Does a Dimmer Switch Reduce Voltage?

The dimmer 'chops' off part of the voltage cycle but doesnt actually reduce the voltage.

Do dimmers lower voltage?

Dimmers are devices connected to a light fixture and used to lower the brightness of light. By changing the voltage waveform applied to the lamp, it is possible to lower the intensity of the light output. ... Modern dimmers are built from semiconductors instead of variable resistors, because they have higher efficiency.

Does a dimmer switch reduce wattage?

Dimmers have been around for a very long time, almost as long as the light bulb itself. ... This reduces the amount of power reaching the bulb, reducing the brightness. This does reduce the overall amount of power being used and therefore you could call them more efficient.