Scheme of installation and connection of a dimmer to adjust the light. Dimmer connection diagram: connect a dimmer instead of a switch, following the step-by-step instructions Dimmer connection diagram

In order to connect a dimmer to a chandelier, the brightness of which it will control, you need to follow just a few simple steps. It is much more important to do everything right, because this type of dimmer can quickly fail if connected to the network incorrectly. Next, we will consider useful installation tips, the simplest connection diagrams, as well as the requirements for installing a dimmer with your own hands.

The principle of operation of the device

First you need to deal with that. The principle of operation is to smoothly adjust the voltage that is supplied to a controlled, for example, spotlight.

Simply put, the device can change the voltage that goes to the bulb from 0 to 100%. The lower the output voltage, the dimmer the glow will be. At the same time, there are various types of dimmers, which differ not only in appearance, but also by themselves in the principle of operation, namely:

control: wheel (rotary), button (push), sensor (electronic);
application: halogen, fluorescent, LED light sources or;
additional features: timer, remote control, clap on, soft shutdown, etc.;
design: modular (mounted on a DIN rail), monoblock (mounted in the wall, like sockets).

So, now consider the basic requirements for installing and connecting a dimmer with your own hands.

Application requirements

It should immediately be noted that the simplest dimmers that are used at home can only be used to control incandescent and halogen lamps. If you connect them to LED strips and fluorescent bulbs, both devices will fail in a short period of time. That is why it is necessary to choose dimmers based on which bulbs they will control.

The remaining requirements when connecting a dimmer are as follows:

The minimum power of the luminaire to be connected must not be lower than 40 W. If you ignore this moment, the life of the regulator will be noticeably reduced.
It is not recommended to install the dimmer in a room where the temperature is above 25 ° C. Overheating of the device will adversely affect its operation.
The phase conductor must necessarily go to the break, which is connected to the connector marked L. It is strictly forbidden to connect zero, in fact, as in the standard version.
To adjust the glow, choose products with the appropriate designation, which indicates that the bulb can be used for dimming.
If you decide to use a dimmer together with tapes, you need to buy a device of a special design that can work with such a light source. Leading manufacturers: Schneider, Legrand, ABB and Viko have such models in their assortment, but their cost is much higher.
The power of the dimmer must exceed the total power of the fixtures that it will serve. For example, if you decide to use 3 light bulbs of 100 watts, the power of the device must be selected with a margin of at least 500 watts. If the total power of the fixtures is more than 1 kW, in this case it is necessary to additionally connect an amplifier with which it is possible to service the lighting system with a power of up to 1.8 kW.
Do not connect capacitive and inductive loads to the dimmer at the same time.

That's all the requirements that you must adhere to in order to properly connect the dimmer with your own hands!

Connection diagrams

Before proceeding with the installation of the device, it is necessary to select the most appropriate wiring diagram. Today, it is possible to connect a dimmer with and without a light switch, as an independent control element. At the same time, you can install several identical devices at the same time, or even use a combination with. Consider each scheme in more detail and determine the merits of all options.

Standard Conditions

In this case, you need to connect the dimmer yourself instead of the switch that was installed earlier. Everything is simple - we lead the phase to a break, and grounding and zero directly to the lamp (if a 220 Volt network is used for three wires).

In the diagram you can clearly see the essence of this method:

This option is the simplest and will not take you much time, especially if you use an old strobe for installation work.

With switch

This method is more convenient for use in the bedroom, because. it will be possible to turn on / off the light with a conventional switch, and place the dimmer next to the bed, which will allow you to control the brightness of the lighting without getting up.

Dual control

To control the brightness of room lighting from two different locations, you can install two dimmers and connect them together with jumpers. This option is recommended for use in spacious rooms and long corridors.

Another option for controlling the lamp and its brightness from several places is the use of walk-through switches.

The dimmer connection diagram in this case looks like this:

After choosing the most suitable dimmer connection scheme for your conditions, you need to proceed to the final stage - installing the product.

Visual video tutorial on connecting wires

Installation work

In fact, the technology for installing a dimmer is no different from installing an ordinary light switch.

If you already have a ready-made strobe, to which the wires from the junction box and the lamp are connected, you can independently connect the dimmer as follows:

We turn off the electricity in the apartment.
We install the mounting box in the recess.
We fix the cores in the corresponding terminals of the housing.
We place the case in the strobe.
We unscrew the side screws so that the presser feet are spread out in the walls of the mounting box.
We fasten the decorative frame, tighten the nut and wind the wheel - the design is assembled.
We turn on the electricity and check the correctness of the electrical work.

This technology is used to connect a dimmer and do-it-yourself installation. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this event, the main thing is to choose the right type of lamps and device model! Even kettles in electrics can easily cope with the installation, but if there are any difficulties, it is better to watch the video instructions provided below.

