The original solid-state dimmer, introduced in 1961, sets lights for the perfect mood or ambiance. Rotate to select light level, and either rotate or push to on/off.It works in single-pole applications, where the light is controlled from one switch. This dimmer is perfect for rooms like your kitchen and living room where the lights often need to be adjusted based on the activity. Dim the lights in your kitchen for a romantic dinner or brighten them in the living room for family game night. The Rotary dimmer is easy to use and looks great in any room. This dimmer is for use only with incandescent and halogen bulbs. Installs in as little as 15 minutes. It's in the lowest setting when turned to the far left and at full brightness when turned to the far right. You push the dial straight in until it clicks to turn the light fixture on or off. A dimmer switch is basically a switch with a big variable resistor built into it. It consumes a little bit of energy, and this creates heat. To help dissipate the heat, the switches often come equipped with cooling fins or aluminum faces. Dimmers should be installed in electrical boxes that provide a little bit of breathing room, to prevent overheating.