A person far from electricity is unlikely to exhaustively answer the question - what is a dimmer? But many had to deal with the operation of this electrical device. Now we will try to explain in more detail what it is and why it is needed.
A dimmer is a small device that serves to smoothly adjust and turn off the light. It is usually installed in place of a standard mechanical switch. So, let's find out in more detail what they are for.
Appointment
Dimmers are divided into two main types - mechanical and electronic.
Note!
Mechanical is practically not used because of its low functionality, since with them only smooth adjustment of lighting is carried out.
Another thing is their electronic multifunctional analogues, which are designed to solve the following problems:
- Lighting brightness adjustment.
- Imitation of presence.
- Possibility of automatic shutdown.
- Several modes of dimming and blinking.
- Remote control, including voice commands.
Functions
Thus, having analyzed its functionality, it can be understood that the installation of a dimmer allows you to solve the problem of saving electricity and a comfortable level of lighting, extends the life of the lamp and even performs security functions, simulating the presence in the house of the owners by preset periodic turning on and off the light, left for a while apartment.
Views by type of management
- Modular dimmers. These appliances are often installed in porches. They are mounted in switchboards and controlled using portable buttons or keyboard-type switches.
- Switch with dimmer mounted in a junction box. Such a switch is controlled in the same way as in the first case with a key switch and a portable button.
- Monoblock dimmer. The most commonly used device in universal life, which is mounted instead of a standard switch.
Remote control dimmer
Subspecies of monoblock dimmers
- Rotary-push devices, which are controlled by pressing the handle, and the light is adjusted by rotating it.
- Keyboards resemble double switches. In this case, the shutdown occurs by pressing one half, and dimming the other.
- The rotary devices are fully controlled by the rotary movements of the handle. A click means on / off the dimmer for incandescent lamps, and a further turn in the clockwise direction adjusts the brightness.
- Touch control dimmers are similar to keyboard dimmers, but instead of keys, control is performed by sensors. One half switches, and the second smoothly adjusts the lighting.
- Dimmers with remote control. Their work can be regulated both by remote control and manually.
Simple dimmer
Classification of dimmers by type of lighting
- For halogen lighting devices and incandescent lamps operating from a 220 V mains, a device that increases or decreases voltage is quite simple in design and principle of operation, and thus regulates brightness. The disadvantage of such devices is that when the voltage changes, the radiation spectrum changes and this leads to a change in the light gamut to a reddish color with minimal lighting.
- For energy saving lamps. It is quite difficult to regulate the lighting of these types of lamps simply by a dimmer, so for normal operation, in addition to them, there are special electronic starters. But even in this case, according to experts, the lamp life is reduced by about 150 hours. The same can be said about the operation of the device itself, because working under constant overloads does not increase the service life of any devices.
- Adjustment of illumination of halogen lamps of low voltage. Due to the presence in the mains of step-down transformers, the operation of these dimmers differs in some features. If a winding-type step-down converter is used, then you need to install a dimmer with the marking RL, and if the voltage is lowered by an electronic system, then a device with the designation C is bought. But the best option would be to purchase a dimmer with an already built-in step-down transformer.
- LED bulbs. A dimmer for 220V LED lamps does not regulate light parameters due to voltage changes, but due to the adjustment of the current frequency pulse length. The working frequency of the current, for this type of lamp, is 300 kHz, so when the light changes, it will not blink.
You can see additional information about the device in the video:
By the way, quite often, the buyer has a very reasonable question - is the dimmer in LED lamps supported? Because often, unscrupulous sellers push the usual dimmers for incandescent lamps and then, when they come home, the buyer detects a malfunction in the system. Therefore, it is advisable to more aggressively find out when buying whether or not your chosen dimmer is suitable for these lamps.
Wiring diagram
If you are going to connect the device to the network, then the wiring diagram for the dimmer looks almost the same as for connecting a conventional switch.
