Light switch with voltage regulator. What you need to know when selecting dimmers for LED lamps

Previously, room lighting was controlled by a rheostat. A significant drawback of these devices was their high power consumption, regardless of brightness. At minimum lamp power, electricity was consumed in the same amount as at maximum, since most of it heated the rheostat.

Adjusting the lighting in the room

Advantages and disadvantages

Nowadays, an electrical load regulator (dimmer) can be bought at an electrical goods store. It is mainly used to change the brightness of lamps of different types and has the following advantages:

• change in lamp intensity;
• setting automatic brightness change Automatic light dimmer using a timer;
• remote control;
• used as a switch and to set lamp glow modes: smooth change, creation of light patterns, blinking;
• increasing the durability of lamps due to soft starting;
• saving energy consumption.

Regulators have disadvantages:

• extraneous interference interferes with the operation of devices that do not have filters;
• generation of interference for other devices receiving radio signals;
• not all devices save energy;

Dimmer Types

The simplest device with adjustment has a switch and a rotatable knob. The brightness of the regulator depends on the position of the potentiometer. The dimmer is suitable for controlling incandescent and halogen lamps. In terms of power, it is selected at least 15% higher than the connected maximum load. It must have built-in short circuit protection. The simplest option is a fuse.

Dimmer comes in the following types:

1. Overhead. Most often it contains an auxiliary rheostat and is used for LED strips.
2. Passage - for large areas of premises.
3. Two- and multi-channel – selected by the number of lamps and control modes.

Where should you not install dimmers?

1. In public areas where frequent use will not allow them to perform their basic functions. Everywhere you can install devices for smooth switching of lamps built into switches, which can increase their service life.
2. In places where there is no certainty regarding the installation of lamps.

Methods of regulation

1. Mechanical - turn the handle. First, the dimmer is turned on until it clicks, and then the brightness is set. The turn-and-press device is more convenient, since you can use a switch with constant adjustment of the regulator.
2. Electronic: push-button, keyboard. Can be used as a switch and regulator.
3. Touch - the control panel implements many different functions.
4. Remote – control via radio signal or using an IR remote control.

Types of lamps for dimmers

• Incandescent and halogen lamps 220V. To change the light intensity, any dimmers can be used, since the load is only active (does not have inductance or capacitance). The disadvantage is that the spectrum shifts towards red as the voltage decreases. The power limit for dimmers is within the range of 60-600 W.
• Low voltage halogen lamps. For them, we can use a step-down winding transformer, which requires a regulator capable of operating with an inductive load. It is marked RL. When using an electronic transformer, capacitive loads are installed.

Halogen lamps require a smooth change in voltage, which increases their service life. The latest models determine the type of load and adapt to it, changing the control algorithm. You can simultaneously regulate different groups of lamps: incandescent and halogen.

• Fluorescent lamps. If they are started via a switch, a glow starter and an electromagnetic choke, a conventional dimmer and rheostat will not work for them. Here you need electronic ballasts (EPG).
• LED bulbs. For them, voltage regulation leads to a change in the spectrum. Therefore, the LEDs are regulated by changing the duration of the supplied pulses. In this case, flickering is not noticeable, since their repetition frequency reaches 300 kHz.

Connecting regulators to the load

The connection to the load is made in series (Fig. a). The regulator works the same way as a switch, but it is advisable to install the latter separately, since if it fails due to frequent switching, you will have to replace the expensive dimmer with a new one.

Dimmer connection diagrams

The main requirement is to maintain polarity. The phase is always connected to the dimmer input terminal, marked with the letter L, and from the output terminal the wire goes to the lamp. The phase can be detected using a voltage indicator.

A switch is often installed in the phase wire gap (Fig. b). It is located closer to the door, and the dimmer is located near the bed for easy control.

You can install another regulator and connect them together in parallel (Fig. c). To do this, 3 wires from each device should be routed into the junction box. Similar switching, similar to pass-through switches, is done in long corridors.

The use of dimmers differs in the number of loads. The single method consists of connecting one device or combined into a common group. The next control method is based on accent lighting to highlight individual zones.

Adjustable room lighting

Dimmer connection

The regulator is mounted in the installation box like a regular switch. First, it is connected when there is no voltage in the supply wires, and then installed in the box. Then the frame and brightness control knob are put on.

The basic scheme for regulating the light intensity of lamps for most conventional devices is the same. The difference is only in the additional parts to provide smoother handling and create stability at the lower limits.

To supply voltage to the lamp, the triac should be opened (Fig. a). To do this, a voltage must be created between the electrodes.

