neutrals sometimes require you to install an in-line capacitor if connected to a very low wattage load)

Comments

@unclothe1851 I think that low wattage is for 5 watts or less. I haven't had to install the capacitor on any of my dimmers so far and I use LED bulbs.  

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@bermejo I’ve got half a dozen no neutral switches, I had to install the cap in 1.  

Answer 2

Anything designed to work with no neutral is always gonna be a gimmick designed to find a way round a problem. If you have a neutral then you should use it. It means your device will be online and available all the time. Non neutral device require a lamp to be in the fitting and for it to be functional in order for them to work.  

Comments

@tendentious all my Lutron Caseta switches (on/off & dimmers) work fine and don't use a neutral wire since my house doesn't have any.  

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Joe, They do have a neutral wire as its not possible to work ithout one, they just use the one connected to the bulb and pass a small amount of power through the bulb which most modern bulbs don't see. Hence my comment about you have to have a lamp fitted for them to work.  

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Joe, what about dumb dimmers? For instance, I have a medicine cabinet that has an LED in the mirror and is controlled by a wall switch. Should I bother getting the neutral-optional dimmer (cl-pro) switch or will the regular one work just as well? I find it really surprising that the big box stores don’t stock Lutron Maestro or Caseta dimmers that use a neutral. I can only get them online or special order through local supply houses (and I live in NYC).  

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@newsman35 I'm not sure if you can use a non-neutral wire Lutron switch if you have a neutral wire. The stores do carry the neutral wire on/off switch, so in my case I have to order the non-neutral on/off switches online and the dimmers I can get in store.  

Answer 3

Inovelli has a no neutral dimmer that works very well for half the price.