Light switch with a dimmer: Dimmer selection criteria

Over time, household technical appliances are changing, becoming safer and more comfortable to use. Relatively recently entered into wide use dimmers - devices that change the power of the lamps.

A particular convenience in use has a light dimmer switch - a device wherein almost no outwardly from conventional apparatus.

Together, let us sort out the design features of devices with the regulator, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as connectivity options.

The design of the switch with a dimmer

Dimmer - a special device, the purpose of which is to gradually regulate the level of artificial lighting. Via

dimmer you can transform a room, creating in her twilight or bay light flux.

The first device having a mechanical operating principle, was patented in 1890 in the United States. It was used for the gradual darkening of the auditorium.

Set of modern devices option is much wider. They can be programmed to turn off automatically by setting the timer, or set a simulation of presence. This involves switching on / off, and changes in brightness for a certain time, e.g., days according to a predetermined regime.

Widely used devices are also options that allow remote or voice commands. All these dimmers fit perfectly into the "smart home" system and play an important role in it.

Models dimmable switches

On the profile market a wide range of models that can be classified based on various criteria:

• the operating principle;
• design features;
• adjusting equipment;
• compatibility with various types of lamps.

Consider the classification listed in detail.

Thermostat and triac dimmers

By the principle of operation, all equipment can be divided into two fundamentally different large groups.

Dimmers on the basis of a rheostat

Initially dimmers manufactured by a set of resistors. By changing the resistance by means of a lever, you can adjust the lighting. With an increase of this indicator the current strength fell, and the light becomes weak in the lamp. Conversely, reducing resistance, it was possible to enhance the light output.

Such devices have a fairly simple device, but in various dimmers manufacturers differ because of quality and assembly of components used. Such a variation affects the stability of operation (especially at low voltage), and smoothness.

Rheostat dimmers convert light energy into heat, so their use is practically reduces electricity costs.

Dimmers based triac

A more advanced embodiment of the device are made based on a triac (triac) - semiconductor device.

The principle of operation of such devices is as follows. To turn on the lamp, it is necessary that the triac was current, that is, you need to create a certain tension between the electrodes. Achieve this, charging the capacitor from the potentiometer R, the latter will change the phase angle.

As soon as the indicator of the voltage on the capacitor reaches a certain value, the triac is opened, so that it can pass through the electric current. resistance of the device when it falls, because of what the bulb will burn stronger. A similar process occurs with both positive and negative half-waves. This is due to the symmetry of the triac Diack and for which it does not matter which way the flow of electrons flowing.

The voltage at a resistive load is alternating positive and negative half-waves that follow alternately with a frequency of 100 Hz. Due to the extremely short sections of low voltage flicker can be observed, which is devoid rheostat dimmers, dimming and provided with frequency converters.

Features dimmer design

On design features several varieties of instruments can be identified, the most common of which are modular, monobloc and boxed.

Modular dimmers

Dimmers of this type are usually equipped with distribution switchboards. These devices are perfectly combined with incandescent and halogen devicesProvided with step-down transformers.

Such devices are controlled by a key or button. Quickly clicking on them, the user turns on or off the lamp, and holding his finger on five or more seconds. It is able to use the mode of regulation of the luminous flux.

Dimmers for installation in a mounting box

These dimmers are installed in the box, which is used for switches and sockets. Devices can be combined with an incandescent halogen lamps and devices, regardless of whether they are equipped with electronic or step-down transformer, giving a capacitive or inductive load.

To control this type dimmers sufficiently button which is mounted on top of the installed appliance. Installing the device is carried out similarly to the traditional switch with strict observance of polarity.

For more information about how to choose the dimmer for incandescent lamps can be found in this material.

Close-coupled devices and their types

Such devices are an integral unit is mounted in a box similar to the traditional switch. To mount such a device must take care of the first mounting seat, which depends on the dimming parameters (size range starting at 26 mm).

Dimmers of this type is especially recommended for installation in thin partitions, where due to insufficient thickness of the walls is difficult to place a conventional device. monoblock Unlike the previous category of devices is the bi-wiring, which is why it is included in the gap phase load circuit.

