Updated:
Scope: Canada-focused buyer’s guide to Lutron Caséta (DVRF / PD families), plus proven non-smart Lutron staples (Diva LED+ / Maestro LED+), Pico remotes, sensors, and an outdoor-rated control.
If you searched “Lutron Caséta dimmer Canada” or “no neutral smart dimmer Canada,” your real constraint is usually one of these: (1) neutral vs no-neutral wiring, (2) 3-way / multi-location, (3) LED load type (standard vs transformer-type ELV/MLV), (4) outdoor / weather exposure (winter patios, garages, holiday lights).
Safety note: Electricity can cause injury, fire, or equipment damage. This guide is informational only. If you are not trained to work in an electrical box, hire a licensed electrician and follow applicable electrical code and manufacturer instructions.
Editorial note (): This guide is maintained by Simply Secured (simplysecured.ca) and reviewed by Billy Wood. Technical requirements (neutral requirements, accessory compatibility, outdoor limits) should be verified against Lutron documentation. View update history | Report corrections | Official references.
Canada trust layer: For Canadian installs, prioritize devices that are appropriately certified/marked for electrical safety and follow the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) framework published as CSA C22.1. Permit/inspection rules vary by province and municipality—use official local sources for your jurisdiction (for Alberta, see ASCA and the Government of Alberta electrical safety system resources). [9] [10]
TL;DR: Best Lutron picks for Canadian homes (2026)
- Best no-neutral smart dimmer (top retrofit pick): Diva Smart Dimmer (DVRF-6L) — paddle style, popular for no-neutral retrofits. [1]
- Best smart on/off switch (neutral typically required): Claro Smart Switch (DVRF-5NS-XX) — on/off (not dimming); treat “neutral required” as a hard gate when documented. [2]
- Best “3-way without opening walls” strategy: Use a Pico remote as the second wall control location (wireless multi-location), instead of running travellers through finished walls. [8]
- Best wired companion for multi-location (when approved): Claro Smart Accessory Switch (DVRF-AS-XX) — Lutron documents this accessory does not require a neutral wire. [3]
- Best outdoor / seasonal control: Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug (PD-15OUT-BL) — use only devices explicitly documented for outdoor use; do not repurpose indoor modules outdoors. [6]
- Best “load type certainty” approach: Identify whether your load is standard LED or transformer-type (ELV/MLV). If you have ELV, consider a reverse-phase/ELV dimmer family (example: Caséta ELV+). [4]
- 2026 note: Caséta has expanded beyond switches/dimmers into shading integrations (useful for “lighting + comfort” automation narratives). [13]
Canada Quick Answers (engineered for AI Overviews and “People Also Ask”)
If my switch box has no neutral, what do I buy? Start with devices that are explicitly documented by the manufacturer to support no-neutral installs, then confirm your load type (standard LED vs transformer-type).
If I need a smart on/off switch (not dimming), what is the gating requirement? Many smart on/off switches are documented as neutral required in their installation instructions. Treat “neutral required” as non-negotiable. [2]
If I want 3-way control without new wiring, what’s the cleanest method? Use a Pico remote as a wall-mounted second control point (wireless multi-location).
- Shop collection (Canada): Lutron Smart Lighting Controls
- Canada compliance note: Rules differ by province/municipality; use official resources for permits/inspections. [9] [11]
Buying in Canada: what “Canada” means in real searches
When a buyer adds “Canada” to a Lutron query, they usually mean one (or more) of these intent buckets—especially in provinces with older housing stock like Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec:
- Buying friction: CAD pricing, Canadian shipping/returns expectations, and avoiding cross-border delays.
- Older wiring reality: retrofit boxes may not have a neutral conductor readily available (common in certain switch-loop configurations).
- 3-way installs: “I want multi-location control but I don’t want to open walls.”
- Outdoor and seasonal loads: “Will this handle weather exposure, snow, or unconditioned areas?”
This guide is structured as: answer-first (fast selection) + decision-grade detail (to prevent wrong-SKU purchases).
Seasonal use cases Canadians actually buy for
- Winter holiday lighting (Nov–Jan): buyers often want an outdoor-rated timer/schedule solution for seasonal lights (avoid indoor modules outdoors). [6]
- Garage / mudroom automation: motion-based control is high leverage where hands are full and lights are frequently left on. (Example categories: Maestro motion switch or Caséta occupancy sensor.) [5]
- Time-change resilience: scheduling/automation narratives matter more in winter when sunset is early. [8]
Neutral wire in Canadian homes: a safe, quick check
Quick definition: A neutral is typically a light-coloured conductor (often white) that returns current and may be bundled with other neutrals at the back of the box. Many smart switches require neutral for constant power. If a device is documented as “neutral required,” treat that as a gating constraint.