Circuits with triac regulation for incandescent lamps: a – the simplest; b – improved

At the beginning of the positive half-wave, capacitor C is charged through a variable resistor R. When a certain value is reached, the triac opens. At the same time, the lamp lights up. Then the triac closes and a similar situation occurs on the negative half-wave, since semiconductors pass current in both directions.

Thus, the light bulb receives “stubs” of half-waves with a frequency of 100 Hz, which was not the case when a rheostat was used. As brightness decreases, light flickering becomes more and more apparent. To avoid this, parts are added to the diagram, as shown in Fig. b. Triacs are installed according to the current load, and the permissible voltage is 400V.

By selecting the values ​​of resistors and capacitors, you can change the initial and final ignition moments and the stability of the lamp glow.

For LED lamps

Despite the efficiency of LED lamps, garlands and strips, energy saving issues also apply to them. Often there is a need to reduce the brightness of the glow. LED lamps with conventional dimmers do not work and quickly break down during the regulation process. For this purpose, special regulators of two types are used: changing the supply voltage, controlling the pulse-width modulation method - PWM (load switching intervals).

Devices that control illumination by changing voltage are expensive and bulky (rheostat or potentiometer). However, they are poorly suited to low-voltage lamps and turn on only at 9V and 18V.

A modern regulator is a complex device that provides smooth starting of lamps, brightness control and setting light switching modes using a timer.

An LED lamp differs from conventional strips and assemblies, which can only be connected using additional devices. Its main features are as follows:

1. Availability of standard sockets of types E, G, MR for connection.
2. Ability to work with the network without additional devices. If the lamp is powered by a voltage of 12V, the auxiliary devices are specified in its characteristics.
3. The generated luminous flux should not differ significantly from standard values.

To ensure the required operating mode, a driver is built inside the lamp that performs useful functions. If it provides for dimming, this is stated in the passport and on the packaging. The brightness of such lamps can be adjusted using conventional regulators.

If dimming is not provided, you should purchase special control devices with PWM regulation. They differ in installation types:

• modular (in distribution panels) with control from remote controllers, remote controls or via special buses;
• located in an installation box, like a switch, with rotary or push-button control;
• remote units mounted in ceiling structures (for spotlights and LED strips).

PWM-based regulators operate on expensive microcontrollers that cannot be repaired. It is easier to make a homemade device based on a simple microcircuit. The dimmer, based on the NE555 timer, operates stably at a voltage of 3-18 V with an output current of up to 0.2 A.

Dimmer circuit for LED lamps

The frequency of oscillations is ensured by a generator consisting of a resistor and a capacitor. The value of the variable resistor can be used to set the interval between turning on and off the load at output 3 of the microcircuit. The field-effect transistor here serves as a power amplifier, since the microcircuit cannot cope with the load from LED lamps. If the current through them exceeds 1A, the transistor requires a cooling radiator.

For fluorescent lamps

The brightness of the lamps can be adjusted using electronic ballasts, which perform the main function of starting them. A simple diagram is shown in Fig. below.

Controlling a fluorescent lamp using electronic ballasts

The voltage to the lamp is supplied from a frequency generator of 20-50 kHz. The circuit formed by the capacitance and the inductor resonates and lights the lamp. To change the current and thus the intensity of light, you need to change the frequency. Dimming is carried out only after the lamp reaches full power.

The adjustable electronic ballast is created on the basis of the IRS2530D controller with 8 pins. The device is a 600V half-bridge driver with triggering, dimming and failure protection functions. The integrated circuit allows you to implement all the necessary control methods through 8 pins and is used in many ways to change the brightness of lamps.

Block diagram of electronic control of fluorescent lamps

Choice. Video

It is better to learn about the correct choice of dimmers in advance from the video.

When purchasing a dimmer, you should carefully study its technical characteristics and determine what types of lamps it is intended for. Choosing the right device makes it easy to connect it yourself without the help of specialists.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 4 minutes

Switches with a brightness control or dimmers (from the English dim - dim, darken) are a device that can regulate the voltage at the consumer in the range from 0 to 100% of the nominal. Most often, dimmers are used instead of conventional switches to smoothly adjust the brightness of light.

Dimmer purpose

The main purpose of such devices is to regulate the brightness of incandescent or halogen lamps. Halogen lamps that operate at reduced voltage are controlled using a dimmer connected through a step-down transformer. These devices can be purchased separately, but it is better to buy a dimmer with a built-in transformer.

Attention! To work in lighting circuits with LED and fluorescent lamps, it is necessary to use special dimmers.

To control energy-saving lamps, devices are used whose design includes an additional element - an electronic starter.

Using the brightness control as a light switch, you can arbitrarily change the lighting intensity from maximum to dimmest. In this case, there is no need to use double or triple switches to control the operation of chandeliers with several lamps. In addition, it makes no sense to purchase expensive lamps equipped with their own voltage regulators.