To begin, turn off the current and dismantle the old switch from the socket. After that, we begin the preparation of wires, cutting, and then stripping the ends. For further correct installation, you need to find out where the outgoing and incoming phases are. This is usually not difficult, since on marked terminals, phases are indicated by arrows.
Wiring diagram
Phase determination
Then you will need to find out where the incoming phase is on the wires to which the old switch was connected. This can be done with the help of a tester, which, when detected, will light up.
Note!
If you install the dimmer yourself, you need to understand that determining the phase is the most important point when installing and connecting a dimmer.
After that we connect these two wires to the corresponding terminals. At the final stage, insert the device into the box and fix it with antennae and bolts. Then we put on the frame and check our device for operability. Apparently, the person who at least once changed the switch, without labor and special knowledge will be able to cope with this work.
LED Strip Dimmer
LED Strip Light
Recently, for the design of internal and external interiors, a dimmer for LED strip is used. An LED strip is a substrate of dielectric material on which LEDs are mounted. On this substrate, current-conducting tracks are applied, which are protected by a special coating. Such tapes have found their application in the outdoor illumination of buildings, as well as for indoor decoration.
LED strip is widely used in auto-tuning, lighting decoration of furniture interior and advertising structures. According to the degree of protection, they can be divided into two types. The first with conventional protection, used for interior lighting. The second is moisture resistant, used for exterior decoration and in the design of pools. Independent connection of the LED strip must be done in the presence of certain skills and knowledge. In the absence of such, you need to use the services of specialists.
What is a video dimmer:
You return home after a working day, comfortably settle in the living room and read the newspaper in bright light. Then turn on the TV and the lighting dim. And then you do start to doze, and the lamps turn off. How did the backlight manage to adapt to the wishes of the owner? Very simple - dimmers helped, or, otherwise, dimmers (from the English dimmer - dimmer). *
Where are dimmers useful?
First of all, dimmers provide visual comfort: installed instead of conventional switches, they dim the annoying brightness of the lamps to a comfortable level. Such devices are simply indispensable in rooms where several training options for households are provided at once:
- In the nursery for games and reading you need good lighting, but if the child is afraid to fall asleep in the dark, then with a dimmer you can dim the light of the chandelier to a minimum;
- In the living room, bright lighting will come in handy for everyday affairs, dim for family talk, and minimal for watching the series;
- In the bedroom, a dimmer at the head of the bed in one second will help create a suitable atmosphere: from intimate to vigorously awakening. And specialists from Legrand, a world-renowned manufacturer of electrical equipment, developed a dimmer model with night mode (Céliane series): for an hour, it gradually dims the light, and then completely turns it off. Switch to nightlight mode by pressing the three appropriate buttons.
It is interesting that dimmers not only bring convenience to the environment, but also help save up to 30% of electricity, which is quite relevant in the context of a constant increase in utility tariffs. In addition, dimming has a positive effect on the life of the fixtures. Reducing the brightness of the lamp by only 5% prolongs its operation time by half! This is especially true in cases where non-standard light sources are installed in the house, which are difficult to find a replacement.
However, if you decide to equip your house with dimmers, it is important to understand how to do it right: choose the power, determine the dimmer suitable for a particular type of lamp, choose a convenient control method, etc.
Let's try to figure it out!
Each lamp has its own dimmer
A variety of lamps in modern fixtures (incandescent, low-voltage halogen, fluorescent, LED) imposes certain conditions on the choice of dimmers. An improperly selected device may simply not work with certain lights. That is why devices for ordinary incandescent and low-voltage halogen lamps are on the market (they are often used in private homes to illuminate the territory), and there are also special devices for LED and compact fluorescent lamps.
True, there are universal solutions: in particular, the LivingLight dimmers of the Italian company BTicino control various types of loads. The device automatically detects the type of connected light sources and adjusts its operation depending on them. There are models where switching is done manually. This is a more complex, but at the same time reliable way. The mechanical transition to different lamps is implemented, for example, in the Etika series from the Legrand Group, a world specialist in electrical and information systems of buildings.
How many fixtures can a dimmer withstand?