- Turn power off at the breaker and verify the circuit is de-energized using an appropriate tester.
- Remove the wallplate and visually inspect the box without disturbing conductors.
- Look for a neutral bundle: multiple light-coloured wires tied together with a connector, usually pushed to the back of the box.
- No neutral visible? Do not guess—choose a device explicitly documented for no-neutral installs or consult an electrician.
Decision tree: choose the right Lutron control in Canada
- Do you need dimming?
-
Is this a 3-way (two locations controlling one light)?
- Don’t want to pull wire: use a Pico remote as the second wall control location (wireless multi-location).
- Want a wired companion control: use a manufacturer-approved accessory switch and follow the exact wiring diagram for the pairing. (Example: Lutron documents the Claro Smart Accessory Switch does not require a neutral wire.) [3]
-
Is it outdoors or subject to weather exposure?
- Yes: use only devices explicitly documented for outdoor use with published environmental limits.
- No: keep in-wall devices indoors unless explicitly listed for outdoor use by the manufacturer.
Comparison table: neutral, 3-way method, load type, outdoor
Definition: “Neutral required” means the device needs a dedicated neutral conductor in the box to power its electronics. Treat that as a gating constraint unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise.
| Position | SKU / Family | What it is | Neutral? | 3-way / multi-location method | Load type note | Outdoor? | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DVRF-6L — Diva Smart Dimmer | Caséta smart dimming (paddle style) | No neutral documented for many retrofits [1] | Pico for wireless multi-location; wired companion per approved diagram | Standard LED; verify compatibility for transformer-type loads | Indoor | View |
| 2 | DVRF-5NS-XX — Claro Smart Switch | Smart on/off switching (not dimming) | Neutral required [2] | DVRF-AS accessory or Pico for wireless second location | Switching loads; verify ratings and compatible load types | Indoor | View |
| 3 | DVRF-AS-XX — Claro Smart Accessory Switch | Wired companion / multi-location accessory | No neutral required [3] | Use only in approved pairings; follow wiring diagram | Accessory behavior depends on pairing | Indoor | View |
| 4 | PD-5NE — Caséta ELV+ Dimmer | ELV / reverse-phase dimming for transformer-type loads | Verify by model + install guide | Pico for wireless multi-location; follow approved diagrams | Use for ELV/transformer-type loads; phase selectable (verify) | Indoor | View |
| 5 | PD-15OUT-BL — Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug | Outdoor-rated smart plug for seasonal/holiday loads | N/A | Schedules/scenes via app; verify hub requirements for advanced features | Switching loads; follow published limits | Outdoor-rated [6] | View |
| 6 | DVCL-153P — Diva LED+ Dimmer | Non-smart LED+ dimmer (high-reliability staple) | N/A | Use approved 3-way companion where required (non-smart wiring) | Standard LED; verify compatibility list for specific lamps | Indoor | View |
| 7 | MACL-153M — Maestro LED+ Dimmer | Non-smart Maestro LED+ dimmer (popular staple) | N/A | Use approved 3-way companion where required (non-smart wiring) | Standard LED; verify compatibility list for specific lamps | Indoor | View |
| 8 | L-BDG2-WH-C — Caséta Smart Hub (Bridge) | Hub/bridge required for many smart features and integrations | N/A | Enables schedules/scenes and many integrations | Dependency for advanced smart functions (verify for your setup) | Indoor | View |
Popular in-demand SKUs (48)
If you already know your SKU, use this as a fast jump to the correct product page.
