A dimmer is an electronic mechanism that acts as a regulator of electrical power. A few years ago, the only device that could change the brightness of light was a rheostat. Its use did not make it possible to save energy consumption, since the power of the rheostats was the same with the load. With the advent and installation of a dimmer, it became possible to adjust the brightness of the light with a decrease in the power of the network.
Content
- Device and types
- Design features
- Popular models
- Installing and connecting a dimmer
Device and types
The design of dimmers is based on different element bases. They all have their own advantages and disadvantages. There are the following types:
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Designs based on variable resistance or rheostat. Such devices are considered the simplest, but impractical. Such equipment has a low efficiency, and they get very hot, so they need a cooling system. - Electronic dimmers, or dimmers operating on triacs, thyristors and transistors. This equipment must not be used with equipment that requires a particular form of power supply. In addition, such devices can generate interference that interferes with the operation of radios or similar equipment. But still, this type of regulator is most often used recently.
- Devices using autotransformers are the most suitable in terms of power supply. Their disadvantages are: complex design, heavy weight, difficulty in control. high price.
When choosing any type of structure, one should take into account the parameters of the load to which it will be connected.
Design features
Dimmers are distinguished by the method of installation, dividing them into groups: modular, on a cord, monoblock, for installation in a back box. Modular devices are installed in an electrical panel on a DIN rail.
To control they have a remote button or a rocker switch. Usually, a dimmer is connected to a circuit with incandescent lamps or halogen lamps through a step-down transformer.
Wired regulators are installed to control the power of table lamps, sconces, floor lamps, etc. The only condition is that the lamps must be equipped with incandescent lamps.
The most popular are monoblock designs that look like conventional switches and fit into the same back boxes. Experts connect the device to a break in the phase wire. By the way they are controlled, there are the following varieties:
- Rotary - turning on, off and adjustment is carried out using a rotary dial. Immediately after switching on, the device is set to minimum power.
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Rotary-push - outwardly looks like the previous device, but switching on and off is carried out by pressing the dial, and adjustment by turning it. - Keyboards - resemble traditional key switches. Devices are single-key, where control is carried out by briefly holding the button. In two-key devices, one button is used to turn on and off, and the second to control the brightness.
- Sensory - they are considered the most reliable dimmers, since they do not have mechanical parts.
Recently, monoblock types of regulators have been mainly used, but modular designs are well suited for controlling light in an apartment or a private house.
Popular models
There are many dimmer models available today. They are produced by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. The following devices are worth noting:
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Wessen SR-5SO-18 is a rotary device for installation in a back box. Regulates the power in circuits with halogen and incandescent lamps in 220 V networks. - Ekorost 015-009 - this device is designed to control the power of the LED strip. Adjustment is carried out using a 12-button remote control or by turning the dial. Output voltage 12V.
- Panasonic WMTC 0525-2WH-RES Arkedia is a rotary encoder that is used to control the light of LED and incandescent lamps.
- SCO-811 is a dimmer designed for installation in an electrical panel on a DIN rail. The adjustment is carried out by a push-button mechanism.
It is worth noting also such brands of devices: TDM SQ 1805−0009, Lezard 702−0303−115, VIKO KARMEN 562020, etc.
Installing and connecting a dimmer
Using the example of a monoblock device, it is worth considering how to install and properly connect a dimmer. The fact is that this type of device is most often used, and it is easy to connect it yourself. The only important point is correct definition of phase and neutral wires.
Otherwise, the electronic circuitry of the device will fail. Otherwise, it is installed in the same way as a typical circuit breaker. First, they turn off the power that is supplied to the room or the entire apartment. Then carefully remove the old switch and disconnect the wires from it.
Turn on the machine and use an electric indicator to determine where the phase wire is. The machine is turned off again, and if the wires are of the same color, then the phase one is marked with a small piece of insulating tape.
There are two terminals on the back of the dimmer housing, marked: in, out. The first means enter and the second means exit. A phase wire is connected to the first terminal, and a zero wire to the second. It is necessary to immediately carefully check the operability of the device.
They supply power by turning on the machine, and turn the disk clockwise until the lamps work at full power. Next, the device is installed in the back box and firmly fixed.
In the bedroom, the dimmer can be installed by the bed, and at the entrance - a standard switch. In such a scheme, the device will play the role of a pass-through dimmer. This method is very convenient for large areas of premises.