Dimmer classification

There are currently several types of monoblock dimmers on the market:

• Dimmers with a mechanical regulator, which is made in the form of a rotary disk. The design of such products is relatively simple, which explains their quite reasonable price. There are dimmers with push or turn switching. In the first case, to close the electrical circuit, you need to lightly press the control knob; devices of the second type always turn on the light, starting from its minimum intensity.

• Dimmers with push-button control. They are more complex devices, but their functions are significantly expanded due to the possibility of combining such regulators into groups, which can be controlled from the remote control.

• Touch dimmers. They are quite expensive, but also the most prestigious devices that fit perfectly into the interiors of rooms decorated in a modern style. In addition, touch-sensitive models, like dimmers of the previous type, are equipped with signal receivers that allow you to change the lighting intensity using an infrared remote control or via radio.

In addition to monoblock dimmers, there are devices with modular control, which is carried out using a remote button or a key switch. Such regulators are used to control lighting in public places, as well as for installation in distribution boxes.

As already mentioned, most dimmer models are designed for use in circuits with incandescent or LED lamps.

When choosing a dimmer, you need to pay special attention to its power, which must exceed the total maximum power of all consumers connected through this device. Today, in electrical goods stores you can find light controllers with a power of 40 W to 1 kW.

As for the design, there are single, double and triple dimmers on the market. Moreover, the vast majority are single models.

Additional Dimmer Features

In addition to its main purpose - smooth adjustment of light, some dimmer models can be equipped with additional elements that allow you to perform a number of useful functions, which include:

1. Creating the effect of presence.
2. Various dimming and flashing modes.
3. Automatic on and off.
4. Voice and remote control.

Design of switches with dimmer

The main element of the dimmer design is the electrical circuit, which is designed to reduce the effective value of the voltage supplying the load.

Ensuring reliable operation of this circuit is carried out using several types of protection, which include protection against short circuit, overvoltage and overheating.

Like a regular light switch, the dimmer has a metal frame that allows you to easily install it in a standard socket box.

Device diagram

The main element of the electrical circuit on which the dimmer switch is built is a bidirectional triode thyristor - a device that is an electronic switch controlled by a short pulse.

One of the most common brightness control circuits is shown in the figure.

The signal to open and close the thyristor is supplied using a capacitor of a certain capacity, which accumulates charge during the passage of the first half-wave of the supply voltage.

Principle of operation

Modern dimmers are not consumers of electrical power. This is their fundamental difference from earlier analogs that operated using an active or capacitive voltage divider circuit.

Previous generations of voltage regulators were either rheostats connected in series with the load or autotransformers. In both cases, the manufacture and use of such devices turned out to be extremely expensive. The use of a rheostat, in addition to significant financial costs, led to a significant increase in the weight of the light controller. In addition, when current flows through the rheostat, it becomes very hot, which leads to significant power losses and forces the need to consider the need to cool this device.

Unlike a rheostat, an autotransformer is not a consumer of energy, but it has an extremely large mass and dimensions.

It is possible to avoid power losses in the dimmer due to an electrical circuit that allows you to supply power to consumers by “cutting off” the front or rear part of the half-wave of the supply voltage. This operating principle is called phase control with cutting off the leading or trailing edge.

The operating principle of a dimmer that cuts off the leading edge of a half-wave of a voltage sine wave:

The figure shows the shape of the supply voltage in a circuit whose circuit contains a controlled thyristor, which is automatically turned on when the voltage reaches zero.

Depending on the operating mode, which is determined by the response time (from 0 to 9 ms), it is possible to achieve a smooth change in the power consumed by the lighting device.

Dimmer installation

The connection of a single brightness control is carried out according to the same scheme as the installation of an ordinary key switch. Thus, when installing a dimmer instead of an existing switch, there is no need to make any changes to the electrical wiring design.

The connection diagram, as well as the dimensions of the socket box and the marking of the terminals are absolutely identical.

Some difficulties may arise only if the light dimmers are connected as pass-through switches or combined into groups controlled by a remote control. A diagram of their connection of three outputs for connecting electrical wires.

Advantages and disadvantages of using dimmers

Advantages:

1. The ability to arbitrarily change the brightness of light in a room not only greatly increases the ease of use of the lamps, but also provides wide scope for interesting design solutions.
2. Reducing the voltage at the consumer without dissipating power allows for significant energy savings.
3. When operating at reduced voltage, the life of the lamps is significantly extended.
4. Using a dimmer can to some extent protect the consumer from voltage surges, which are one of the main reasons for the failure of incandescent lamps.
5. The lamps are turned on at the moment the supply voltage sinusoid passes through zero, which prevents a sharp increase in the current in them.

