What is a dimmer and how does it work: the design and operating principle of a typical dimmer

When using a dimmer, rarely does anyone think about its structure and operating principle.However, a small electronic or mechanical device of a fairly simple design can significantly increase the level of comfort.

If you understand what a dimmer is and how it works, you can independently connect or even assemble a device useful in everyday life.

In this material we will tell you what a dimmer is and what it is needed for, and also provide instructions for installing this device yourself.

What is a dimmer?

The word dimmer is translated from English as “dimmer,” which is completely true.

A compact electronic or electronic-mechanical device is used to turn on/off and adjust the power of lighting devices. In this regard, it received another common name - dimmer.

Indoor lighting is not the only area where dimmers are used, but it is thanks to this that they have become in demand in everyday life.

It is very convenient to habitually control the lighting load using a device that, in its structure and appearance, resembles a switch.

Devices that change the level of illumination in a room are designed for different types of lamps. For example, dimmers for LEDs differ from those for incandescent lamps

The prototype of the modern device was the rheostat, invented in the century before last by the German I. Poggendorff. The principle of operation was to regulate the voltage in the circuit by the resistance level.

The main disadvantage of the experimental setups is that to reduce the brightness of the lighting it was necessary to reduce the voltage. This increased the current and resistance, as a result of which the device became very hot and had reduced efficiency.

The efficiency was increased through the use of autotransformers with stable voltage and frequency parameters. But these are bulky installations that are inconvenient for domestic use. As a result, electronic models are recognized as the best - efficient, economical, and small in size.

Sample of a single-channel dimmer with rotary control. The device is enclosed in a plastic case, the power level of the LED strips is adjusted by turning a knob made of aluminum

Many device users believe that a dimmer can dramatically reduce electricity consumption and, accordingly, reduce expenses for its payment.

In fact, the savings are about 15-18%, but comfort still comes to the fore.

Here are just some examples of productive uses of a dimmer:

• reduced lighting, slight darkening in the evening to create a calm atmosphere in the bedroom, nursery or living room;
• embodiment of the design lighting picture;
• creating lighting for suspended ceiling structures;
• operation of the lighting system in various modes.

By reducing or increasing the power of ceiling or wall lights, you can completely change the surrounding interior.

This useful function is actively used in public and entertainment establishments (theatres, bars, nightclubs) to obtain an unexpected, bright, colorful lighting effect.

With the advent of electronic models, the capabilities of dimmers have increased: you can set the mode of blinking, pulsation, smooth or sharp fading. There are programs that recreate unusual light patterns only by changing the power of lighting devices.

Pros and cons of use

Before purchasing a dimmer, you need to correctly assess the situation and decide whether there is really a need for it.

Sometimes installing a dimmer in the house really turns out to be useful, since the device has remarkable advantages.

However, there are also disadvantages. The main ones are related to installation work. It may be necessary to change the wiring for installation, and then make cosmetic repairs. Some devices can disrupt the operation of sensitive devices because they cause electromagnetic interference.

Most dimmers are not universal, that is, they operate only with one type of lamp, for example, with traditional 40 W or 60 W incandescent lamps.

If you want the efficiency of the device to reach its maximum, then the use of incandescent lamps should be avoided. Great returns are expected from lighting fixtures on LED sources.

Categories of dimming devices

There are various classifications of dimmers based on the method and location of their installation, design features and types of lamps that they serve.

Every year new modifications appear, increasing the lists of existing devices. Let's look at the types most common in household use.

By location and method of installation

A user who is far from an electrician imagines a dimmer as a device that replaces a switch. This is true, but the variety of dimmers does not end with box-mounted wall-mounted fixtures.

There are three types, which differ in appearance, connection method, and nuances of adjustment functions:

• modular devices that are installed in an electrical panel on a DIN rail;
• monoblock wall structures with a rotary knob, key or other adjustment device;
• instrumentation (boxed) models that are inserted into the mounting box and connected directly to the switch.

The former come to the rescue when existing conditions are not suitable for installation in a switch box. Instead of several models serving different lighting circuits, a multi-channel device operating on all lines is placed in the apartment electrical panel.

But for this you need enough space on the panel, since the dimmer is usually quite large compared to the same circuit breakers.