Instructions for the correct replacement of the key switch with a dimmer

Related content:

Have you noticed what a boom in savings on everything has gripped us all lately? To save heat and reduce heat losses, we install double-glazed windows, insulate walls, floors, ceilings and doors. To save water, we install water meters to independently control and reduce its consumption, etc. It turns out that using a dimmer, you can regulate the consumption of electricity.

Video: Connecting various types of lamps to a dimmer

What is it and how to connect a dimmer consider further. So, a dimmer is a device that allows you to adjust the brightness of the lighting, and, accordingly, the amount of electricity consumed by the light bulbs. A dimmer is installed instead of the usual switch. By the way, the dimmer will make turning the light on and off smoother. Today in electrical stores you can see a number of these devices, which differ in shape, color, power and connection method. True, dimmers can only be used to adjust the brightness of conventional incandescent or halogen lamps.

Believe me, installing a dimmer with your own hands is not at all difficult. And every man with minimal knowledge of electrical engineering will cope with this task. To do this, it is enough to have at hand, in addition to the dimmer, a socket box (other names are an installation box or a cup holder), a screwdriver and a puncher.

Video: Connecting a dimmer (wiring product)

Before you buy a dimmer, you need to calculate its power. It is recommended to select the power of the dimmer taking into account the excess of its power, approximately one and a half times, the total power of all lamps, the power supply of which will be regulated.

For example, three chandelier lamps, each with a power of 100 watts, have a total power of 300 watts. The power of the dimmer in this case should be at least 500 watts. Remember, a dimmer working at maximum power can even cause a fire. Therefore, it is better to choose it with a power reserve.

You can also choose between conventional or programmable, simple or touch controls. But the connection of a touch-controlled dimmer must be done with grounding or zeroing.

Having prepared materials and tools, you can proceed to dimmer installation. The first step is to remove the old switch. The dismantling process is simple and straightforward, but do not forget to turn off the power beforehand. Now connect and install a dimmer in its place. But before installing the dimmer, it is necessary to use an electric probe to determine which wire is supplying power, that is, to determine the phase wire, since the dimmer, unlike a simple switch, is connected according to a certain scheme. The phase wire is connected to the terminal marked with the letter L.

Video: Dimmer Switch Schneider Electric Anya AYA2200121/AYA2200123

If switches have not yet been installed in your apartment, then the procedure for connecting a dimmer at the stage of wiring is no different from installing a simple switch.

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stroytroy.ru » Useful tips » How to connect a dimmer

How to connect a dimmer

Let's put the question on the forehead. What is a dimmer? A dimmer is an electronic device that controls the voltage across a load. The load can be a variety of electronic devices and devices.

But in this article, we will consider only one area of \u200b\u200bapplication of dimmers, namely, controlling the brightness level of lighting lamps.

About dimmers

The first dimmers appeared at the end of the 19th century, and served to gradually darken the auditorium in theaters. Why in theaters? Because the inventor of the dimmer was the inveterate theatergoer Grenville Woods.
Modern dimmers, as already mentioned, have found their application in various fields of electronics and electrical engineering.

But at the household level, most often, they are associated with the regulation of the level of illumination of an apartment, room, or a separate part of the room. With the help of dimmers it is easy to create an unusual lighting design for your apartment. Some parts of the apartment will be brightly lit, others will be darkened, etc.
The microcontrollers installed in the dimmer allow not only to adjust the brightness of the lighting, but also, in accordance with a given program, automatically turn on or off the lighting, simulate the presence of a person in the house, smoothly turn off the lighting, have a remote control or even an acoustic control system (using voice or loud sound).

Dimmers are indispensable components in smart home systems.
Dimmers can control not only the brightness of a single lamp, but also a group of lamps, and even several groups of lamps. It all depends on the power level with which the power element can work.

Wiring diagrams for dimmers

The first dimmers were connected to the load through a rheostat (variable resistor), but such a circuit was not very reliable.

With the development of the element base of electronics, a thyristor connected to the load through a diode bridge began to be used as a power element.

The thyristor dimmer circuit looked like this:

D1 - diode
D2, D3, D4, D5 - diode bridge
SCR - thyristor, its power depends on the load power

You can learn more about the principle of operation of the circuit and the radio elements used from the article “Smooth switching on of incandescent lamps”

Currently, a more advanced type of thyristor is used in dimmers - a triac, by the way, invented in the Soviet Union.

One of the variants of the rotary dimmer circuit on the triac is shown in the figure.

Varieties of dimmers

Modular dimmers

This type of dimmer is usually installed in switchboards and is designed to control lighting in corridors and stairwells.

Control is carried out using a remote button or a key switch. Pressing the button turns on / off the lamps, and holding the button pressed for more than 5 seconds, you can adjust the brightness level of the lamps.

Dimmers installed in the mounting box

This type of dimmer is used with incandescent and halogen lamps with capacitive or inductive loads.

Controlled by a remote button.

Monoblock dimmers

This type of dimmer is made as a single unit and is installed in a standard socket. It is connected like a normal switch, but it is advisable to observe the polarity of the connection.