Flaws:

1. The relatively high price of these dimmers compared to conventional key switches.
2. If it is necessary to replace a double or triple switch with a dimmer, significant difficulties arise associated with the purchase of an expensive double dimmer model or equipment of additional points for installing two or three such devices.
3. Distortion of the supply voltage curve. This drawback does not greatly affect the performance of active energy consumers such as incandescent lamps. At the same time, the use of dimmers can have an extremely negative impact on the operation of electronic consumers.

Thus, the use of dimmers as lighting regulators is completely justified in cases where a smooth change in the brightness of the light is really necessary. At the same time, due to the high cost of these devices, using them instead of all switches in the apartment seems impractical.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to change the lighting intensity. This is done using light brightness controls, which are more often called “dimmers”. Most of the devices are mounted instead of a regular switch - directly into the same mounting box, and many look similar. How to connect a dimmer with your own hands? Simple - into the phase wire in series with the load. The installation diagrams for the regulators are simple; you can do it yourself.

Purpose and functions

Dimmers (in English dimmer) are used in everyday life to adjust the brightness of lamps and the temperature of heating devices (soldering irons, irons, electric stoves, etc.). These devices are also called dimmers or dimmers, although this is only one of the possible areas of application. They work most effectively with incandescent lamps, allowing you to extend their service life, since if there is a dimmer in the power circuit, a minimum current is supplied to the lamp when turned on. And as you know, it is the starting throws that cause their failure.

Dimmers cannot be used with transformer or switching power supplies (TVs, radios, etc.). This is due to the peculiarities of the device’s operation - at the output the signal does not look like a sinusoid, but only part of it (the tops are cut off with keys). When such power is supplied, the equipment fails.

Note! Conventional dimmers cannot be used with fluorescent lamps. Such a combination will either not work at all, or the lamp will blink. To work with these sources, there are special devices with a different circuit. In general, conventional dimmers can only control incandescent or LED lamps. When you connect energy-saving ones to them, the light begins to “blink”, but halogen ones are simply not adjustable. But you can also adjust the brightness of the light for these types of lamps - there are special dimmers, but they are more expensive.

The very first dimmers were electromechanical and could only adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps. Modern ones can provide a number of additional functions:

• turning off the lights by timer;
• turning the lighting on and off at a certain time (presence effect, used for long trips);
• acoustic control (clap or voice);
• possibility of remote control;
• various operating modes of lamps - blinking, changing light temperature, etc.;
• Possibility of integration into the “smart home” system.

The simplest dimmers still only adjust the brightness of the lighting, but this function also turns out to be very useful.

Device and types

Dimmers are made on the basis of different element bases. They all have their own characteristics and disadvantages. And to understand what a dimmer is and how it works, you need to understand what a specific device is made of. So, there may be options:

When choosing a device, it is not so important to know what type it is, but rather to take into account the nature of the load to which it will be connected (incandescent and LED or fluorescent and energy-saving lamps).

By type of design, dimmers are:

• Modular for DIN rail installation. You can connect this type of dimmer with incandescent lamps, halogen lamps with a step-down transformer. For ease of use, they have a remote control button or a key switch. Such devices are convenient, for example, for regulating the illumination of the yard and the entrance gate from the house, landing or front door.

  

• Dimmers on a cord. These are mini-devices that allow you to adjust the brightness of lighting fixtures that are plugged into an outlet - table lamps, sconces, floor lamps. You just need to know that they are mainly compatible with incandescent lamps.

  

• For installation in a mounting box. Placed in the mounting box under the switch (in the same box). Compatible with incandescent, LED, halogen step-down and electronic transformer. They are controlled by a button that is placed on top of the device or connected to the smart home system.

  

  

• Monoblock. In appearance it is very similar to a regular switch, it is placed in the same mounting box, it can be used instead of a switch. They are connected to an open phase circuit (diagrams below). This type has great species diversity. Which lamps such a dimmer can be connected to should be indicated on the case, but if it is an electronic circuit, then they work with incandescent lamps and some halogen and LED lamps (which say dimmable or have the corresponding sign). Can be controlled by:
  

In private houses and apartments, monoblock dimmers are most often installed. A modular design can also be useful in a house - to change the brightness of the lighting in the local area with the ability to control it from the house. For such cases, there are models that allow you to control lighting from two places - pass-through dimmers (work on the principle).

Monoblock dimmer connection diagram

Most often, monoblock light controllers are connected independently. They are installed instead of a switch. With a single-phase network, the connection diagram is the same as on a conventional switch - in series with the load - with a phase break. This is a very important nuance. Dimmers are installed only in the phase wire break. If you connect the dimmer incorrectly (into the neutral gap), the electronic circuit will fail. In order not to make a mistake, before installation you need to determine exactly which of the wires is phase and which is neutral (zero).

