DIY dimmer: device, principle of operation + instructions on how to make a dimmer yourself

All kinds of dimmers produced by industry can expand the functionality of almost any lighting fixtures and increase their efficiency. But if the situation is not typical, for example, if small sizes are important, then only a homemade device can help.

In addition, making can be a cheaper option than buying, which is extremely convincing. We will tell you how to assemble a dimmer with your own hands. The article we have presented describes in detail what components will be required and in what sequence the work should be performed.

When is buying the worst option?

Factory dimmers can provide the expected economic result or increase living comfort in all typical situations. In addition, their prices vary, which will allow you to make a purchase that suits your pocket.

But still, in a number of situations, you may not be able to find an option that is suitable in size or power, so homemade products may be the solution.

In most cases, an interested person will be able to purchase an inexpensive factory dimmer whose performance characteristics will satisfy him

There are non-standard situations when industrial products do not satisfy human needs. For example, this happens if it is necessary Dimmer small in size, there is a desire to improve the aesthetic properties of its control panel.

Or a person considers it necessary to increase efficiency, make operation more convenient, achieve some color effects, or improve any other characteristic.

Making a simple dimmer is not a difficult task, especially since you only need tools that are accessible to everyone, the main one of which is a soldering iron

You can also perform the assembly yourself if you have the necessary components, which will significantly reduce the cost of the procedure.

What you need to know about dimmers?

The verb “to dim” in English means “to become dim”, “to darken”. This phenomenon is the essence of brightness controls. In addition, a person additionally receives a number of benefits.

Advantages of using the device

Among the advantages, the following additional features should be highlighted:

• reduce energy consumption - this leads to greater efficiency;
• replace several types of lighting fixtures - for example, one lamp can serve as a night floor lamp, main lighting, etc.

In addition, the user can get various lighting effects, for example, use ordinary lighting controlled by a dimmer as light music.

And also its functionality allows you to work in conjunction with security systems or simply simulate the presence of people in the room. This will help owners of any premises protect their property from intruders or even prevent their unauthorized entry into an apartment or office.

The basis of the dimmer design is a triac. It is important to remember that its power should be 20-50% higher than the same load.In addition, it must withstand a voltage of 400 V. This will ensure the product's durability

Additionally, a brightness control can make control of lighting sources and other electrical appliances more convenient and efficient. For example, you can use radio or infrared signals, which will allow you to perform the necessary manipulations remotely.

Or it is possible to use several lighting control points instead of one. For example, if the user wants to make the lighting in the bedroom more modern, then controls can be installed at the entrance there, as well as near the bed.

Such a solution will make the life of the owners somewhat more comfortable. You can do the same in any other room.

How is regulation carried out?

If an interested person decides to assemble a dimmer on his own, then the procedure should begin not with thinking about how to do it, but with defining the goals and tasks that will be solved.

This is what a regular current sinusoid looks like, and the point of dimming is to “cut” it. This will reduce the pulse duration and allow the electrical appliance to operate at less than full power.

So, before you begin assembly, you need to decide what type of lamps will be used. This procedure is mandatory because there are different principles for controlling the brightness of the glow.

These include:

• voltage change — this method will be relevant when using outdated incandescent lamps;
• pulse width modulation — this option must be used to control the brightness of modern energy-saving lighting devices.

Changing the voltage of LED lamps is ineffective due to the fact that they operate in a narrow range and with a slight deviation from the norm they simply go out or do not turn on. This will not allow the full potential of conventional devices to be revealed, which is why specialized ones are produced for them. dimmers for LED devices.

In addition, the use of simple but outdated rheostats does not make it possible to save on electricity. After all, excess electricity in the form of heat is simply dissipated in the air.

A properly made dimmer should provide just such a sinusoid, in which short pulses alternate with long pauses. Moreover, the longer it is, and the signal strength is lower, the dimmer the lamp will glow

Using pulse-width modulation, it will be possible to assemble a brightness controller that provides the lamps with the ability to operate at 10-100% of their power. In this case, the user will receive a pleasant bonus in the form of saved electricity.

You can also take full advantage of all the other advantages of dimmers, including durability.

Relative simplicity of design

Despite the fact that household brightness regulators allow you to obtain a noticeable visual and economic effect, they are characterized by a simple design.

This ensures a long service life, and in the case when a person decides to perform self-assembly, then the simplicity of this operation. As a result, almost anyone can cope with it, even without special knowledge.