In turn, considering the method of controlling the monoblock devices, you can also select several varieties:

• push-and-over;
• keyboards;
• rotary;
• touch;
• remote.

These embodiments are presented below.

Inclusion of a push-rotary devices by pressing the dial keys, whereas its rotation adjusts the light level.

Compatible dimmers and lamps

When you select a dimmer you must pay attention to the types of lighting, for which they are intended.

For an incandescent and halogen lamps, designed for standard voltage, fit almost any equipment. It is only important to remember that when the voltage decrease will change the color of light. At low voltages it has a reddish hue, which is not only unpleasant but also harmful to the eyes.

To regulate the halogen low voltage devices (12-24) suitable device compatible with stepdown transformer (RL). If the electronic transformer is expected, it is recommended to give preference to a dimmer model having marked S.

Regulating device for low-voltage light sources usually are equipped with mechanisms for carrying out smooth insertion / disconnection. It is important to bear in mind that these devices are particularly sensitive to changes in supply voltage, which can lead to a significant reduction in term maintenance period.

Dimmer switches for high-voltage circuits are most often used to regulate the brightness of theater halls. Since in this case there is a significant energy consumption, it is important to make sure that the chosen model dimmers designed for heavy loads.

The design of the circuit breakers with regulators, designed for fluorescent lighting sources, There is a special starting device for converting the flow rate in the range 20-59 kHz. This allows you to change the value of current flowing through the circuit, which allows to influence the level of brightness of the lights.

The basis of operation of dimmers, used for LED fixtures, on the method of pulse-impulse modulation. Adjusting the degree of the light flux by changing the duration of current pulses which are supplied to the LEDs with optimally calibrated amplitude. Due to the high frequency pulses fed reaching 0.3 MHz eliminated flicker lamps adversely affects the eyesight.

Learn about the features of dimmers and their compatibility with a variety of lighting fixtures allow the labeling designations that are applied to similar devices:

• Latin letter R, a applied to the dimmer, shows that it can be used to adjust the light in incandescent lamps with "ohm" or "resistive" load.
• Designation letter L allows operation with transformers that lower voltage and inductive load.
• Latin letter C indicates that the device can be combined with electronic transformers ( "capacitive" load).

A special icon, the certificate of approval dimming, also put on the fluorescent and energy saving lamps.

Advantages and disadvantages of dimmers

Among the advantages of various types of circuit breakers with regulators include soft start of the lighting system, which allows to significantly increase the service life of lighting (operation period incandescent lamps in this case is increased to 40%).

Such devices provide boundless opportunities for interior decoration. With their help it is easy to implement spotlighting the selected area to create interesting light pattern. Valuable quality dimmers is the ability to remotely control the light sources or use sounds.

However, these devices also have drawbacks. Dimmers can be used only for controlling the light sources which output the same as in the device. Due to the nature of the output voltage step-down transformers can not work properly.

Devices can cause electromagnetic interference that would impede the work of radio and other devices. Certain types of lamps (especially equipped with additional devices - electronic ballasts, driver) can not in principle be combined with dimmers. dimmers efficiency when working with incandescent lamps is relatively low. Lowering the brightness of the lamps has little effect on the consumption of electricity, which, instead of the light is converted into heat.

Three basic connection diagrams

Dimmer switches are built into the gap supply circuit that allows these devices to regulate the voltage supplied to the lighting device. It is possible to mount several schemes.

A typical embodiment, which is particularly recommended for connecting and sensor rheostatic devices, the device is controlled from a single place.

The bedrooms are often used to adjust the two places. In this case, one unit is mounted in the bed, the other one connected at the entrance, which allows you to change the brightness of the light, lying in bed.

Universal regulation scheme involves a single location, and the control - with two. With such an embodiment, the switch is set at the input, while control devices are located in two different zones of the room.

recommended scheme in which adjustment is made also from one place, and the control spacious rooms (especially elongated) - three. In this case, it is advisable to use a bushing dimmers, which allow you to turn the lamp in a specific area of ​​the room, at the same time turning off the lights in other areas.