If we are talking about installing a dimmer in place of the switch, then you must first disconnect the wires from the switch terminals (with the power turned off on the panel), turn on the machine and use a tester, multimeter or indicator (screwdriver with LED) to find the phase wire (by touching the probe to the phase on the device some readings appear or the LED lights up, but there should be no potential in the neutral (zero) wire).

The found phase can be designated in some way - by putting a line on the insulation, sticking a piece of electrical tape, colored tape, etc. Then the power is turned off again (input switch on the panel) - you can connect a dimmer.

The connection diagram for the light controller is simple: the found phase wire is supplied to the input of the device, and from the output the wire goes to the load (in the figure, to the junction box, and from there to the lamp).

There are two types of dimmers - in some, the input and output contacts are labeled. In this case, you must follow the instructions and apply the phase exactly to the signed input. On other devices, inputs are not signed. The phase connection in them is arbitrary.

Let's look at how to connect a dimmer with a rotary disk. First you need to disassemble it. To do this, take out the disk - you need to pull it towards you. There is a button under the disk that is secured with a clamping nut.

We unscrew this nut (you can use your fingers) and remove the front panel. Under it there is a mounting plate, which we will then screw to the wall. The dimmer is disassembled and ready for installation.

We connect it according to the diagram (see below): we connect the phase wire to one input (if there is an input marking, then to it), to the second input we connect the conductor that goes to the lamp/chandelier.

All that remains is to secure it. We insert the connected regulator into the mounting box and secure it with screws.

Then we put on the front panel, fix it with the previously removed nut and, lastly, install the rotary disk. Dimmer installed. Turn on the power and check the operation.

How to connect a dimmer to an LED lamp or strip

There are no fundamental differences in the connection method. The only peculiarity is that the dimmer is placed in front of the controller of LED lamps or strips (see diagram). There are no other differences.

Everything is exactly the same: the dimmer is placed in the break of the phase wire, but its output is fed to the input of the controller of the led lamp or strip.

Installation of Fibaro FGD211 dimmer with switch

The peculiarity of this model is that it is compatible with the smart home system and is controlled from a computer. There are devices that are controlled with a regulator installed in a convenient location.

Dimmers that are installed in the mounting box to the switch are also placed in the phase wire gap, but the installation process itself is slightly different. The switch is also removed, we find the phase, and mark the wire. Next, take the dimmer, connect terminals 0 and N with a jumper (a piece of copper wire in a sheath). We connect pieces of wire 7-10 cm long to contacts S1 and Sx.

The next step is to connect the regulator to the wiring. We install the phase wire on the connector with the letter L, the neutral wire on N. We insert the connected device into the installation box (we bend the wires).

We screw the switch frame into place, then put on the front cover and keys, program the system and check the operation.

If you need to connect a dimmer controlled by a button, it will have two more contacts to which you will need to connect an external button.

Features of selection and operation

When choosing a dimmer, you need to pay attention not only to what lamps it can work with and what functions it has. It is also necessary to look at the total load it is designed for. A maximum of one dimmer can “pull” 1000 W of load, but most models are designed for 400-700 W. Among well-known manufacturers, depending on the power, there is a significant difference in price. There is no noticeable difference in cost for Chinese products.

Name	Power	Maximum current	Compatibility	Price	Manufacturer
Volsten V01-11-D11-S Magenta 9008	600 W	2 A	Incandescent lamps	546 RUR	Russia/China
TDM Valdai RL	600 W	1 A	Incandescent lamps	308 RUR	Russia/China
MAKEL Mimoza	1000 W/IP 20	4 A	Incandescent lamps	1200 rub.	Türkiye
Lezard Mira 701-1010-157	1000 W/IP20	2 A	Incandescent lamps	770 RUR	Türkiye/China

The second point to remember is that dimmers operate with minimal load. For those in most cases the minimum is 40 W, for some thousanders it is 100 W. If the connected lamps are of lower wattage, they may flicker or may not light up. This happens when LED lamps are installed instead of incandescent lamps. In this case, one of the lamps is left as the old one (incandescent), which will provide the required minimum load.

Other operating features are related to compatibility. As already mentioned, conventional dimmers cannot work with fluorescent lamps (including energy-saving ones). Halogen ones simply do not respond to changes in the pulse shape. And if you decide to replace incandescent lamps with more economical ones, most likely you will have to change the brightness control.

Content:

Quite often situations arise when too bright light begins to irritate and negatively affect your mood. In this case, only a switch with a brightness control can help, the use of which will allow you to avoid replacing the lamps in the lamps with less powerful ones. These devices, also known as dimmers, are capable of adjusting voltage in a range of 0-100% of the nominal value. They successfully replace conventional switches in places where a smooth change in light brightness is necessary.