According to the execution of the control part, monoblock dimmers are divided into:
1.

Swivel-push. When the knob is pressed, the lamp or lamps are turned on / off, and when the knob is rotated, the brightness of the lamps is adjusted.

rotary dimmers. In this type of dimmers, the control consists only in turning the knob for adjusting the brightness of the glow.

3. Keyboard dimmers.

In appearance, they are very similar to ordinary switches.

One key is responsible for turning on / off the lamps, and the second for the level of their brightness.

4. Touch dimmers.

The most "advanced" type of dimmers.

In this version, there are no moving parts, so this kind of dimmer is more reliable. One of the sensors is responsible for turning on / off the lamps, the remaining sensors are responsible for the brightness level. As you understand, although the switching is very smooth, this switching is still stepped. Those. there are only a few levels of brightness of the glow of the lamps.

5. Dimmers with a control panel are a convenient and comfortable option that allows you to adjust its illumination without getting up, for example, from your workplace.

In addition, quite often, this type of dimmer also provides for manual adjustment of the brightness of the lamps.

Practically, all models of different types of dimmers have memory. Therefore, the next time the dimmer is turned on, the lamps turn on with the same brightness level that was used the last time they were turned on. Plus or minus, I do not dare to say.

In addition to the above gradation of dimmers, they are also divided by the type of lamps they can work with.

1. Dimmers for incandescent and halogen lamps 220V.
Almost all dimmers can work with incandescent lamps and halogen lamps operating from 220 V.

In this case, there are no problems. Lamps have inertia, they have no capacitance and inductance. The only thing you should pay attention to is that as the voltage decreases, the color temperature of the light changes. It decreases, and the emission spectrum shifts to the red side.

Do-it-yourself dimmer connection

At low voltages applied to the lamp, you may not like the color of the radiation.

2. Dimmers for low voltage halogen lamps.
If 12-24 V halogen lamps are dimmed, a step-down transformer is required. If a winding transformer is installed, then a dimmer is selected that can work with an inductive load. It is marked RL.
When using an electronic transformer, a dimmer marked C must be used.

This means that the dimmer can handle capacitive loads. Of course, the best option is to combine both a transformer and a dimmer in one device, but this is not always done.

In addition, attention should be paid to the fact that dimmers have the property of smoothly turning off and on the lamps, since sudden voltage drops adversely affect the life of this type of lamp.

3. Dimmers for fluorescent lamps.

Dimming this type of lamp is the most problematic. With a conventional starter, fluorescent lamps are not dimmable. You must use a different model of starter. It was called EPRA - electronic ballast. Its diagram is shown below:

With electronic ballasts, power is supplied to the lamp at a frequency of 20 kHz to 50 kHz. When voltage is applied, the circuit formed by the inductor and capacitance enters into resonance, increasing the voltage to the required level and ignites the lamp.

By changing the frequency, you can also change the strength of the current flowing through the lamp, thereby changing its glow level. As you can see, dimming is possible only after the lamp glow reaches maximum power.

That consists

4. Dimmers for LEDs.
It would seem that the principle of dimming for LEDs lies on the surface - change the strength of the current flowing through the diode and that's it. But. In this case, the LED will not work in the optimal mode, and the color of its glow will change significantly. Therefore, another method is used to dim LEDs - pulse-width modulation.

Those. current pulses of optimal amplitude are applied to the LED, but the pulse duration can be adjusted, thereby changing the brightness of the glow. Since the pulse frequency is high - up to 300 kHz, no flicker is observed.

The dimmer, also called a dimmer, fails very often, especially if surge protection is not installed in the house. The fact is that these devices are very sensitive to voltage drops and, under increased load, can instantly break down. Next, we will look at the main reasons why the dimmer does not work and do-it-yourself troubleshooting methods.

Overview of probable causes
How to fix a breakdown

Overview of probable causes

So, first of all, let's talk about what became the "culprit" of the incorrect operation of the dimmer.

Most often, the dimmer stops working after the bulb in the chandelier or floor lamp burns out. At the moment of burnout, a short circuit may occur, as a result of which one of the most important circuit elements in the dimmer, the triac, burns out.

If the triac does not work, the entire circuit fails.

The second reason why the device may not turn on or vice versa - do not turn off the light is that the dimmer works with an energy-saving lamp.

We have already talked about the fact that for LED and fluorescent lamps you need to buy special dimmers, just designed to work with "housekeepers". At the same time, it is necessary to choose special dimmable LED lamps, and not conventional ones. If you did not take into account this requirement, then the malfunction lies precisely in this reason, which is clearly shown in the video example.

What to do so that the device can adjust the brightness of the light

Another likely cause of the malfunction is an incorrectly selected dimmer power, as a result of which it does not work as it should.

We have already said more than once that the power of a dimmer should be 30-50% more than the power of all the bulbs that it regulates.

How to install a dimmer

If you missed this moment and inserted too powerful light sources into the lamp, it is not strange why the dimmer does not turn off the light or does not dim the lamps. We talked about how to choose a dimmer in a separate article. Well, the last thing to say is that perhaps the problem is in the wiring on the site: a chandelier-switch.

