Leviton

Leviton traces its roots to 1906, when Isidor Leviton opened a small tinsmithing shop in New York City that produced mantle tips for gas lighting fixtures. When electric light bulbs began replacing gas lamps, Leviton designed a screw-in lampholder in 1910 that was soon installed throughout apartment buildings across Manhattan, setting the company on a path toward electrical wiring devices.

The company expanded into wall switches and outlets during the 1920s and relocated operations from Manhattan to Williamsburg and later Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as production grew. Leviton remains privately held and now operates from its headquarters in Melville, New York, serving residential, commercial and industrial markets with wiring devices, lighting controls and data networking products distributed through electrical wholesalers such as SupplyHouse.

Product Lines

Leviton's wiring device lineup includes switches, dimmers, receptacles, GFCI and USB outlets, and wall plates, anchored by the Decora line of flat, low-profile switches that replaced traditional toggle designs in many homes and commercial buildings. The catalog also covers load centers, circuit breakers and EV charging stations for electrical contractors working on new construction and service upgrades.

On the lighting and networking side, Leviton produces wireless lighting controls, relay panels, touchscreen control systems and structured media centers, along with the connectors, jacks and wallplates used in low-voltage data, voice and video installations. Electrical and low-voltage contractors can source both categories from a single manufacturer when specifying a job that spans power distribution and structured cabling.

Why Contractors Specify Leviton

Contractors who install wiring devices in volume value having a single source for switches, receptacles, dimmers, and the low-voltage networking components that increasingly show up on the same job. Leviton's long manufacturing history means most electricians already recognize the Decora form factor and wiring conventions, which shortens training time for apprentices and reduces callbacks tied to unfamiliar hardware.

Because Leviton covers both line-voltage devices and structured cabling, electrical contractors bidding mixed-scope jobs, panel plus low-voltage rough-in, can consolidate purchasing and stay within one manufacturer's compatibility standards rather than juggling multiple connector systems.

How to Choose Leviton Products

Selection generally starts with the electrical load and box configuration on the job. Standard toggle switches and outlets suit basic replacement work, while Decora-style devices are specified for a flatter profile and easier operation, and GFCI or USB-integrated outlets are chosen for bathrooms, kitchens and other locations where code requires ground-fault protection.

For lighting control jobs, the choice comes down to scale: single-location dimmers and switches handle residential rooms, while relay panels, touchscreen controls and distributed control systems suit commercial spaces with zoned lighting schedules. Networking components should be matched to the cabling category already specified for the project so jacks, patch panels and structured media enclosures share the same termination standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Decora line and why do electricians ask for it by name?

Decora refers to Leviton's flat, low-profile switch and outlet design, which replaced the traditional toggle switch in many residential and commercial buildings. Electricians and homeowners often request Decora-style devices specifically for the cleaner look and easier operation compared to standard toggle switches.

Can Leviton wiring devices be mixed with other manufacturers' wall plates?

Physical mounting is standardized by electrical code, so most wall plates fit across manufacturers, but matching the wall plate cutout style, toggle, Decora or rocker, and GFCI, to the device installed avoids gaps or fitment issues during rough-in and trim-out.

What is the difference between a standard GFCI outlet and a GFCI breaker?

A GFCI outlet protects the specific receptacle and any devices downstream when wired correctly, while a GFCI breaker protects an entire circuit from the panel. Contractors typically choose based on how many locations on a circuit require ground-fault protection and whether panel space is available.

Are Leviton lighting controls compatible with LED fixtures?

Dimmers and controls need to be matched to the specific lamp type and driver being installed, since not every dimmer is rated for low-wattage LED loads. Checking the compatible load range listed on the device packaging before specifying a dimmer for an LED retrofit prevents flickering or buzzing after installation.

What should be considered when specifying Leviton networking components for a commercial build-out?

Cable category, such as Cat5e or Cat6, the number of drops required, and whether a structured media center will centralize connections all factor into the selection. Matching connectors, jacks and patch panels within the same rated category keeps performance consistent across the installation.