Two-wire dimmer operation includes applying first and second control pulses to a switching circuit controlled between ON and OFF states, the first control pulse beginning at a first starting time and extending for a first duration of time that ends at a first ending time, and the second control pulse beginning at a second starting time, after the first ending time, and extending for a second duration of time that ends at a second ending time, detecting levels of current provided to a lighting load during the first duration of time and during the second duration of time, comparing current levels determined based on applying the first and second control pulses, based on the comparing, ascertaining a load type of the lighting load, and selecting, based on the ascertained load type, parameters that control dimming operation of the dimmer.