How to fix a breakdown

Now let's do the following - consider the main malfunctions of dimmers and immediately provide DIY repair tips.

If the device does not turn on the light, first check the fuse installed under the decorative cover. With voltage drops, it can burn out, protecting the rest of the circuit elements from failure. Replacing the fuse is not difficult, especially since the leading dimmer manufacturers (Schneider, Legrand) include a spare fuse in the kit, as shown in the photo below.

When the dimmer does not adjust the brightness of the lighting, does not turn off and does not turn on after the bulb in the lamp burns out, you need to move on to a more serious repair, because.

most likely, the triac does not work - it burned out during a short circuit. You can try to replace this element of the circuit yourself, for this you need a soldering iron and, accordingly, skills in working with these tools. You may also need a drill with a thin drill (we'll tell you why). In order to be able to solder the broken triac and solder a new one, you need to remove the aluminum radiator from the board, which is more likely to be fastened with a rivet.

You need to carefully drill out the rivet, then unsolder the triac itself and install exactly the same, but intact. For all these cases, we recommend using a homemade mini drill and a homemade soldering iron.

If you use a dimmer with conventional energy-saving bulbs, we recommend that you change the bulbs for special ones as soon as possible, because

unsuitable housekeepers must not be used.

And finally - if not only the dimmer does not work, but the usual key switch does not turn on the light, then the problem is in the wiring itself.

Perhaps the wires are short somewhere, and perhaps the problem is a malfunction of the chandelier itself. Here you already need to take a multimeter and ring all sections of the circuit.

Here, in fact, are all the main causes of device malfunction. We hope that now you know why the dimmer does not work and, most importantly, how to repair the dimmer with your own hands! Finally, I would like to note that these devices are very sensitive and due to the existing problems with voltage drops, it is highly not recommended to use them without stabilizers!

Relatively recently, the only available option for adjusting the brightness of lighting fixtures was to install a device called a rheostat. At the same time, the power of such rheostats was approximately at the same level as the load. Of course, one could turn a blind eye to this, however, with a decrease in the brightness of the lighting, the power consumption did not decrease in any way - the excess power was simply dissipated. Therefore, rheostats were used to control brightness only where there was a need for this, for example, in theaters.

However, the situation has changed dramatically with the appearance on the market of semiconductors, known as triac and dinistor. It is on the basis of them that modern ones are designed, allowing you to quickly and conveniently adjust the brightness of the lighting.

Video - How the dimmer works

A standard dimmer is connected like an ordinary one, i.e. to break the power supply circuit of the lighting device. The dimensions of the regulator in question and the fasteners for its installation in a niche also coincide with those of a simple switch. Therefore, anyone who has an idea of how to connect traditional light switches can handle the installation of a dimmer. The only important point: the outputs to the load and phase must be connected strictly in accordance with the diagram provided by the manufacturer.

All dimmers presented today can be divided into 2 large classes: rotary (they are also rotary) and push-button (electronic).

Table. Some types of dimmers

Types of dimmers	Explanations
Dimmer for incandescent lamps and for halogen lamps with a voltage level of 220 V	In this case, it is the magnitude of the applied voltage that determines the intensity of the glow of the lamp filament.
Dimmer for low voltage transformer powered halogen lamps	Responsible for converting the output voltage of the dimmer to the desired value. If the lamps are designed for a voltage of 12-24 V, then an electronic transformer is required to provide soft control of the current source.
LED dimmer (led dimmer) and dimmer for fluorescent lamps.	The task of a dimmer for LEDs is to quickly give the desired results and smoothly adjust the power of the light fluxes.
Touch dimmer	The main difference between the touch device (viko dimmer) is the ability to control the luminous flux with a barely noticeable touch on a certain area of the button. Can be equipped with an infrared receiver for remote control.
	Assumes easy rotation of the rotary element.
push dimmer	Assumes multiple key presses
Single dimmer	It can be used both for one lamp and for a number of light sources combined into a common group.
Group dimmer	To control multiple light sources at once.

Rotary controls are the most widely used. The control of the intensity of illumination by such devices is carried out by simply turning the knob in the desired direction. Push-button dimmers are more convenient and flexible in terms of controlling the brightness of light. Additionally, electronic dimmers allow you to connect buttons in parallel and control lighting from several different locations. In practice, the number of such places is limited to 3-5. In this case, the length of the wire should not exceed 10 m.

Also on the market is a group of devices that allow you to control the brightness of lighting remotely using a remote control. However, such dimmers are much more expensive than the analogs discussed above.

The most popular, as already noted, are rotary-type dimmers. That's what we'll cover in this guide.

Video - Simple LED lamp and dimmer

Features of the dimmer device and its connection diagram

Rotary dimmers from different manufacturers have the same device - only their quality differs. Also, certain differences may be present in the internal equipment of the regulators: the design of some of them includes additional elements that have a positive effect on the stability of the dimmer and improve the smoothness of dimming.