A homemade dimmer can be used in different areas, but it should be taken into account that its production will not end with one soldering of components. Since the homemade product will need to be given an attractive appearance

Thus, the most popular modern dimmers are created based on just a few elements:

• dinistor, its other name is often found - diak;
• triac, otherwise known as triac;
• pulse formation unit.

In addition, the design requires the presence of several minor parts, without which work is impossible. These include capacitors, resistors (DC, AC). Each of the main listed semiconductor devices performs its part of the job of controlling the brightness of the lamps.

A triac is often compared to an electrical door, which can be entered in both directions. That is, it is possible to pass current to the lamps in an unlimited amount, but, if necessary, return its excess back.

This drawing is a simplified dimmer circuit. Which indicates that there may be various features, but the main regulating element will still remain a triac

This process is carried out by an anode with a cathode. They change places depending on the direction of movement of electricity. In addition, a multi-layer conductor design is provided, which allows you to perform tasks as accurately as possible.

The direction switching itself is performed by a dinistor, which is a bidirectional diode.

Factors that complicate the scheme

A person who wants to assemble a dimmer himself should think not only about purchasing the necessary semiconductors. Since the design will need to provide control, placement and even sufficient aesthetic properties, a number of points must be taken into account.

These include:

• type of management;
• placement method;
• appearance.

Since the listed points significantly affect the performance characteristics of the brightness control, each of them should be dealt with separately. This will allow you to get the job done efficiently.

Existing types of device control

Since the dimmer will need to be controlled, a person should choose the best option. Because there are many of them and each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. This will significantly affect the design.

Manipulations can be performed in any of the following ways:

• mechanical;
• electronic;
• remote.

But most often, for all kinds of homemade dimmers, the first option is used. Since the mechanical control is the simplest to assemble, and when purchasing components you will have to pay the least.

The dimmer diagram makes it possible to understand how it works. Namely, when current appears in the network, it, passing through resistors and one of the built-in diodes, charges the capacitor. Excess voltage from which goes to the dinistor and triac. The load transferred to the lamps depends on its position

In this case, the person will only need a regulator, which can be a rotary lever. If desired, it can be replaced with a pressure element. In this case, all manipulations will be performed with ordinary keys, familiar from traditional switches.

Combined rotary-push devices are often used. They make it possible to perform the on/off operation with keys, and the adjustment itself - with a rotary lever. Which many users find convenient.

Any of these options can be similar in size and appearance to a conventional switch, which will allow you to replace such a device. This is another advantage.Electronic control involves the use of sensors to perform all necessary manipulations. They are also shaped like traditional switches and can easily replace them.

Over mechanical analogues, touchscreens have a significant advantage in the form of a modern appearance. The other side of the coin will be the higher cost of components. Remote control is the most comfortable and convenient; it is performed using conventional remote controls.

There are different types of command signal transmission:

• radio signal;
• infrared signal.

In the first case, the user will be able to make the necessary adjustments from anywhere in the building, room, and even from outside. Which is convenient and effective, but the components will cost more than when buying a remote control with an infrared signal.

The signal is capable of transmitting the necessary information only when pointed at itself dimmer for incandescent lamps. And this can only be done within one room.

A simpler option is the hinged version of the brightness control assembly. And the most durable is the printed circuit board, which will prevent many types of premature failure

However, this feature is usually not considered a disadvantage, which is why more affordable kits with an infrared signal are more popular. Remote control methods also include acoustic ones, but in this case you will have to purchase a sensor capable of capturing sound commands: clapping hands, sounds of music and other similar noises.

Still, you should know that the latter option is more spectacular than effective. Since any third-party sounds, for example, the barking of a pet, a loud conversation will lead to an unauthorized change in the brightness of the lamps.This will not always please users.

At the same time, an acoustic sensor built into the dimmer design can make any party unforgettable, as it makes the lighting fixtures respond to changes in the volume of the music. That is, in this way, it is quite possible to replace light and music.

In addition, you should know that control options using a computer with a wired or wireless connection, as well as a smartphone or tablet, which transmit the desired command signal via Wi-Fi, are becoming increasingly popular.

Printed circuit boards are compact and durable compared to wall-mounted circuits. In addition, they are safer, which is important, since dimmers are used in rooms where people are present.

To be able to use any of the listed methods, the dimmer design must be equipped with the necessary elements. Which makes it more complicated, and therefore more expensive. As a result, the most popular control option traditionally remains mechanical.