When choosing a dimmer, it is important to correctly evaluate its rated power - it must correspond to the power consumption of the connected lamps. Otherwise, the device may simply not work or, even worse, burn out.
The simplest calculation is for incandescent lamps: if the maximum dimmer power is 400 W, 10 incandescent lamps of 40 W can be connected to it. As for the LEDs and CFL (compact fluorescent lamp), for calculations, the power of a conventional lamp, equivalent to it in luminosity, is taken. That is, a CFL of 8 W corresponds to a 40 W incandescent lamp, and a maximum of 10 such light sources can be connected to the 400-watt dimmer mentioned above.
Press, turn or slide your finger.
Today on the market there are several options for dimmers: rotary, in which the intensity of illumination is adjusted using the handle, and push, using a key as a control element. For ease of use, some pressure elements are equipped with two buttons - one works as a switch, and the second as a regulator. By this principle, for example, Valena series dimmers from the Legrand Group operate.
There are ultra-modern touch devices that respond to touch and its duration. And some regulators even have “intelligence” and allow you to implement a variety of scenarios: for example, in the MyHome system of the Italian company BTicino four-key switches are presented. With one touch, the user can create a cozy atmosphere with a slightly dim light, light up the entire illumination or put the lights in the "night mode". It is noteworthy that such devices also allow you to control natural light by adjusting the blinds, and if you want, you can also add music to the script.
Despite the apparent simplicity of dimmers, you need to seriously approach the choice of their type and rated power, and it is best to consult with specialists. And to do it now, when you are armed with knowledge of dimmers, it will be much easier. You will easily find a common language with professionals and will certainly be satisfied with your choice.
* Of course, not all dimmers are capable of this. In this case, we are talking about the ECO dimmer of the Céliane series (Legrand, France), which is installed instead of a conventional switch, and in appearance does not differ much from it. However, it has several different operating modes that are configured during device installation. The user will only have to remember a few combinations of buttons to activate them. The so-called "night light mode", which was discussed at the very beginning of this review, is activated by pressing three buttons.
Legrand Company Information:
Legrand Group is a global specialist in electrical and building information systems. Legrand products are used in residential premises, in buildings of the administrative sector, in industrial facilities. The company produces more than 215 thousand items of products and has more than 4.5 thousand valid patents for inventions. Legrand Group unites 36,000 employees working in 80 countries. Among them are France, Russia, Italy, Germany, Spain, the USA, China, Australia and others. The company’s offices are open in 22 cities of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, the Republic of Belarus and Ukraine.
A dimmer is a regulator of a certain size. Another name is a variator. But this term is usually used in mechanics (for example, a car gearbox). And the regulator of electrical parameters is called a dimmer.
When working with any electrical appliance, we use two states: on and off. For accuracy and comfort, intermediate values \u200b\u200bare sometimes required. They can be set in steps using switches. However, smooth adjustment is much more convenient. For example - the volume of music in the music center.
Actually, the volume knob is the most common use of a dimmer. And what else can be adjusted with such a device?
- Heater temperature: boiler, electric stove, air heater
- Fan speed
- Power tool revolutions: drill, grinder, circular saw, milling machine
- Lighting brightness.
The last paragraph will dwell in more detail. Dimmers-dimmers are most in demand when arranging a modern home.
But first, let's see how the dimmer works.
The appliance has a certain power. It is expressed in volume, sound speed, brightness. For example - an incandescent lamp. When applying voltage (corresponding to the parameters), the consumer receives a given brightness.
It is interesting:
The need to adjust the brightness of lighting existed long before the advent of dimmers. In old apartments, the installation of double switches and three-horn chandeliers was practiced. One key included one lamp, the second key - two lamps. The result is a kind of stepped dimmer for three levels of brightness.
For smooth adjustment of the glow level, it is necessary to change the main parameter - voltage. This works great on incandescent lamps, the brightness can be reduced to almost zero. 
And how to put this into practice?