Dimmer connection diagram

Dimmers, also called dimmers, are connected in series to the power supply circuit to the light bulb. These devices can be mechanical or electronic. In the second case, the device, in addition to the main function, performs a number of additional actions. It is capable of turning off the lighting after a certain period of time, creating the effect of presence, triggering on command, etc.

All types of switches with a dimmer are designed primarily to work together with incandescent lamps. Other light sources, for example, when working with a dimmer, very quickly fail, and the dimmer itself can also break.

The control device is connected in the same way as a regular switch. The only thing that must be strictly observed is the polarity of the connection. In this case, the supply wire is connected to terminal L. The conductor intended for supply to the lamp is connected to the remaining terminal.

Electronic dimmers can be connected in parallel with each other. This circuit, consisting of two devices, makes it possible to obtain essentially pass-through switches that have the function of adjusting the light. The installation and connection diagram for the dimmer is similar to connecting sockets or switches, with the exception of mandatory polarity.

After connecting the brightness control, the wires located at the back are carefully bent, and the dimmer itself is placed in the socket box. All that remains is to install the frame and the adjustment handle.

Connecting a dimmer with a switch

In addition to the usual connection diagram, other options can be used. One such scheme is connecting a dimmer with a switch. In this case, the switch is installed in front of the dimmer in a phase break and, if necessary, controls the supply of electric current.

Next, power is supplied from the switch to the dimmer, and then to the incandescent lamp. Thus, using the dimmer, the required brightness level is set, and the switch is responsible for turning the circuit on and off.

This scheme has proven itself very well in. The switch itself is installed near the door, and the dimmer is installed near the bed. This allows you to control the light without getting out of bed. When leaving the room, the light turns off, and upon returning it turns on with the same parameters that were set by the dimmer.

Connection diagram with two dimmers

A scheme in which two dimmers are involved at once has become widespread. They are installed at two points in any room and perform the functions of pass-through switches, controlling a separate chandelier or lamp.

This method involves connecting three wires to the junction box from each point. Connecting two dimmers is quite simple. It is necessary to connect jumpers to the corresponding first and second contacts in each dimmer. Subsequently, a phase is supplied to the third contact of the first dimmer, which goes to the lamp through the third contact of the second device.

Circuit with two pass-through switches

This connection is used relatively rarely. As a rule, it is used for walk-through rooms and long corridors. Thanks to this scheme, the light can be turned on and off from each side of the room.

The pass-through switches themselves are installed in a phase break. Their corresponding contacts are connected by wires to each other. The dimmer is connected in series, after one of the switches. Its first contact includes a phase, which then goes to the incandescent light bulb.

The brightness of the light is adjusted with a dimmer. However, if the regulator is in the off position, the pass-through switches will not be able to switch the lamps.

Dimmer operation

There is a misconception about significant energy savings. In fact, real savings are in the range of 15% at minimum brightness. This is due to the fact that part of the energy is spent on dissipation by the dimmer.

Dimmers should be operated at an ambient temperature of no more than 27 0 C to avoid overheating. The load connected to the device must be at least 40 W, otherwise the switch with a brightness control will work much less. The dimmers themselves must be used strictly for the intended purpose specified in the instruction manual.

A switch with a brightness control (another name is a dimmer) is a device designed to adjust lighting parameters. The device allows you to change the light brightness levels from 0 to 100% of the nominal value.

Dimmers can be used as a replacement for a regular switch, while having significantly greater functionality.

Dimmer purpose

The purpose of a dimmer is to change the brightness of lighting devices. Adjustable light switches allow you to achieve any lighting intensity: from dim light to extremely bright. The use of dimmers makes double or triple switches unnecessary, and there is no need to buy expensive lighting fixtures with voltage controllers.

Note! To control the light intensity of energy-saving light bulbs, you will need a special device - an electronic starter.

The advantages of dimmers include the following characteristics:

• light brightness control;
• setting the brightness change time;
• remote control control;
• long service life;
• programmed artistic flickering, creating backlit paintings;
• economical energy consumption (some models).

Disadvantages of dimmers:

• excessive electricity consumption in some cases;
• creating radio interference that interferes with the operation of electrical appliances;
• small loads cause dimmers to malfunction;
• The operation of dimmers often leads to unwanted flickering of the light.

Operating principle

All dimmer models have similar lighting brightness control schemes. The differences lie in the presence of additional elements to give a smooth glow and stability of the lower limits.

The figure below shows the purpose of the terminal posts in the dimmer.

The capacitor is charged through a variable resistor. As soon as the charging becomes sufficient, the triac opens and the light comes on. After this, the triac closes. A similar process is observed on the negative half-wave.