Consider some of the most popular options dimmers connection: directly to the switch, built-in type and a remote button.

Dimmer is connected to the switch

To perform the installation you want to disable the electrical current. Making sure it does not fall on the device terminals, it is necessary to remove the switch. First of all, the cover is removed the appliance (mono- or dvuhklavishnaya panel) covering the connecting elements.

Then loosened the screws with a screwdriver, then carefully pulled out of the construction of the wall. It is necessary to monitor the integrity of the insulation coating wires. If it is accidentally broken, you need to immediately roll up tape for insulation damage. The final step is to disconnect the wires from the terminals.

You can then do the installation dimmer. The terminals devices connected wire, and then tested for strength fasteners. Note that the wire portion projecting beyond the terminal must be stripped not more than 0.3 cm. An extra end can be cut off or insulated.

Without damaging the insulation of the wires, it is necessary to place the dimmer to the place where the switch was. The device is pressed against a wall and fixed with screws. All other parts of the structure are also connected to the dimmer.

After completion of the work to include the supply of electric current to try and light adjustment process in order to verify the correctness of operation.

Connecting the switch with integrated dimmer

Available often seen switches, the construction of which involves an inline element that regulates the brightness of the light. Their installation does not differ from the installation of a conventional device.

In a specially done in the wall of the hole is inserted a switch with which the top cover is removed preliminarily. Structure is connected to the wiring and fixing bolts. As in the previous case, it is necessary to monitor the quality of work: after switching on, the appliance must allow the dimming light.

Connect your device with the remote button

Bedroom is very convenient to connect the dimmer at the same time with a simple switch, the dimmer installed near the bed to adjust the lighting level directly from the bed.

The scope of such a device includes additional regulating button, which can be installed at a distance of 50 meters from the controller.

For phase conductor mounting apparatus supplied to terminal №1 regulator and the first button of remote terminals. Since the second conductive terminal remote buttons spreads to terminal B controller. The load is connected to terminal №2 dimmer and the neutral conductor N.

We also recommend you to get acquainted with steps to connect a dimmer. Read more - go on link.

Leading manufacturers of dimmers

Switches with dimming function included in the catalogs of many companies specializing in the production of electrical equipment. To name just a few.

schneider Electric (France). Power engineering company, founded in 1836. Branded dimmers (Unica, Merten) are distinguished as a good build quality and impressive design (streamlined shape, wide range of colors), so that they serve as interior decoration.

Teco. Czech company Teco began operations in 1919 by setting up equipment for telegraph and telephone. Currently, the world's leading manufacturer of sensors, touch buttons and similar devices. A great place in the catalog is given dimmer to bribe a combination of excellent performance and an affordable price.

Jung. German family company with over a century of history offers a wide range of electrical products and specialized equipment, including dimmers. For all the company's production is characterized by high technical parameters, functionality, excellent build quality and components used, as well as pleasing design.

Legrand. The French company, founded in 1886, is now the leader of the electrical equipment production. The company's products used for household and industrial purposes, it is also equipped with office buildings.

The company pays great attention to the development of innovative technologies by conducting their own research. The enterprise has manufactured high-tech dimmers models that fit perfectly into the system "Smart House".

Gira (Germany). Founded in 1905, the German company currently has offices in 37 countries around the world, including Russia. For a company characterized by a rapid response to customer requests.

It helps achieve this relentless monitoring of the profile market, as well as the existing industrial and scientific base. Dimmers, manufactured by the company are characterized by universal classic design and impeccable quality, which guarantees the long-standing use.

In addition, the market offers high-quality models and other brands, such as the German company Simens or Polish firm Godiva.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

In the video you can hear a professional opinion on the most popular models of switches with different types of dimmers, as well as tips for connecting:

How to install the dimmer rocker with his own hands:

On the interaction of dimmers and lamps:

Dimmer switch, with which you can change the level of brightness - a comfortable device that allows to create a cozy atmosphere in the room and reduces power consumption. Introduced range of similar products is quite broad. To not make the wrong choice, it is necessary to take into account the power of the lamps with which it is combined, the design features of the device, its planned location and appearance of the device.

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