Dimmers work according to the following principle. In order for the lighting lamp to turn on, a current must pass through the triac of the dimmer. To do this, a certain voltage must appear between the electrodes of the said semiconductor. It appears as follows.

When a positive half-wave occurs, the capacitor is charged by means of a potentiometer. In this case, the charge rate of the capacitor directly depends on the characteristics of the potentiometer. The key function of the potentiometer is to change the phase angle. When the voltage on the capacitor rises to a value sufficient to open the semiconductors of the dimmer, the triac opens. At this stage, its resistance decreases, which allows the lighting device to burn until the end of the half-wave. The negative half-wave behaves similarly to the positive one, because dinistor and triac are symmetrical, so the direction of the current for them is of no fundamental importance.

As a result, the voltage supplied to the load is “echoes” of half-waves following one after another at a frequency of about 100 Hz. It is because of this that flickering may appear when the lighting device is turned on at minimum brightness.

The parameters of the structural elements of the regulator may vary from different manufacturing companies, however, the principle of operation of the devices practically does not change from this. The properties of resistors and capacitors only affect the characteristics of the ignition points, as well as the stability of the lighting device. So, the smallest brightness of light is provided at the minimum value of the resistance of the resistor, and the highest, respectively, at the maximum.

It is allowed to include any triacs in a practical circuit, taking into account the load power. However, the allowable voltage of the devices should not be less than 400V, because. the value of instantaneous voltage in domestic electrical networks can "jump" up to 350V.

Video - How to choose a dimmer

Connecting and operating a dimmer: what should everyone know?

Before you buy a dimmer and install it instead of a regular switch, read the important facts about the device in question.

Many users are mistaken in believing that installing a dimmer will significantly reduce lighting costs. In reality, with the minimum brightness of the lamps, the savings are unlikely to exceed 10-15%. The dimmer will simply dissipate the remaining "extra" energy.

Connection and operation of dimmers must be carried out in compliance with the following rules:

The controller must not be overheated. The maximum allowable air temperature in the room is +27 degrees;
the value of the load connected to the regulator must be at least 40 watts. At lower values, there is a significant reduction in the service life of both lighting fixtures and the regulator itself;
the dimmer can only be used in combination with lighting fixtures listed in the technical data sheet.

The considered regulators are designed to work with certain types of load. So, most dimmer models can only be used to control the brightness of halogen lamps and incandescent bulbs. It is impossible to use them in combination with LED lamps and most energy-saving lighting fixtures, because. this will cause them to break very quickly.

If you need to connect a dimmer to, buy a regulator model specially designed for this.

Be sure to first check with the store employee whether the purchased dimmer is designed to work in conjunction with the lighting sources in your home. Also make sure that the wattage of the regulator matches the total wattage of the fixtures in your home.

Instructions for installing a dimmer instead of a conventional switch

Replacing a traditional switch with a rotary control will not cause any difficulties, because. they are installed in the same way. You just need to carefully study the technology and follow the established sequence.

First step. We turn off the electricity supply and additionally make sure that it is absent using a special indicator screwdriver.

Second step. We remove the button of the installed switch.

Third step. We unscrew the screws that secure the decorative frame of the switch, and remove it.

Fourth step. We unscrew the fixing screws and take the mechanism out of the mounting box. We can install the dimmer in the same box.

Fifth step. We unscrew the electrical wires from the switch.

Sixth step. We see two free wires.

One of them (supply phase) is connected to the switch, the second - to the chandelier. We carefully study the diagram given in the instructions for the dimmer or on the cover of its case.

In the case of dimmers, as noted, you must strictly adhere to the connection procedure recommended by the manufacturer. We connect the phase cable (it is red in the diagram) to the dimmer terminal, signed as L-in. The next cable (it is orange in the diagram) is connected to the regulator terminal, signed L-out.

Seventh step. We insert the dimmer into the mounting box. To do this, carefully bend the wires, insert the regulator into the socket, tighten the spacer screws, attach the decorative frame, fix it with screws and install the adjusting wheel.

We connect the wires and insert the dimmer into the box

eighth step. We check the operation of the installed dimmer, after turning on the electricity supply. To check, turn the dimmer knob until it clicks in a counterclockwise direction - the lamps will not light up. We smoothly turn the regulator clockwise - after a similar click on the lamps, the voltage will gradually increase, as evidenced by a gradual increase in the brightness of the light.

The dimmer is connected and working properly. We can accept it for permanent operation.

Successful work!

Video - Dimmer connection diagram

Video - Connecting an LED strip to a mini dimmer

Recently, a device has appeared in electrical stores that looks like a regular switch, but costs much more. This device is called a dimmer. What is it for? How is a dimmer different from a normal switch? Let's try to find answers to these questions.

A universal device called a dimmer is designed not only to turn the lighting on and off, but also to smoothly control the intensity or brightness of the lighting. And most importantly, with the help of a dimmer, you can significantly save energy consumption.