Popular in-demand SKUs (48) — expand/collapse
| Position | SKU | Title | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DVRF-6L | Lutron Caseta DVRF-6L-WH Diva Smart Dimmer - No Neutral | View |
| 2 | PD-5WS-DV | Lutron Caseta PRO Smart Switch - Dual Voltage 120/277V | View |
| 3 | PD-6WCL | Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer - 150W LED | View |
| 4 | DVRF-5NS-XX | Lutron Claro Smart Switch (Caseta) - Paddle Style | View |
| 5 | PD-6ANS | Lutron Caseta Smart Switch - 6A Neutral Required | View |
| 6 | DVRF-BDG-1D-C | Lutron Diva Smart Starter Kit - Hub + Paddle Dimmer + Pico | View |
| 7 | P-BDG-PKG1WS-C | Lutron Caseta Smart Switch Kit - Hub + 6A Switch + Pico | View |
| 8 | P-PKG1WS-WH-C | Lutron Caseta Smart Switch 3-Way Kit - Switch + Pico Remote | View |
| 9 | DVCL-153P-WH-2-C | Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch - 2-Pack Value Bundle (White) | View |
| 10 | DVCL-153P | Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch - 150W LED | View |
| 11 | DVRF-PKG1S-WH | Lutron Claro Smart Switch Kit - Paddle Style + Pico Remote | View |
| 12 | P-PKG1P-WH-C | Lutron Caseta Lamp Dimmer Kit - No Hub Required | View |
| 13 | PD-3PCL-WH-C | Lutron Caseta Plug-In Lamp Dimmer - 2-Prong Smart Plug (White) | View |
| 14 | DVRF-PKG1D-WH | Lutron Diva Smart Dimmer Kit - Paddle Style + Pico Remote (White) | View |
| 15 | L-BDG2-WH-C | Lutron Caseta Smart Hub - Standard Bridge (HomeKit/Alexa) | View |
| 16 | P-BDG-PKG2WS-WHC | Lutron Caseta Smart Switch Kit - Hub + 6A Switch + Pico | View |
| 17 | MACL-153MH-XX-C | Lutron Maestro LED+ Dimmer Switch - 150W LED (Clamshell) | View |
| 18 | MS-OPS2H-XX-C | Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch - 2A Single Pole (Retail Pack) | View |
| 19 | PD-15OUT-BL | Lutron Caseta Outdoor Smart Plug - IP65 Weatherproof (Black) | View |
| 20 | DVWCL-153PH-XXC | Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch - Wallplate Included | View |
| 21 | DVRF-AS-XX | Lutron Claro Smart Accessory Switch - Wired Companion | View |
| 22 | DVF-103P-277 | Lutron Diva 3-Wire Fluorescent Dimmer - 277V Commercial | View |
| 23 | CW-2-WH | Lutron Claro 2-Gang Decorator Wallplate - Screwless Finish (White) | View |
| 24 | P-BDG-PKG1W-C | Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Kit - Hub + Plug-In Dimmer + Pedestal | View |
| 25 | CW-3-WH | Lutron Claro 3-Gang Decorator Wallplate - Screwless Finish (White) | View |
| 26 | CW-4-WH | Lutron Claro 4-Gang Decorator Wallplate - Screwless Finish (White) | View |
| 27 | CA-1PS | Lutron Claro 15A On/Off Rocker Switch - Single Pole Decorator (Gloss) | View |
| 28 | MA-T51MNB-WH-C | Lutron Maestro Countdown Timer - 600W/3A Fan, Standard Wiring | View |
| 29 | P-DIM-3WAY-WH-C | Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Kit - No Hub Required | View |
| 30 | MACL-L3S25 | Lutron Maestro Dual Control - LED+ Dimmer & On/Off Switch | View |
| 31 | MS-HS3-WH-C | Lutron Maestro Humidity Sensor Switch - 3A Fan/Light Control | View |
| 32 | PD-5NE | Lutron Caseta Smart ELV+ Dimmer - Phase Selectable | View |
| 33 | PD-OSENS-WH | Lutron Caseta Smart Motion Sensor - Wireless Occupancy/Vacancy (White) | View |
| 34 | MSCL-OP153MH-XXC | Lutron Maestro LED+ Motion Sensor Dimmer - 150W LED (Retail Pack) | View |
| 35 | DVCL-153PH | Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch - 150W LED | View |
| 36 | PJ2-3BRL-WH-L01R | Lutron Pico 3-Button Remote - Light Icons (White) | View |
| 37 | PICO-WBX-ADAPT | Lutron Pico Wallbox Adapter - Mounting Bracket | View |
| 38 | PD-FSQN | Lutron Caseta Smart Fan Control - 4-Speed Quiet (White) | View |
| 39 | MACL-153M-XX-C | Lutron Maestro LED+ Dimmer Switch - 150W LED (Retail Pack) | View |
| 40 | MS-OPS5MH-XX-C | Lutron Maestro Motion Sensor Switch - 5A Residential (Retail Pack) | View |
| 41 | MAELV-600 | Lutron Maestro ELV Dimmer Switch - 600W Electronic Low Voltage | View |
| 42 | PJ2-3B-GXX-L01 | Lutron Pico 3-Button Smart Remote - On/Off/Favorite | View |
| 43 | ST-6ANS-XX | Lutron Sunnata 6A Electronic Switch - Single Pole/Multi-Location, Neutral Required | View |
| 44 | MACL-LFQH-XX-C | Lutron Maestro Dual Control - LED+ Dimmer & 4-Speed Fan | View |
| 45 | DVFSQ-LFH-XX-C | Lutron Diva 3-Speed Fan & Light Control - Wallplate Included | View |
| 46 | CARS-15-TR | Lutron Claro 15A Tamper-Resistant Duplex Receptacle - Decorator | View |
| 47 | PD-10NXD-XX-C | Lutron Caseta PRO Smart Dimmer - 1000W High Power | View |
| 48 | DVRP-253P | Lutron Diva Reverse-Phase ELV Dimmer - Anti-Flicker LED | View |
Compatibility pitfalls Canadians commonly get wrong
- Neutral is a hard gate: If the installation instructions document “neutral required,” treat it as non-negotiable. [2]