Device placement type

Any modern dimmer can be placed in only three ways, and in everyday life, a total of fewer are used - only 2. One option is rarely in demand due to its design complexity and performance.

Therefore, the following types of accommodation are used for residential or small commercial premises:

• invoices;
• built-in

In the first case, a traditional switch is replaced with a dimmer; in the second, it is installed out of sight, that is, mounted in a transfer case, a specially made niche. This means that in one situation a person needs to take care of a control panel with high aesthetic qualities.

And in another, this nuance does not play any role.Since the device will be hidden from view. But you will have to use only the remote control method. Invoices are mainly of mechanical or electronic varieties.

Dimmer operating principle

The most effective way to control brightness is using pulse width modulation. Since it is most suitable for modern energy saving lamps.

The principle of operation in this case is the supply of current in short pulses, between which there is a long pause. Moreover, the longer its duration, the lower the brightness of the glow.

Connecting the regulators is an important stage of assembly, since functionality and comfort depend on it, which is why people do this kind of work

At the same time, the simplest devices are capable of changing the characteristics of light by simply decreasing/increasing the applied voltage. But this option will only be beneficial when using incandescent lamps.

In the case of using LED devices paired with the device, only dimmable LED models, since ordinary LEDs are not adjustable.

Making your own dimmer

Initially, you have to decide on a number of parameters, including power, type of placement, control. Without this procedure, a functional regulator can only be created by accident, which is rare.

Next, you need to purchase or otherwise obtain ownership of a triac, dinistor, as well as a unit that generates a control pulse, for example, taken from an unnecessary device.

In addition, you will need a capacitor and 2 resistors capable of supporting the previously determined power. Moreover, one of them must be variable.This feature will allow you to change the voltage.

The diagram shows how the user can control one light source using two regulators installed in different parts of the room, which is convenient

And when its value reaches the maximum possible for the dinistor used, it is triggered and supplies the necessary command pulse. Which is sent to the triac, and then goes to lamps or other electrical appliances.

When this power switch opens depends on the position of the controls. Since it can be either 220 V or 40 V, if a person needs it.

Since craftsmen mainly make overhead dimmers, installing it in a circuit is not difficult. Since this operation is no different from installing a traditional switch

All of the above structural elements are connected into one product according to the attached diagram using wires and soldering. Contacts must be carefully insulated. Since a short circuit is one of several common causes of electrical equipment failure.

Connecting the dimer to the circuit

This is no less important part of the work than the production itself, since it largely depends on the quality dimmer connections service life depends. In addition, the connection affects the convenience and comfort of control, so dimmers are usually divided according to this characteristic.

They are as follows:

• by type of switch - they replace traditional switches and regulate one lamp or a group of them, for example, a chandelier with a large number of lighting elements;
• walk-through - allow you to control one electrical device, for example, an LED lamp, using several regulators, for convenience, located in different parts of the room or building.

In the first case, when using a network that includes 3 wires, zero and ground go to the lamp, another electrical appliance, and the phase goes to break. That is, the procedure is familiar to everyone who has replaced conventional switches.

When checking the regulator, its installation and operation, a person should observe safety precautions, since sufficient voltage passes through it to cause harm to health

When installing two pass-through dimmers, three wires should be connected to each of them from the junction box. This is a must. The first two pins are then used to connect both regulators. A jumper should be used to ensure reliability.

Another of the free contacts is connected to the phase, and the last one to the lighting fixture. After which the connection is checked for functionality.

During these operations, you should remember to observe safety measures - each of them can only be performed after the network has been de-energized.

Will familiarize you with the guidelines for choosing a dimmer for controlling an LED strip next article, completely devoted to this interesting topic.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The first video will help you quickly understand the manufacturing procedure:

The following video material will allow you to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of modern dimmers:

Any user, even those without special skills, will be able to figure out how to properly make a simple dimmer with their own hands. This is a very inexpensive and uncomplicated solution.The main thing is to select elements of the required power and connect them together efficiently.

At the same time, it will be necessary to give the product a decent appearance, which complicates the task. But for this purpose, you can use the housings of industrial regulators, even used ones.

Would you like to tell us about how you assembled the device for adjusting the light intensity yourself? Do you want to share technological details or ask a question? Please write comments in the block below, share useful information, impressions and photos on the topic of the article.