After all, with a decrease in the intensity of lighting, the power consumption is proportionally reduced. The use of an adjustable switch does not have any negative effect on the lamps. Their service life remains the same.

In electrical stores you can find a large assortment of dimmers of various sizes and shapes. They differ in the way they turn on and power. Of course, the cost of such devices significantly exceeds the cost of conventional switches, but over time they more than pay for themselves.

Installing dimmers in an apartment or house, it is safe to say that electricity consumption will decrease significantly. Adjustable switches are used not only in everyday life, they can be installed in public buildings, cafes, restaurants and other entertainment venues.

Connecting a dimmer

The whole variety of dimmers that can be found on sale is divided into two main groups - rotary and push-button. Rotary dimmers have a rotary knob that can be used to increase or decrease the brightness of the lighting. Pushbutton electronic dimmers are distinguished by the fact that they are controlled using touch buttons.

Electronic push button dimmers have a lot more options than simple rotary adjustable switches. A button dimmer can be connected to several points in the circuit and controlled from different points. When connecting an electronic dimmer, it becomes possible to adjust the degree of illumination using a remote control.

When choosing an adjustable switch, many are interested in the question, to the mains. There is nothing complicated in connecting a dimmer. The dimmer switch is included in the break in the power supply circuit of the lighting sources, like a conventional switch.

The simplest rotary dimmer has only two outputs, which are easy to connect. But even if you do not follow the polarity rule, the dimmer will still work. After connecting, you will be able to adjust the brightness of the lighting by turning the dimmer knob.

What does it consist of the principle of operation of a modern dimmer? From a school physics course, many people know that you can adjust the brightness of lighting using a rheostat by changing the resistance value in the circuit. However, there is no reduction in power consumption. On the contrary, the consumption of electricity increases due to the release of heat, which simply goes into the air. Therefore, the use of rheostats in everyday life is completely unjustified.

Electronic dimmers work on a different principle. The main elements of a modern dimmer are semiconductors dinistor and triac, or, as they are also called, dyad and triac.

These symmetrical semiconductors are capable of passing a certain amount of current in both directions. The smooth regulation of the voltage that is supplied to the lamp occurs due to the so-called "phase cutoff".

The power of the dimmer depends on the amount of current that the triac is able to pass. When choosing a dimmer, it is necessary to determine the magnitude of the load or the total power of the lighting lamps.

The dimmer power should slightly exceed the load value. For example, if you have three lamps of 100 W each, the total power of all lamps will be 300 W. In this case, to ensure reliable operation, it is better to choose a 500W dimmer.

Dimmer connection diagram

It is very easy to answer the question when you see this device with your own eyes. In terms of overall dimensions, it does not differ at all from a conventional switch and is also installed in a mounting box.

The dimmer is fixed in the mounting box also with the help of special paws. Like a switch, it is connected to a break in the lighting circuit. But when connecting it, you must observe the polarity.

How to install a dimmer instead of an old switch? Everything is very simple. First you need to dismantle the switch. To carry out this operation, turn off the mains voltage and use the indicator to make sure that it is not present. Then remove the switch frame and, armed with a screwdriver, unscrew the screws of the mounting tabs.

Remove the switch from the box and disconnect it from the wires by loosening the screws on the terminals. After that, you can start dimmer installation. All of the above operations must be performed in reverse order, starting with connecting the dimmer to the wires. If you cannot cope with the connection yourself, we recommend that you contact specialists who can easily cope with this task.

Conventional dimmer cannot be used for LEDs

The electronic dimmer is designed for a certain type of load. It can only be used in circuits where incandescent and halogen lamps are connected.

Most modern energy-saving, LED and fluorescent lamps are not designed to be paired with a dimmer. When adjusting the brightness of the lighting with a dimmer, such light sources quickly fail. There are special dimmers for led lamps that are able to work with such lamps.

Buying a dimmer today is not a problem. Any electronics store has a wide selection of such devices. Their prices are quite high, but these devices pay off very quickly.

When buying a dimmer, you need to find out from the seller whether the device is capable of working with lighting sources already installed in your house. Also make sure that the dimmer wattage matches the total wattage of your lamps.

Dimmers are actively used on industrial and household equipment as switches, while they perform an additional function of adjusting the magnitude of the electric current voltage. In the article we will tell you how to connect a dimmer, consider the features of the work.

The principle of operation of the dimmer

Previously, in lighting networks, a rheostat (wire variable resistance) was connected in series with the load, changing the current in the circuit, changing the power, respectively, the brightness of the lamp. This method is not economical, the remaining power was dissipated as heat on the rheostat structure. With the advent of semiconductor devices, diodes, triacs, transistors and thyristors, it became possible to more economically control this process. Consider the operation of the simplest circuit on a diode bridge and a thyristor.

