Lutron Caseta Original Smart Dimmer Switch ELV+ (Lutron Hub Required), 250W LED, Single-Pole/3-Way, Neutral Required, PD-5NE-WH, White

Given the expense, I have been replacing my standard "dumb" switches with these smart ones a few at a time, and overall I have been very happy with their operation. They perform beautifully with only an occasional hiccup due to Siri. I've never had something fail to operate using the Lutron app for iOS or Apple's Home app.Following my recent purchase of a few more PD-5NE's, however, I did run into a problem with one load. The fixture, driven by a 12V/300W magnetic low voltage (MLV) transformer, consists of three incandescent bi-pin halogens of 50W each. When I installed the PD-5NE to switch this load, the lights on the fixture oscillated off and on, and some of the LEDs on the PD-5NE flashed repeatedly. I toggled the PD-5NE's default mode from reverse phase (for ELV loads) to forward phase for MLV, but the fixture still did not behave and I felt the PD-5NE start to get hot quickly. Secondly, later the PD-5NE blew its internal fuse. I contacted Lutron's tech support and they sent me a replacement PD-5NE, thinking possibly that the original one was faulty. The new PD-5NE arrived fairly quickly and upon installing it, I did not see its LEDs flashing as I did on the previous one nor did it heat up. However, as soon as I toggled the new PD-5NE to forward phase, it immediately blew its internal fuse as well. I placed another call to Lutron and the tech support guy recommended we try a PD-10NXD PRO switch instead. Unfortunately, that switch lacks the "favorite" button that the PD-5NE has, but I was willing to give it a try. Lutron quickly got the PD-10NXD PRO to me and I reviewed some details with tech support before installing it. You see, the PD-10NXD per the specs can operate without a neutral (though I have the neutral in the switch box). However, the specs do say that neutral is required for MLV loads. Lutron tech support suggested I first just try it without the neutral, stating that the switch would flash LEDs if it absolutely required the neutral. I installed it without the neutral and the switch did not flash its LEDs; i.e. it's operating fine, controlling the MLV without neutral, and seems to have no trouble at all unlike the PD-5NE it replaced. Score! Lutron stated that the max load rating for the PD-NXD is quite higher than the PD-5NE, though my transformer should have, per its specs, still functioned properly with the lower rated PD-5NE. I'm just happy that ultimately I got a workable solution.

The ELV PD-5NE-xx dimmer is pricy, requires a white ‘nuetral’ wire, but it’s also the switch to get. It resolves all of the weaknesses of the cheaper Caseta dimmer (PD-6WCL-xx). I don’t know why the CNET type reviewers don’t hit on the weaknesses of the PD-6WCL-xx, the Amazon verified customers sure notice. In this review I reference the less expensive switch, but the truth is both Caseta switches are pricey.Lutron Caseta ELV PD-5NE-xx dimmer pros and cons:PROS:- Allows setting favorite or default dim lvl at switch, just as on the pico remote (not available on Caseta PD-6WCL-xx switch)- Uses white neutral wire which creates a more stable platform. Bulbs shut off without an after glow (Caseta PD-6WCL-xx has no neutral wire)- Supports a wide range of bulbs all work perfectly without flicker or hum. The bulbs I’ve tested and use include many of the vintage type dimmable LED bulbs branded and distributed by smaller companies, and I haven’t had any issues (the cheaper Caseta PD-6WCL-xx had problems with many bulbs including the vintage filament LEDs and the popular GE Reveal LEDs (note, these bulbs weren’t on Caseta’s compatible bulb list. This said, many of my bulbs not on their list have worked flawlessly for years on other dimmers using a white neutral wire).- Flawlessly dims 8 LED kitchen tube lights (Toggle model d416 direct wire )’. The Toggle LED tubes replace 4ft fluorescents using existing receptacles (bypassing ballast). WORKS PERFECTLY (did not even try the other dimmer as the manufacture recommend the upgraded dimmer)- Works with dimmable ELV, LED, MLV, incandescent and halogen bulbs - has switch to support MLV (not supported with Caseta PD-6WCL-x)- Supports the pico remotes, but must be purchased separately.- Supports 29 8.5 watt led bulbs (Caseta PD-6WCL-x supports 17 - very respectable)CONS:- Priced higher than other dimmers, and it doesn’t include a Pico remoteLEDs are terrible at matching equivalent wattage and they’re usually brighter. The nice thing about dimmers and led lighting is you can purchase really bright bulbs for those times when you need something really bright, but use a dimmer so you only get the blinding light when requested. This, more expensive dimmer, supports this concept. The cheaper Caseta does not, it turns on at the switch at max brightness, and this is the main problem people have with the less expensive switch.Before buying Caseta look into the differences and consider spending the extra on the PD-5NE-xx switch. If it’s too much, you may want to research other products. I’ve read about people who purchased 20 of the cheaper switches, based on smart switch reviews, and ended up switching them out for the pricier model.The price is an obstacle, but the performance excels. I hope this helps you in your purchase.