How to connect a dimmer: possible diagrams + instructions for connecting with your own hands

Any modified device that makes operating electrical appliances more comfortable quickly becomes popular.This is especially true in the domestic sphere. The emerging regulators are not yet as in demand as conventional switches, but they have already confidently occupied their niche.

Let's look at how to connect a dimmer yourself, while complying with the standards and not making mistakes.

Types of dimmers and design features

A dimmer or, in other words, a dimmer allows you to set different lighting modes from one point. Unlike two-gang switch, which can implement up to 3 intensity positions, this device smoothly changes the brightness of one or more light sources from the weakest to the maximum.

To install it correctly, you need to understand the design. But this is where a complication arises regarding the different species. There are devices on sale with different control methods.

The most famous is the rotary mechanism, but besides it you can also come across push-button, electronic, remote and even acoustic ones.

The main operating element of the rotary model is the handle, which must be turned clockwise/counterclockwise to reduce or increase the lighting power

Like a switch, a light controller of the simplest design is connected to a two-wire wire in an open circuit.

The shape of the housing resembles a standard electrical installation - a socket or switch - therefore it can be mounted either in a socket box or simply in a free wall niche. Fixation occurs due to an elastic metal spacer tab or two tabs, and the contacts are also standard.

The first contact is for the incoming phase coming from the distribution box, the second is for the outgoing load core, which is directed to the lighting source. The lighting fixtures can be a table lamp, floor lamp, chandelier, sconce or a group of spotlights.

Manufacturers provide devices with detailed wiring diagrams that must be followed. They are printed on paper and directly on a plastic case

The push-button regulator resembles a regular switch: by briefly pressing the keys you can turn the lamp on/off. However, if you hold the key for 1-2 seconds, the lighting intensity will gradually change.

Modern electronic models can simultaneously control several lamps (from 2 to 5) installed in different rooms. Remote devices are equipped with a remote control. But you need to remember - the wider the functionality of the dimmer, the higher its cost.

If we talk about differences in installation, then the installation and connection of electronic devices is almost the same, with the exception of nuances characteristic of individual manufacturers.

Analysis of connection diagrams

The choice of scheme depends on many factors, including dimmer models, connection method - separate or with switches, number of dimmers or lighting devices.

You should also take into account a very important point: different devices are used for incandescent lamps, LED lamps and strips, and low-voltage halogen light sources.

Testing a remote control dimmer connected to an LED strip. LED strips are successfully used to illuminate suspended two- and three-tier plasterboard structures

The most basic dimmer connection diagram can easily be confused with the switch installation diagram, since it actually repeats it one to one.

Wiring is usually done with a two- or three-wire wire, depending on the grounding system. In new houses, it is recommended to use a wire with three cores - VVGng with a cross-section of 1.5 mm².

Three wires are pulled from the machine in the electrical panel: ground - to the metal body of the chandelier or lamp, zero - to the lamps, and phase - to the dimmer, to the input terminal

But often a chandelier has many arms, and the dimmer is used to control a group of separately located lamps.

In this case, it is advisable to install two devices instead of one, so that the lighting level of two separate groups can be controlled.

The fundamental difference is in the number of load wires. One common phase is supplied to the regulator, and at the output there are two phase wires directed to different groups of lamps. Accordingly, zero is also divided by two

How does the connection occur if, instead of setting up control for conventional or energy-saving lamps, you need to set up LED adjustment?

Usually, complete with strips or lamps, along with a dimmer, there is an adapter from 220 V to 12 V. This can be a power supply that is plugged into an outlet.

Both wires from the converter are pulled to the dimmer, connected according to the diagram to the required connectors, and from the output terminals they are supplied to one lighting device or several lamps connected in parallel

Paired with a dimmer, one or more are often used pass-through switches – the electrical network with such a kit becomes more advanced in terms of ease of use.

The location of the switch is determined in different ways: it can be between the panel and the dimmer or between the dimmer and the lamp.