This circuit allows you to change the voltage at the load from 0 to 220V, the lamps are connected to the network through a diode bridge. While the theristor is closed, the current does not pass through the diodes, the rectified voltage is applied between the anode and cathode of the theristor, at the same time it is applied to the charging circuit C1; R2; R1, when the capacitor is fully charged, the theristor opens. In this case, the bridge diagonal is closed, an alternating current will pass through the load, in the bridge diagonal the current flows only in one direction, this allows the use of a theristor.

The half-cycle time when the theristor opens depends on the capacitance C1 and the resistance of the resistors. You can change the duration of this period with a variable resistor R1. This scheme is applicable for lamp power up to 160 W, with a larger load, a thyristor and diodes must be installed that correspond to the power consumption. Read also the article: → "".

The main types of dimmers

Initially, dimmers were used to control the power of devices with an active load (with heating elements, filament lamps, heating elements in kettles and heating heaters). In the process of improving the design, they changed, it became possible to control the inductive load, adjust the speed of electric motors, the brightness of the glow of LED lamps and other devices.

Dimmers are divided by purpose:

For active load;
For inductive load;
For LED energy-saving lamps;
For halogen lamps.

According to the design of the controls, the following groups are distinguished:

With swivel disc;
On mechanical buttons;
Touch;
With remote control.

The word dimmer comes from the English dimmer (dimmer), in this case it means changing the parameters, lighting brightness, heating intensity, speed, or others. Modern devices, depending on the functional purpose and design, can be controlled by rotary knobs, buttons, programmable signals, sounds of a certain tone, from remote controls.

Rotary dimmers: description and principle of operation

According to sales statistics, this is the most popular type of dimmers among consumers, it is easy to connect, cheap price, small-sized housing is easily inserted into the sockets for switches. The control is carried out by turning the rotary knob on the housing panel, where the value of the lamp brightness to be set is marked with risks and numbers. Read also the article: → "".

Many years of experience in the operation of these dimmers shows that when using it, significant energy savings are achieved and the service life of incandescent lamps is increased. This is facilitated by the gradual heating of the tungsten filament, with a sharp jump in voltage and current, the filament often does not withstand and breaks.

Manufacturers make rotary dimmers to control the brightness of LED strips, the heating temperature of soldering irons, the designs of such products do not have standard sizes. They can be implemented as separate boards for mounting in switchboards with connection via terminals, after which the value of the brightness of the lamps or the temperature of the warm floor is set. There are models in a separate unit, on the body of which there is a socket for connecting devices. The unit with the regulator itself is plugged into a 220 V industrial outlet, the advantage of this design is that the dimeer can be transferred and connected to various devices.

Despite the similarity in the controls, the functionality of the electrical circuit, the parameters of the output voltage, power consumption, load current can vary greatly. The simplest dimmer circuit for adjusting the lighting of incandescent lamps, more complex circuits for controlling LED lamps and the speed of electric motors.

Dimmers for controlling LED lamps

To control the brightness of the glow of LED lamps, the dimmer circuit provides for the use of pulse-width modulation. The amplitude of the current pulses remains constant, while the time interval between the pulses changes.

By agreement of the manufacturers of lamps and dimmers, a part of the circuit is provided in the lamps to coordinate the work in conjunction with the dimmer. The cost of LED lamps and dimmers is significantly higher than elements for conventional incandescent lamps, but the service life and efficiency are higher. Dimmer blocks can be equipped with additional functions:

timer;
Program management;
Connecting to a PC to expand functions with various programs;
Possibility of use in automated systems "Smart House";
With remote control.

Option to connect a dimmer with a remote control to LED lamps

Dimmers are made in the form of separate boards or in a plastic case with terminals for connection. The latest models of LED lamps can be connected to a conventional dimmer, a pulse-width modulation circuit is built into the lamp body in the base area.

Limiting the current passing through the seven-way key with chokes allows you to stabilize the voltage ripple. This makes it possible to use dimmers for halogen lamps through step-down transformers.

The disadvantage of this method is a decrease in the service life of a halogen lamp; in normal operation, when the filament is fully heated, tungsten vapor is deposited back. With the use of a dimmer, the filament does not warm up completely, the tungsten particles become leaner and it burns out. To extend the service life, it is necessary to turn the lamp on and off at full power, many people forget this or do not know it at all. Read also the article: → "".

Dimmers for fluorescent lamps

Just like in LED lamps, manufacturers of luminescent models embed a matching chip in the base. It receives signals from the voltage divider of the dimmer.

The output and input parameters of the elements of lamps and dimmers must match, for this, manufacturers are trying to adapt circuits in lamps for any type of dimmer.

Method for connecting dimmers

Manufacturers make the process of connecting a dimmer to the network as simple as possible, especially at the household level. Therefore, for lighting networks, in most cases, the dimensions, shape and fastening elements are similar to a simple switch.

The only difference is the requirement when connecting contacts, the phase wire coming from the junction box to the switch is connected to the terminal marked " L”, to the terminalNconnect the wire from the bulb to the switch.

