Dimmer: do-it-yourself installation and connection, schemes

To control lighting devices, it is necessary to use various mechanisms. One of the most famous is a dimmer or dimmer, which is used for 220v LED lamps, incandescent lamps, LED strips and other types of devices.

What it is

Dimmers are devices that are used to reduce the brightness of light. By changing the voltage signal supplied to the lamp, you can reduce the intensity of the light flux. Dimmer is related to various electrical devices, but most often this concept is used as an addition to lighting devices. More specialized equipment is needed to obscure fluorescent vapors, mercury vapor, and control other chemical processes.

These devices are used both in everyday life and for lighting large industrial facilities. Small household dimmers, for example, Legrand (Legrand), Schneider Electric (Schneider), Triac, Blackmar, ABB can be equipped with remote control (radio-controlled device). Modern professional home dimmers are controlled by a DMX or DALI digital control system.

Earlier, for energy-saving lamps, fluorescent and halogen even mechanical dimmers were used, which allowed to muffle to a small extent or, conversely, to increase the luminous flux. This is quite convenient, because you can control the lighting system. The dimmer circuit on the triac allows you to extend the lamp life, due to the fact that the touch switch changes the light circuit, depending on natural light or individual settings.

Benefits Using a dimmer type Agate, Jung, Gambit:

1. Energy saving;
2. Extension of the performance of lighting devices;
3. Wide scope. Dimmers are used for a vacuum cleaner, fan, soldering iron, electric motor and many other electrical devices.

Modern dimmers are made of silicon rectifiers or diodes (SCR) instead of variable resistors. This allows regulators to be made more durable. A variable resistor dissipates power in the form of heat and divides the voltage. In this case, the rectifying diode switches between low resistance and high stability, dissipates very little energy and is able to control high voltages.

Types and their principle of work

The automatic dimmer operates on the principle of voltage dissipation, which is supplied to the lamp. This principle of operation allows only part of the voltage to go to a table lamp or sconce, the rest of the current remains in the dimmer. The brightness of the lamp is determined by the power transmitted to it. The work takes place according to the law of direct proportionality: the greater the voltage, the brighter the lamp shines.

The mains supply consists of alternating current that flows in one direction and then in the other along the cable at a speed of 50 or 60 cycles per second (this is the frequency measured in Hertz). The value of 50 or 60 Hz depends on the type of energy carrier and the permissions of the local electrical circuit. The network dimmer is able to change the direction of the electric current at the zero point, moreover, if the signal is at the zero crossing point, then the current does not flow in any direction. At this point, the triac controller can both turn on the lamp and turn it off. The main feature is that turning on, turning off and changing the brightness of the device ensures that the lamp does not flicker. This switching on and off of the power device occurs every time a half phase is reached, or 100 to 120 times per second.

Typically, dimmers are used using a triac or thyristor as a dimmer control part (Lizard, Arduino, Viko, Unica). These are semiconductor components of electrical circuits. The thyristor device only works in one direction, i.e. during one cycle, it can either increase or decrease the brightness, respectively, for the system to work, at least two such controllers are needed. The triac is a bidirectional semiconductor, and therefore one such dimmer can be used for different phases.

An electric circuit with a timer allows you to determine the length of time in which the inclusion. The operating state continues until the next point of intersection of the zero level, at which time the lighting automatically turns off. This electronic half-cycle is characterized by twilight, after which the regulator starts to work in the opposite direction. A small load capacitance filters a sharp signal, which contributes to soft and smooth light output.

Some dimmers operate in a microcontroller with analog light output. They are called digital. Their feature is great reliability, quiet operation and complete independence.

Dimmer can be:

• overhead,
• checkpoint
• programmable (digital),
• dual channel
• multichannel.

Consider the features of each of them:

1. The overhead dimmer is mainly made with an additional rheostat. Most often it is used for RGD LED strip;
2. The checkpoint is used for large rooms or lighting control over a large area. Let's say if you have a large corridor or you need to change the brightness of the lighting on the street;
3. Two-channel and multi-channel dimmers differ from each other in the number of lamps and modes that they can control;
4. There are also rotary (ABB), touch (Makel - Makel, Anam, Arduino, Sapphire) and push controls, a dimmer floor lamp, a model with a remote control, etc. They, respectively, differ from each other in their options for work. Some need to turn to the side, while others twist or click on them.

   

Video: a simple diagram of how a dimmer works

How to connect

If you buy a dimmer now is not a problem at all, the price varies between 300-700 rubles, then it can be difficult to connect it with your own hands. Before starting work, you need to check whether it is possible to install a regulator on your lighting device (this is called a "lamp with dimmer support"). It is also advisable to use a controller of the same brand as a light bulb or a night lamp.

How to install dimmer:

1. Suppose you already have a switch that needs to be replaced with a dimmer. To do this, carefully remove the switch or socket, if the controller will be mounted for another type of electrical device (transformer, soldering iron);
2. Next, remove the screws that hold the pad and pull out the switch. To disassemble it, you may need to disconnect more fasteners;
3. The keyboard switch is connected using two wires: phase from the lighting device and power supply;
4. To connect a local cable, you need to select the hole on the dimmer, which is called "L-in", and the wire that goes to the lamp in the "L-out". If there are any blackening on the wire - then they must first be cleaned;
5. After, install the case in the place where the switch was, and install the potentiometer wheel, with which the voltage is turned on;
6. If you subsequently need to increase the brightness range or repair the device, change the dimmer using the same technology.

Similarly, the installation and connection of a dimmer for LEDs, led floor lamps for the floor and halogen lights. Now the option of installing controllers on a din rail is very popular, sometimes the technology of mounting directly on the cord is also used (as a mini-switch for lamps).