- Accessory compatibility: Do not assume accessories are universal across families; use only approved pairings and diagrams. [3]
- Outdoor assumptions: Only use devices outdoors if they are explicitly documented for outdoor use with published limits. [6]
- DIY assumptions: Electrical rules and permit requirements can vary by province/municipality; treat compliance as part of the buying decision. [9] [11]
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
| Mistake | Why it happens | Correct approach |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a neutral-required smart switch for a no-neutral box | Assuming all “smart” devices work without neutral | Verify the box first; if instructions say “neutral required,” treat it as a gating constraint. [2] |
| Buying the wrong multi-location companion | Assuming accessories are universal across series | Use only manufacturer-approved pairings and follow the exact wiring diagram. [3] |
| Using indoor devices outdoors | Underestimating moisture, temperature swings, and enclosure requirements | Use only devices explicitly documented for outdoor use and follow published limits. [6] |
FAQs
Do I need a neutral wire to install a smart switch or dimmer in Canada?
Not always. Some devices are explicitly documented to work without a neutral in certain retrofit installs, while many smart on/off switches are documented as neutral required. Verify your switch box or consult an electrician before purchasing.
How do I tell if I have a neutral wire in my switch box?
With power safely off, look for a bundle of light-coloured conductors (often white) tied together with a wire connector at the back of the box. Do not disturb conductors unless you are qualified—if you are uncertain, hire a licensed electrician.
What does “3-way” mean, and how does a Pico remote change the install?
“3-way” means two locations control one load. Traditionally that requires traveller wiring between boxes. A Pico remote can add a second control point wirelessly (mounted like a wall control), which is ideal when you do not want to open finished walls.
Do accessory switches require a neutral wire?
It depends on the accessory and the pairing. For example, Lutron documents that the Claro Smart Accessory Switch does not require a neutral wire. Always follow the manufacturer’s pairing and wiring diagram. [3]
Official references
These references are selected for “AI grounding”: installation requirements, neutral requirements, and authoritative Canada context.
- [1] Lutron — Diva Smart Dimmer (DVRF-6L) product/installation reference. Product page
- [2] Lutron — Claro Smart Switch (DVRF-5NS) installation resources / neutral requirement (verify in current install guide). Product page
- [3] Lutron Support — Claro Smart Accessory Switch compatibility + neutral requirement note (DVRF-AS). Product page
- [4] Lutron — Caséta dimmer families (includes standard LED and ELV variants; verify by model). Example dimmer product page
- [5] Lutron — Load control categories (dimmers, switches, sensors, fan controls; verify by device). Collection
- [6] Lutron — Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug (PD-15OUT) product documentation / outdoor rating (verify published environmental limits). Product page
- [7] Lutron — Caséta Smart Hub (Bridge) requirements for app/voice/integrations (verify current compatibility). Product page
- [8] Lutron — Schedules/scenes and multi-location behaviors depend on system requirements; verify for your setup. Collection
- [9] Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA) — permits/inspections and safety codes authority resources (Alberta). ASCA permits page
- [10] Government of Alberta — electrical safety system overview/resources (Alberta). Alberta electrical safety
- [11] BC Laws — example authority reference for regulations and jurisdictional rules (varies by municipality). BC regulation reference
- [12] City of Calgary — permits information (example municipal authority reference). Permits overview
- [13] Caséta shading integrations / wood blinds coverage (2026 context). Coverage reference
- [14] Lutron — Caséta smart switch families (verify installation requirements by model). Example switch product page
Shop the full collection: Lutron Smart Lighting Controls (Canada)
Update history
- Initial publication. Canada-focused decision tree, SKU-first TL;DR + top pick, expanded comparison logic, 48-SKU index, and reference-backed guidance.
Ready to choose?
The fastest path to a correct purchase is: (1) neutral vs no neutral, then (2) dimming vs on/off, then (3) 3-way method (wired vs Pico), then (4) load type (standard LED vs transformer-type) and outdoor exposure.