The figure below shows the operation diagram of a switch with adjustable light intensity.

By selecting the values ​​of resistors and capacitors, the initial and final periods of lamp ignition are replaced, as well as the stability of its glow.

Dimmer classification

There are two types of dimmers - monoblock and modular. Monoblock systems are made as a single unit and are designed to be installed in a box as a switch. Due to their small size, monoblock dimmers are popular when installed in thin partitions. The main area of ​​application of monoblock systems is apartments in multi-storey buildings.

There are several types of all-in-one devices on the market:

1. With mechanical adjustment. Control is carried out using a rotary disk. Such dimmers have a simple design and low cost. Instead of a rotary control method, a push version is sometimes used.
2. With push-button control. These are more technically complex and functional mechanisms. Multifunctionality is achieved by grouping regulators controlled from a remote control.
3. Touch models. They are the most advanced devices and the most expensive. Such systems fit well into the surrounding interior, especially those decorated in a modern style. Commands are transmitted using an infrared signal or radio frequencies.

Modular systems are similar to circuit breakers. They are installed in junction boxes on DIN rails. Modular devices are used to illuminate stairwells and corridors. Modular systems are also popular in private homes where it is necessary to illuminate the surrounding areas. Modular dimmers are controlled by an external button or a key switch.

Dimmer power is a key parameter when choosing it. The total power of the connected devices should not exceed this figure for the dimmer. There are systems on sale with power levels between 40 watts and 1 kilowatt.

According to design features, single, double and triple modifications are distinguished. In most cases, consumers choose single dimmers.

Additional functions

Older dimmers were designed as electromechanical devices. With their help it was impossible to do anything except adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps.

Modern models have significantly expanded functionality:

1. Work on a timer.
2. Possibility of integrating a dimmer into a larger-scale system - a “smart home”.
3. A dimmer, if necessary, allows you to create the effect of the presence of the owners in the house. The light will turn on and off in different rooms according to a certain algorithm.
4. Artistic shimmer function. The lights on a Christmas tree garland flash in a similar way.
5. Possibility of voice control of the system.
6. As standard, commands are issued from the remote control.

Types of light bulbs

Dimmers use a variety of types of light sources: incandescent, halogen (regular and low-voltage), fluorescent, and LED bulbs. Options for connecting a dimmer with a switch differ depending on the type of lamps used.

Incandescent and halogen lamps

These light sources are rated for 220 volts. To change the lighting intensity, dimmers of any model are used, since the load is all active due to the lack of capacitance and inductance. The disadvantage of systems of this type is the shift of the color spectrum towards red. This happens when the voltage decreases. The power of the dimmers is between 60 and 600 watts.

Low voltage halogen light bulbs

To work with low-voltage lamps, you will need a step-down transformer with a regulator for inductive loads. A distinctive feature of the regulator is the marking with the abbreviation RL. It is recommended to purchase the transformer not separately from the dimmer, but as a built-in device. For an electronic transformer, capacitance indicators are established. For halogen light sources, the smoothness of voltage fluctuations plays an important role, otherwise the life of the bulbs will be sharply reduced.

Fluorescent lamps

The standard dimmer will have to be replaced with electronic ballasts (electronic ballasts) if the start is carried out by a switch, a starting glow charge or an electromagnetic choke. The simplest diagram of a system with fluorescent lamps is shown in the figure below.

The voltage to the light bulb is sent from a frequency generator of 20–50 kHz. The glow is formed due to the resonance of the circuit created by the inductor and capacitor. To change the current (which changes the brightness of the light) you need to change the frequency. The dimming process begins immediately after reaching full power.

Electronic ballasts are manufactured on the basis of the IRS2530D controller, equipped with eight outputs. This device acts as a half-bridge 600-volt driver with triggering, dimming, and anti-failure functionality. The integrated circuit is designed to implement all possible control methods due to the presence of multiple outputs. The figure below shows a control circuit for fluorescent light sources.

LED light bulbs

Although LEDs are economical, there is often a need to reduce their brightness.

Features of LED light sources:

• standard sockets E, G, MR;
• ability to operate with a network without additional devices (for 12-volt lamps).

LED light bulbs are not compatible with standard dimmers. They simply fail. Therefore, to work with LEDs, special switches with brightness controls for LED lamps are used.

Regulators suitable for LEDs are available in two versions: with voltage control and with control via pulse-width modulation. The first type of device is very expensive and large (it includes a rheostat or potentiometer). Voltage dimmers are not the best choice for low-voltage light bulbs and can only operate on 9 and 18 volts.

This type of light source is characterized by a change in spectrum in response to voltage adjustment. For this reason, the adjustment of light diodes is carried out by monitoring the duration of the transmitted pulses. This way it is possible to avoid flickering, since the pulse repetition rate reaches 300 kHz.