The most efficient way is an auto transformer. The more familiar name is "LATR". The voltage is regulated by a contact runner, which moves across the turns of the secondary winding. Smoothness and accuracy are beyond praise. In this case, there is practically no loss - efficiency like a conventional transformer. However, a household dimmer from such a bulky device does not hold water. 
How else can you smoothly lower the voltage?
Using Ohm's law - using a resistor (in our case, a variable). Actually, the first samples looked exactly that way.
Since when connecting incandescent lamps with a power of 60 or 100 W, the currents for the resistors were serious, wire structures on ceramic insulators (in combination with heat dissipators) were used. 
The voltage really decreased, the adjustment was smooth, but where did the "extra" power go? Unlike the use of a transformer, energy redistribution does not occur, so the excess is dissipated in the form of heat. This is an extremely inefficient dimmer connection scheme. Regulators sparked, overheated and quickly failed.
The Next Generation - Electronic Dimmer
There is no fundamental difference in approach. Residual power still goes into the atmosphere in the form of heat. That is, by dimming the brightness of the lighting, you do not save electricity, but only add comfort.
However, electronic dimmers operate by the non-contact method, more precisely, the variable resistor slider is placed in the low-current zone. There is no more sparkling scraping along the turns of the wire, a low-power resistor controls the electronic key - the thyristor. Power (voltage) decreases in a semiconductor crystal, smoothly and accurately. Excess energy is dissipated through the radiator. 
There are different schemes of electronic dimmers, the most expensive are built on triacs. Such devices save electricity a little, up to 20%. Given the initially high cost of high-quality regulators - they are worth buying only to ensure comfort.
On modern dimmers, the twist knob is practically not used. Since the entire circuit is electronic, sensors are used. 
There are regulators with a remote control. How to connect such a dimmer? No special schemes. The regulator is installed instead of the switch, or after it. Room devices have the same form factor as other switching devices: sockets, switches. The most popular option is a key and a regulator in one case.
Can LED lamps be used with a dimmer
Anyway, what kind of lighting devices are compatible with regulators?
Options for connecting a dimmer to various types of lamps, video.
Incandescent lamps
The most hassle-free option. The only limitation is power. The total power of the lamp (and this can be 300W and 500W) should not exceed the capabilities of the dimmer.
Discharge lamps - incompatible!
This applies not only to conventional fluorescent tubes from office Armstrongs. Everyone's favorite spiral “housekeepers” also glow from the arc in mercury vapor. 
When the voltage decreases, the brightness really begins to decline, then the lamp goes out. And with a high degree of probability it will no longer light up.
LEDs
Given the popularity of these light sources - a sore point. There is no definite answer. Some lamps are dimmable, others are not.
To understand why a semiconductor device (LED) does not always change the brightness with a dimmer, we will understand the design of the lamp. What is hidden behind the usual appearance? 
Unlike a tungsten filament in an incandescent lamp, LEDs are not directly connected to a 220 volt power source. Inside each lamp there is a power supply (current source, the so-called driver). It is he who controls the brightness of the glow of the LED crystal. Moreover, this light source is continuously adjustable from zero to full brightness.
If you get a ready-made lamp with a regulator - enjoy comfort. But when buying a simple E27 lamp on LEDs, you need to familiarize yourself with the passport data.
The dimming function is noted in the description. If the internal power supply (driver) allows you to adjust the brightness from the outside - the lamp will cost more. 
DIY dimmer
If your electric device (in our case, a light bulb) is compatible with a voltage regulator, you can make this device yourself.
What is a dimmer and how does it work. Video demonstration.
The easiest way is to buy the so-called KIT kit in the largest online store from the Middle Kingdom - 50 rubles per bundle. 
After mounting the parts on the board, you can adapt the regulator to the finished housing from the wall switch. If it does not fit, the twist (variable resistor) can be taken out separately from the board.
Actually, looking at the illustration, it becomes clear how simple this scheme is. 
