What is a dimmer? Electric load power controller

The modern house contains many systems that allow you to conserve the consumption of various resources. Along with this, such scientific developments increase the comfort of host owners in their homes. Special attention was paid to the technology that controls the operation of electrical equipment. One such device is a dimmer. It regulates the intensity of lighting. What is a dimmer, how to install it and use it correctly, should every responsible host know. Such devices are increasingly used in conventional homes and apartments. Install the dimmer with your own hands. For this, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its device and the mounting scheme.

general characteristics

To understand what a dimmer is, it is necessary to delve deeper into the origin of this word. It comes from the English language. In translation, dimmer means to darken. In our country, this device is also called a dimmer, a variator, and 15 years ago - a dimmer.

Invented dimmers were back in the late 19 th century. Its main purpose is to control the brightness of the lighting, which increases the comfort inside the premises.

Installing the device is fairly straightforward. Dimmer with his own hands is connected according to the scheme, depending on the type of switch. It will not only save energy, but also control the lighting of certain areas of the room, the strength of lighting using a group of fixtures or one lamp, an LED strip.

Principle of operation

To understand what a dimmer is, you need to understand the principle of its operation. The device is based on the rheostat principle. In its microcircuit a set of resistors is installed. They are directly involved in the adjustment process.

Resistors resist a certain force in the path of current flow. It is measured in Ohms. This indicator with the help of a certain control system can be adjusted at will.

The cost of the device is quite low. This makes the dimmer popular and quite often used in conventional apartments and houses. It is installed instead of the usual light switch.

Types of dimmers

Depending on the type of lighting device whose operation the brightness adjustment device will adjust, there are three groups of these switches.

The first includes a dimmer for 220V lamps, as well as LED strips operating at the same mains voltage. It uses electric current directly, without lowering its value.

The second group includes a device that has a 12 V transformer in its circuit. It is an LED dimmer. 220V mains voltage, coming to the illuminator, is reduced to the required operating value.

To the third group belongs a dimmer for fluorescent lamps, which have a number of differences from ordinary illuminators, operating from a current of 220 V. Before buying, you need to take into account the type of device for which the dimmer is designed .

The main thing in choosing is to give preference to quality. Such dimmers, as, for example, "Legrand" will cost much more, but their durability and safety are an order of magnitude higher.

Dimmer control

The dimmer control system is very diverse. The device can be stationary or remote.

In the first case, the device looks like an ordinary switch. Only to it the element of smooth change of force of brightness is still added. Such dimmers can be mechanical or sensory. Preference should be given in this case to the model, which fits into the interior and is liked externally by the owners of the house. The touch dimmer looks more modern, and the mechanical dimmer is easier to use.

You can remotely control the intensity of lighting a lamp or a group of lamps. For this, there are systems with a remote control. One of the newest management principles is a program that dims lighting through the Internet. The program on the phone or computer will allow it to perform as comfortably as possible.

Dimmer application

The circuit of connection of the switch assumes the control of one or several light sources. If lamps of the same type, they can be connected in one channel. So, the dimmer can be installed on a lamp in the bedroom or connected to several lamps on the ceiling and walls in the corridor and living room.

The management of smart devices will allow you to set the timer function or the program by which lighting will be performed at certain times with the specified intensity. If, by falling asleep, the owners of the house expose the dim lighting in the room, the corresponding program can turn off the light gradually. You do not even have to get out of bed to do this.

For multi-channel dimmers, you can set the adjustment of several lighting zones at once. They will be illuminated independently of each other with a given brightness. By setting the dimmer with your own hands, you can make accent lighting of some objects in the room, creating unique design effects.

Manufacturers and Costs

The most high-quality manufacturers of light control devices are the devices of the brands "Schneider", "Makel" and "Legrand". Dimmer from these companies is at the peak of popularity. Also popular, according to experts and consumers, are the digging devices Bticino, Gira, ABB, Merten. They are cheaper than the above devices. However, the quality of dimmers is proportional to their price.

Experts argue that the more good the components were used in the manufacture of the regulator, the longer its work will be. But for this you will have to pay a decent amount.

For example, "Legrand" (dimmer with push-button or rotary control) will cost the consumer from 1400 to 2000 rubles. For the sensor model, the average price is 2800 rubles. Dimmer company "Schneider" on average costs about 500-1000 rubles., And "Make" - from 400 to 700 rubles.

Compatible with LED lamps

When choosing a dimmer for LED lamps, it should be remembered that not all of their varieties are comparable to each other. Some of their kinds can work incorrectly in a bundle. This is due to the features of the dimmer circuit and the lamp drivers of different manufacturing technologies. There are certain tables that allow you to choose the right type of controller for the LED lamp.

The largest manufacturers of lighting equipment of the presented type, which are Philips, Osram, are guided in the manufacture of their products to the most famous and high-quality manufacturers of dimmers. These include the companies discussed above.

When buying lighting fixtures and control devices, consult a consultant. It will tell you which dimmers are suitable for the selected LED lamps.

Preparatory stage of the dimmer installation

If you intend to install the dimmer yourself instead of an existing light switch, it must first be dismantled. If you turn off the power supply to the apartment or house, you can start working.

First, the key of the old switch is gently removed. Then, with a screwdriver, two bolts are untwisted that hold the decorative cover. Then expand the spacer legs and fasteners. So it will be possible to get the switch from the jar.

Next, the wires that match the switch are removed. There will be three wires in the jar. One zero and two phases. Identify them using special equipment. One of the wires per phase is the supply, and the second goes through the junction box to the chandelier.

Connecting the dimmer

The connection diagram of the switch that regulates the brightness of the illumination is displayed on the body of the product. Make sure that the wires are connected correctly.

The phase cable according to the scheme is usually depicted in red. It is connected to the L-in terminal. The second phase wire is indicated in orange. It must be connected to the L-out terminal.

When this work is done, the dimmer must be installed in the previous jar. Spacers and fixing screws are tightened. After that, you can put on decorative patch panels. Then turn the wheel.

After that, the operation of the device is checked. The voltage is applied, and the wheel rotates counter-clockwise until it clicks. In this case, the lamps must go out. If you turn the lever to the other side, the light should increase smoothly. This indicates the correct functioning of the dimmer.

Getting acquainted with the concept of what a dimmer is, everyone can understand the diversity of their species and find the best option for themselves. At the same time it will be quite easy to install the device with your own hands. The main thing is to follow the instructions and recommendations of specialists.