One of the most popular brands for economical and incandescent lamps are Legrang dimmers, they are durable and easy to install. The terminals for connecting are standard, but the external control panel may differ, there is one key, where when you press the upper half, the brightness increases, and the lower half decreases. The two-button design allows the dimmer to be turned off completely with the left button, while the right button acts as a dimmer control.

Legrand dimmer:

Model	Governing bodies	Power in W	Cost in rubles
Legrand Valena	Buttons and rotary	350, 450, 650, 1100	1700
Legrand Celiane	Buttons and touch	320, 420, 620	2900
Legrand Galea Life	push-button, rotary	420, 620, 1100	1700
Legrand Cariva	push-button, rotary	320, 520	1450
Legrand Mosaic	push-button	420, 1100	2000

Characteristics and approximate cost of Legrand dimmers

Schindler dimmers are considered a good model, they cost more than usual for incandescent or fluorescent lamps, but their advantage is obvious, this circuit is practically universal. The body of the dimmer is made for a standard switch, the design is two-key, one key works like a normal switch, the second one adjusts the brightness.

Council number 1. Dimmers in the design of which a conventional switch is provided are practical to use in country houses in which no one lives for a long time. In this case, the lighting network is de-energized completely.

Schneider dimmers:

Model	Power in W	Cost in rubles
ANYA AYA2200121	61-501	650
ANYA AYA2200123	61-501	650
Asfora EPH6400121	601	490
Asfora EPH6500121	601	1200
Asfora EPH6500123	601	1200
Asfora EPH6600121	314	1000
Asfora EPH6600123	314	1000

Some models of Schindler dimmers can be connected to any lamps, incandescent, LED and halogen through a step-down transformer. Often these dimmers are used to heat brooder chicks using an infrared lamp. Good brooder wiring diagrams are automated, the thermal relay automatically turns on and off to maintain the required temperature.

Tip # 2 The dimmer for the IR lamp in the brooder should be at least 800W in power.

Connecting a dimmer to a chandelier with two groups of lamps (double switch)

For chandeliers, double and triple switches are used to turn on different groups of lamps; corresponding dimmers are made for this scheme.

The design contains two dimmers and more contacts, you can put two separate dimmers, each of which will be connected in series to a common phase and separately to its own group of lamps.

In concert halls, stadiums, industrial premises with large areas, several dimmers are installed in series in different places in a circuit.

This connection scheme allows you not to go over long distances, but to use the nearest regulator

Features of connecting a dimmer to LED strips

LED strips are powered by DC voltage, 12; 24 or 36V, in this case, the power supply is used voltage converter 220/12V or another voltage.

For each circuit, it is necessary to calculate the power consumption and select the appropriate voltage converters and dimmers

The connection process itself is not complicated, the power supply is connected to the network, the output is polarized + and - to the dimmer input. LED strips are connected to the dimmer output in parallel.

Allowable errors when connecting dimmers

It should be borne in mind that not all LED lamps can operate from a simple thyristor or seven-stored dimmer. Only those in which there is a matching circuit with pulse width modulation. There are dimmers with a PWM circuit, then you can connect ordinary LED lamps. When buying, consult with a specialist;
When connecting a dimmer, be sure to connect the phase wire to the terminal marked "L", the wire from the lamp to the "N" terminal;
Correctly calculate the load on the dimmer, for this you need to add the power consumption of the lamps in the circuit and install the appropriate dimmer. If there are 3 60W lamps in the circuit, a dimmer of at least 200W in power is required, with a margin. Otherwise, the semiconductor elements of the circuit may burn out;
When connecting LED strips, a voltage converter is sometimes confused with a step-down transformer. These are different things, you can connect halogen lamps through a step-down transformer while the voltage remains variable. LED strips are connected through a voltage converter, it drops from 220V to 12V and is converted to DC by a rectifier. In such a scheme, polarities are necessarily taken into account.

FAQ

Question number 1. I rarely go to the country house, there are ordinary incandescent lamps, in the room there are 2 pieces on a 60W chandelier, which dimmer is more economical to install?

In this case, the simplest one on thermistors is better.

Question number 2. There are four poles in the yard to illuminate the path to the gate, I change the lamps, they are not always the same, which dimmer would you recommend in this case?

There are good Schindler, practically adapted for all types of lamps, but make no mistake in terms of power. Set to 600W, even if 4 x 100W incandescent bulbs will be enough.

Question number 3. How to determine the required power of the dimmer and power supply for LED strips?

Characteristics of some LEDs:

This is an extensive topic and requires separate consideration, in short, it depends on the type of LEDs in the tape. The tape indicates the power consumed by one diode and the entire tape. As a rule, the tape is cut into segments, so you need to count the number of diodes and multiply by the power of one, get the total power consumption of a single segment. Choose a power supply and dimmer with a power margin of about 25% more than the calculated one.

Question number 4. For LED spotlights on the ceiling, which dimmer is suitable?

Install a conventional dimmer for LED lamps, but the lamps must be dimmable.