The circuitry of pass-through devices differs from a standard device, and this must be taken into account when connecting. The main attention is paid to connecting the phase conductors in both devices

Finally, let’s look at the order of arrangement of wires and terminals for a standard dimmer connection - after all, it is this that is the most popular in everyday life.

The simplest diagram that can serve as a standard for connecting a standard regulator. The phase conductor is supplied to the input, and from the output, the adjacent terminal, goes to the lamp

The listed examples are only a small part of all possible schemes for installing the device. To make an error-free connection, you must use the manufacturer's instructions as your main guide.

Step-by-step replacement instructions

To purchase new dimmer, initially find out what type of lamps it will serve. Then, based on the allocated budget, they buy either an inexpensive Chinese model or a design from a trusted manufacturer - Makel, Schneider, Legrand.

If you need to install a new, just purchased device, perform the same actions as when installing a switch:

• change the wiring or make sure the old cables are suitable;
• if there is no separate circuit breaker in the electrical panel, install it;
• prepare the installation site;
• perform the installation.

But more often it is necessary to make a replacement, that is, dismantle the switch body and install a dimmer in its place. Let's consider this option.

Step 1 - Turn off the lighting circuit

Any manipulations with electrical devices in the apartment must begin with a forced power outage at the switchboard, which is located either on the common area or inside the apartment, in the corridor (hallway).

This is required by safety standards and ensures that all connected devices and cables are kept in good condition. But the main goal is to protect your own health.

To switch off the load yourself, just switch the lever of the machine. If you need to replace the circuit breaker or other electrical work on the panel, you should call an electrician servicing the house

For additional insurance, you should always have either a tester or an indicator screwdriver on hand to determine the voltage.

Checking the power line is the first action that should be performed at the beginning of installation or removal of an electrical installation, when connecting wires. It is recommended to use tools with insulated handles and gloves coated with a thin layer of dielectric polymer.

Step 2 - dismantling a conventional switch

To remove the old device, you need to prepare a screwdriver. The dismantling process takes only a few minutes and consists of sequentially removing first the decorative outer part, and then the internal mechanism connected to the wires.

The last crucial point is disconnecting the wires. The conductors are carefully removed from the terminals by slightly loosening the holding screws or clamps.

It is necessary to keep the stripped ends intact so as not to cut the wires again and reduce their already limited length.

Step 3 - installation of the control device

If the wires are in good condition, then nothing needs to be done to prepare. You should start by studying the instructions, which list the installation requirements, the main technical characteristics of the device, and most importantly, there is a wire connection diagram.

The dimmer is disassembled, familiarized with the design, and piece by piece installed in place of the switch.

After installation, diagnostics should be performed. To do this, connect the power, turn on the dimmer and try to change the light intensity by rotating the knob.

If all the work is done correctly, the brightness of the lighting gradually increases and decreases just as smoothly.

Tips for selection and use

Often a dimmer is purchased to significantly reduce electricity bills.It should be understood that big savings will not be achieved, but it will still be possible to reduce costs by 15-17%.

When choosing a model, pay attention to the design. Manufacturers offer various collections that differ not only in technical characteristics, but also in external design - color, shape, size of the decorative panel

Remember that the control mechanisms are sensitive to any excess of the temperature in the apartment; it is usually limited to a value from +27 to -28 °C.

For normal operation of the device, a minimum load of 40 W is required, otherwise the working mechanism will quickly fail.

If you try to connect the dimmer to lighting fixtures not listed in the manual, it will not work. The power of the device must correspond to the total power of the lamps.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Informative and useful videos made by professional electricians and home craftsmen will help you understand simple designs and become more familiar with complex dimmers.

Getting to know your purchases made online. Device diagnostics:

Connecting a universal built-in dimmer to a switch:

In what sequence is installation carried out:

All stages of installing a dimmer, from purchase to diagnostics, can be done independently. The main points that should be given special attention are choosing the correct connection diagram and matching the device to the lighting fixtures in terms of characteristics.

Do you have practical skills in installing a dimmer and can you share advice with visitors to our site? Or maybe you have questions about the topic of the article? Please share your experience and ask questions in the block below the article.