What is dimmer and how it works

You know what a dimmer, as well as how and where to use it? If not, then this article is just for you. Dimmer - a device that performs dimming glow of electric light devices. There dimmers (the second name of the device), which operate on the basis of a variable resistor or a semiconductor-based triac. Let's get acquainted with them closer.

Table of contents

Dimmer on the resistor

Triac dimmer on

Pros triac dimmer

Design features

Dimmer on the resistor

This type of dimmer is designed to control either conventional halogen lamps. The main part of such a device is a rheostat or variable resistor. A algorithm works as follows: in order to reduce the brightness of the glow filament incandescent resistor resistance increases, which, according to Ohm's law, leads to a decrease amperage. Conversely, to increase brightness on the dimmer resistance decreases, thus increasing current flow through the spiral filament.

These dimmers are very simple, but they have a number of disadvantages, which do not allow us to consider them the best option for buying.

Now to the negative sides are:

1. These dimmers work well only with incandescent and halogen lamps, and they can not be called efficient.

2. Contrary to popular belief, the emission intensity reduction does not lead to energy savings. Since removing power from the filament is lost when heating resistors. And it turns out, regardless of the brightness of the lamp power consumption remains unchanged.

3. These dimmers are poorly compatible with current dimmable LED lamps.

Triac dimmer on

The constant rise in the cost of electricity and the development of energy-saving technologies has led to the fact that were created dimming principle which operation it was based on the use of PWM (pulse-pole modulation), where the generators are implemented on the device triac.

This dimmer is more difficult than resistive dimmer, but the complexity of the head is covered by a number of advantages:

Pros triac dimmer

1. Such a product can be controlled not only with the place, but also remotely.

2. Adjusting the light comes with constant current consumption, thus reducing energy consumption.

3. This product is perfectly compatible with dimmable LED lamps.

So, from the above-described intermediate conclusion can be made that the triac dimmer on the basis of a much more preferable to use in the modern home, but let's move on.

Design features

Since the dimmers in fact can be considered a replacement of the switches, the version of their performance and fixing the most that neither is diverse. But these devices control methods are as follows:

1. Mechanical. Mostly classic krutilki, but also there is a push-button and keyboard model.

2. Touch Control.

3. Management console.

4. Office for the Wi-fi, as well as through the application of modern smartphones.

5. Voice control. Responding to certain phrases or sounds.

conclusion

Install dimmer in most cases, fully coincides with the installation of a conventional switch, so does not cause any problems even for novice electrician.

Such products are mainly used when you want to combine the work area with a sitting area (with soft light), and if you only have one source of illumination.

Thanks for attention!