If you look in the storage, you can find a set of completely free parts for the regulator. A diode bridge, controlled by a KU202 thyristor, and a variable resistor. The circuit is designed for power up to 100 watts. If you need to connect the lamp more seriously - just replace the thyristor with a more powerful one, and install it on a small diffusing radiator.
Many people today do not yet know the dimmer what kind of device it is. In this article we will try to give an exhaustive explanation, and also consider several schemes for connecting it.
On the shelves of lighting stores there is a large selection of dimmers. This device is designed to smoothly control the brightness of lighting, and is most often installed instead of a conventional switch.
The classification of dimmers is made according to several parameters. Let's consider them in more detail.
Type of execution
Three types of dimmers are distinguished here:
- Modular devices are installed in the switchboard. They are used to turn on and adjust lighting in public places: corridors, porches, stairs;
- Installation of a dimmer with a switch is carried out in a special box, into which a socket is usually mounted. The control is usually a button;
- One-piece dimmer is installed instead of the switch. Therefore, the problems of how to install a dimmer of this type most often do not arise. Due to its popularity, it received several subspecies that differ in the way they are managed.
Type of control
Monoblock dimmers used in everyday life are available with several control options:
- Rotary devices are equipped with a rotary handle. The leftmost position turns off the lighting, and when you turn the knob to the right, the brightness of the lamp increases;
- Rotary-push dimmers have the same principle of operation. The difference is that to turn on the light, the handle must be slightly drowned;
- The keypad device completely copies the appearance of the two-key switch. In this case, one key is responsible for turning on and off the lighting, and the other adjusts its brightness.
Recently, sensory dimmers have appeared, which quickly gained popularity due to their modern appearance. Such regulators fit perfectly into any interior, especially if it is made in high-tech style. The most convenient are rightly considered dimmers with remote control. The remote control allows you to adjust the brightness of lighting from anywhere in the room. Some models also have a switch function.
Type of adjustable lamps
At first glance it may seem strange, but different regulators are used for each type of lamp. First of all, this is due to the variety and design features of modern lamps.
For incandescent lamps, the simplest dimmers are used, the principle of which is extremely simple: by changing the voltage, the brightness of the glow of the incandescent filament is regulated. In addition, such a dimmer is suitable for halogen lamps operating on a voltage of 220V. It is worth noting that the circuit diagram of this dimmer is not difficult.
To adjust the brightness of halogen lamps operating at a voltage of 12 and 24V, dimmers are used, the device of which is somewhat more complicated. An ideal dimmer circuit should include a step-down transformer. If this is not possible, select the regulator depending on the transformer used. For a winding transformer, an adjustment device with the marking RL is used, and for an electronic transformer, with the designation C.
For LED lamps, a special type of brightness controllers using pulsed modulation of the current frequency is used.
The most difficult is to adjust the brightness of the fluorescent or energy-saving lamps. Some experts believe that dimming such a lighting network is impractical. But if you want to adjust the brightness of energy-saving or fluorescent lamps, then the dimmer circuit must include an electronic ballast (electronic starter).
Advice! When choosing a dimmer, you need to take into account not only the type of lamps for which the device is intended, but also the maximum rated load. It is also recommended that you select a dimmer model with a power reserve.
Connection options and schemes
There are several options for connecting a dimmer to the lighting circuit. Consider the most used of them.
Option number 1
The easiest way is to install a dimmer switch instead of a switch. Before dismantling the key switch, the circuit must be de-energized. After that, you need to remove the key cover: the fixing screws are located under it. If there is no installed plastic box in the slot, then after removing the circuit breaker, it must be installed. You can take the usual box, which is used under the outlet.
A monoblock dimmer is connected in the same way: a phase wire is put into the gap. It is connected to the terminal with an up arrow and the letter L. The second wire is connected to another terminal, indicated by an oblique arrow and a wavy line.
Once again, we note that this is the easiest way to install a dimmer, so it is used most often by home masters, since it does not require special skills. It is practically no different from the technology of replacing a switch or socket.