A general device that regulates the operation of 2-3 circuits is ideal if the load on individual lines exceeds 230-300 W, which threatens overheating of the junction boxes

The second type is a more “smart” switch replacement. The plastic monoblock is installed in exactly the same way as a conventional electrical installation for turning lamps on/off. It has a one-piece body, and the electronic mechanism is hidden inside it.

External operating elements are terminals for connecting cores and a handle or key for control. Along with mechanical devices, you can also find touch and remote devices.

The monoblock device is installed in a place convenient for constant use - near the doors to the living room or corridor, near a bed or sofa intended for night rest.

The third type is smaller in size than other analogues. This is a small box of rectangular or round shape, equipped with a convenient terminal block for wires.

If the room has a false wall, a plasterboard partition or suspended structures, then the product can be installed behind them, without the use of additional equipment - an installation box. Devices located out of reach are controlled from a remote control.

The dimensions of the built-in dimmer allow it to be placed in a socket box without any problems.First, connect and insert the dimmer into the mounting box, and then repeat the same manipulations with the switch body

By design features

The design of built-in devices is practically the same, and the designs of monoblock models with external panels are usually divided according to the control method, electronic-mechanical or electronic.

Thus, the following types of devices are distinguished:

• rotary;
• rotary-push;
• push (keyboard);
• sensory;
• remote.

The first category can be recognized by the round knob, which is simply turned clockwise/counterclockwise to adjust the lighting.

The second is a successful combination of two types of actions - pressing and turning. To turn on/off the lighting device, you need to press the button, to decrease/increase the brightness, turn it along the axis.

Keyboard solutions resemble switches in appearance and can have one or two keys, depending on the number of connected lamps.

To activate the lamp, the key is pressed and immediately released; to adjust the brightness, a delay is required, that is, holding the key down for a longer time

To control the touch model, you don’t need to turn anything, just touch the front panel and hold until the lighting reaches the desired level.

But the most convenient are considered to be remote devices, which are controlled from a remote point using a remote control. However, the mechanical method (rotary or push) is also retained.

A lighting network, equipped with remote controls and control panels, is most often part of the “smart home” system, effectively “commanding” other devices and devices

The choice of dimmers is really wide, but before purchasing, do not forget: the more comfortable and functional the device, the more expensive it will cost to purchase and install.

By type of lighting fixture

As mentioned above, there are no universal models. If you come across designs that are claimed to be universal, their functionality with different types of lamps is limited.

Let's assume that some devices are designed for LED and energy-saving lamps, and they are designed for 12 V, while others are designed for halogen and incandescent lamps, 230 V.

An example of a simple rotary device that is capable of controlling one lighting circuit. Lamps in chandeliers or lamps must be halogen or incandescent

There are several nuances that need to be clarified before purchasing. For example, halogen lamps for a 220 V network should not be confused with 12/24 V halogens connected via a step-down transformer.

In addition to traditional light sources - lamps - many modern LED modifications are sold, which are also connected via a transformer included in the kit.

Dimmer Installation Instructions

Electrical installations of the Legrand brand have long proven themselves to be reliable and “long-lasting”, so let’s look at the procedure for installing a dimmer from a well-known French manufacturer.

The device can be installed in a mounting box or simply in the wall instead of a regular switch, therefore, additional preparation of the wiring or installation site is not necessary.

If problems arise, we recommend turning off the machine again, carefully disassembling the switch with the dimmer and checking whether the wires are inserted correctly into the terminals. If everything is in order with the device, we additionally check the connection of the lamp.

Do not forget that the connection diagrams for different devices have differences, and sometimes they are fundamental, so be sure to first study the instructions and diagram, and then proceed to action.

There is also an article on our website where we talked in detail about how to assemble a dimmer with your own hands. More details - go to link.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Light controllers are not new on the Russian market, so even more information about the design, operation and connection of devices can be gleaned from videos posted online by specialists and amateurs.

About dimmers and the benefits of using them:

Useful recommendations from an experienced user on choosing a device:

How the dimmer works is clear and understandable in the video review:

To select or connect a dimmer, you do not need to study electronics in order to thoroughly understand the principle of operation. Usually the necessary characteristics become known even with a superficial acquaintance with the model. The main thing is to choose a device that is suitable for the network parameters, carefully study the diagram and carry out installation strictly according to the instructions.

If you can supplement the material with interesting information that relates to the choice or dimmer connections, please leave your comments in the block below. Here you can ask questions or participate in a discussion on the topic of the article.