Compatible Dimmer Controls
Broan-NuTone® Dimmer Switch Selection Guide 
  The brightness level of some Broan® and NuTone® bathroom exhaust fan/lights can 
be changed using certain dimmer switches. This guide will help to determine what kind of 
dimmer switch should be used for each different Broan® or NuTone® fan/light style. See 
below for the step-by-step instructions: 
1)  Determine the lighting type and lighting load of the bathroom fan/light that will be 
dimmed. This information will be located in the fan’s specification sheet (which can be 
found on the Broan-NuTone® website
) 
a.  For example: 11-watt lighting load and LED lighting type (see AE80LK) OR 
b.  18-watt lighting load and fluorescent lighting type (see QTXE080FLT) 
2)  Next, go to the website of a dimmer switch manufacturer (Leviton and Lutron are two 
popular options) and determine which dimmer controls they have that can be used 
with the fan’s lighting type (LED, CFL, incandescent, etc.). In general, dimming can be 
performed with reverse-phase or forward-phase switches. Reverse-phase typically 
provides better results for LED bulbs 
a.  See Leviton’s website
 for more information on forward- vs reverse-phase 
dimming 
3)  Knowing the proper dimmer type and lighting load/type, select a dimmer that is rated 
high enough for the lighting load that it will be controlling. The dimmer’s power rating 
will need to be greater than or equal to the lighting load on the bathroom fan. 
a.  See end of this guide for a step-by-step example of how to find a dimmer on 
Lutron’s website 
Notes: 
1)  Not all lights on Broan® & Nutone® bathroom fans will be dimmable. This information 
will be located on the specification sheet 
a.  For example: SurfaceShield™ and Sensonic products ARE NOT dimmable 
2)  In general, LED lighting will perform better with a reverse phase dimmer control 
3)  There may be an audible buzzing sound depending on which dimmer switch and LED 
light are being used, and the dimming level selected 
4)  The violet light on the SurfaceShield products should not be dimmed as the 
disinfecting ability will be affected 
For questions or concerns related to the bathroom fan’s light, contact Broan Technical 
Support at 1-800-637-1453 
For questions or concerns related to the dimmer, contact the dimmer manufacturer’s 
Technical Support. 