Option number 2
A more complex, but at the same time more convenient scheme is used in the bedrooms. Its essence lies in the fact that the switch and regulator are connected in series, to one phase wire going to the lamp. At the same time, it is important that the disconnector is installed on the line first, and then the dimmer. The most common option is to install a switch near the door, and a dimmer near the bed.
The advantage of this method is that you can adjust the brightness and turn off the lights without getting out of bed. If leaving the room, you turn off the light with a switch, then when you turn it on again, it will light up with the same brightness level that was previously set.
Installation of a passage breaker
Perhaps the most difficult option is the option if you need to install a passage switch. Despite its complexity of installation, such a scheme is very convenient and is often used in long corridors, interfloor stairs, through rooms, and also other similar places. The essence of this lighting control method is that by turning on the lamp in one place, you can turn it off in another.
In order to realize the possibility of installing a loop-through switch, it is necessary to lay a three-wire cable up to two switches.
Note! If the circuit implies the presence of three or more switches, then they need to lay four core cable.
The peculiarity of the passage switches is that they are rather switches. In fact, they switch from one line to another, so they can be switched on in any position of the key. This is very similar to the railway arrows. Below is a schematic diagram where a feed-through switch is installed.
As you can see, the phase comes to the first breaker, and the lamp goes from the other. The switches themselves must be combined with each other using a two-wire cable.
Advice! Direct connection of passage breakers is not performed. Do this through a junction box where the wires are connected in pairs.
Now consider how a dimmer works in such a circuit. It is connected after the last switch through passage and allows you to easily adjust the brightness of the lighting at any position of the circuit breakers. But if you put it in the “off” position, the light will go out and will not respond to the passage switches, since the circuit will be open.
A dimmer is a power switch of a household lighting appliance connected to it. This operation is performed by changing the voltage level supplied to the lamp. The range of power control is from 0 - 100%.
In simple words dimmer or as it is also called a dimmer - this is the same switch that can not only turn on or off the light but also adjust its brightness. This ensures an economical consumption of electricity consumed only when necessary and in sufficient quantities. The lamp life also increases, depending on the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the lamp.
One of the areas of its application is the innovative Smart Home technology.
The ability to use sensors that control the operation of dimmers, opens up great opportunities in the use of these electronic devices in the design of the room. The connected motion sensor allows you to implement the function of turning on the light when a person enters the apartment.
The principle of the dimmer
At choosing a dimmer, note the type of lamp with which it will be used. The principles for adjusting the power of various types of lamps (incandescent, halogen, luminescent, etc.) differ, so their lighting controls are built according to various schemes:
- 1) heating the filament depends on the magnitude of the voltage that is supplied to it from the dimmer. As a result, its brightness changes. This scheme is used for halogen lamps and incandescent lamps (operating voltage 220 V);
- 2) using a transformer that converts the voltage level issued by the dimmer to a value of 12 - 24 V. This circuit is designed to work with low-voltage halogen lamps. It should be noted that the transformer used in this circuit must be electronic and adjustable, providing a "soft" inclusion. This is necessary to heat the lamp thread. At the initial small current, its overload is absent;
- 3) with the use of lamps containing an electronic choke. Such lamps are called fluorescent. The electronic circuit by which the dimmer is built converts the mains voltage to values \u200b\u200bin the range 0 - 10 V. This voltage applied to the lamp electrodes regulates the power of the electric discharge created between them, which controls the strength of the gas glow.
Performance Control - Performance Management
There are 4 ways dimmer control:
- - mechanical;
- - electronic;
- - acoustic;
- - remote.
The simplest and most common method is mechanical (with a rotary handle). It assumes the presence in the circuit of a potentiometer included in the low-voltage control circuit of the power element - a thyristor, inductor, rheostat, etc.
The dimmer dimmer, the voltage regulation of which has electronic control (buttons, sensors), incorporates various sensors.
Remote control of the dimmer is carried out using the control panel over the air or IR signals.
And to control the acoustic dimmer, an audio signal is used (clap, voice command, etc.).