In order for the lamp to work correctly, it contains a driver. The possibility of dimming is indicated in the product data sheet. If dimming is not possible, it is recommended to buy special devices with pulse-width control.

There are such PWM regulators:

1. Modular. Control is carried out by remote controllers, remote controls or using special buses.
2. Installed in an installation box. They are used as switches with rotary or push-button control.
3. Remote systems installed in ceiling structures (for LED strips and spotlights).

Pulse width control requires expensive microcontrollers. Moreover, they cannot be repaired. It is possible to independently manufacture a device based on a microcircuit. Below is a dimmer circuit for LED light bulbs.

Normal frequency of oscillations is achieved through the use of a generator, which contains a capacitor and a resistor. The intervals for connecting and disconnecting the load at the output of the microcircuit are set by the size of the variable resistor. A field-effect transistor serves as a power amplifier. If the current is higher than 1 ampere, a cooling radiator will be needed.

Connecting the dimmer

There are several dimmer connection schemes.

Dimmer circuit with switch

In the described case, the dimmer is installed in front of the dimmer in a phase gap. The switch controls the flow of current. The connection diagram is shown in the figure below.

From the switch, the current is directed to the dimmer, and from there to the incandescent light bulb. As a result, the regulator determines the desired brightness level, and the switch is responsible for turning the chain on and off.

The scheme is well suited for bedrooms. The switch is placed near the door, and the dimmer is placed near the bed. This makes it possible to control the light directly from the bed. When a person leaves the room, the light goes out, and when a person returns to the room, the light lights up with the characteristics that were set by the dimmer.

Connection diagram with two dimmers

This circuit contains two soft light switches. They are mounted in two places in one room and are essentially pass-through switches that control individual lighting fixtures.

The circuit involves connecting three conductors to the junction box from each point. To connect dimmers, connect the first and second contacts in the dimmers with jumpers. Then the phase that goes to the lighting device through the third contact of the second dimmer is supplied to the third contact of the first dimmer.

Circuit with two pass-through switches

This scheme is used quite rarely. It is in demand for organizing lighting control in walk-through rooms and long corridors. The circuit allows you to turn the light on and off, as well as adjust it from different ends of the room.

Pass-through switches are placed in a phase gap. The contacts are connected by conductors. The dimmer enters the chain in a sequential manner, after one of the switches. A phase approaches the first contact, which then goes to the incandescent lamp.

Brightness control is carried out by a dimmer. However, it should be borne in mind that when the regulator is turned off, the pass-through switches are not capable of switching light bulbs.

Requirements for installing a dimmer

When installing a dimming device, you should pay attention to several important circumstances:

1. Fluorescent and energy-saving lamps are not dimmable in the standard way. Both types of light bulbs can work with a dimmer, but their service life is sharply reduced. Sometimes the life of a light bulb is reduced to 100–150 hours. In addition, the risk of damage to the dimmer itself increases.
2. Dimmers require a certain minimum load. Most often its value is 40 watts. A decrease in load occurs due to the burnout of one of the light bulbs, deterioration of contacts, and the appearance of flickering with a frequency of 50 hertz. When the load drops below the minimum permissible, the protective system is triggered or the device becomes faulty.
3. Dimmers are sensitive to ambient temperature conditions. At temperatures above 25 degrees, overheating is possible, which can lead to damage to the dimmer.
4. The maximum permitted load on the device should not be exceeded. If necessary, it is recommended to add power amplifiers, which can be used to switch devices up to 1.8 kilowatts.
5. Capacitive and inductive loads cannot be connected at the same time. This can cause damage to the device.

As for the installation location, experts recommend proceeding from the following information:

1. Dimmers should not be installed in rooms where there are usually a lot of people. In crowded areas, the equipment will operate with interference.
2. It is necessary to avoid installing dimmers in rooms where there is no permanent place for installing lighting equipment.

Installation of switches

In terms of dimensions, the dimmer switch resembles a standard device for turning lights on and off. Installation of the dimmer is carried out using special claws in the break of the lighting chain. The main requirement for the installer is to observe polarity.

The figure below shows the dimmer connection diagram.

You can learn how to connect two dimmers from the following diagram.

If you are going to install a dimmer instead of a switch, you will first need to dismantle the old model. But even before this, you should turn off the power supply and check the absence of voltage using an indicator. To remove the old switch, take a screwdriver and unscrew the screws of the mounting tabs. After this, remove the device panel. Then loosen the screws on the terminals and disconnect the switch from the wires.

The next step is installing a dimmer. Installation is carried out in the reverse order to that described above for dismantling. After installing the dimmer in the socket box, fix it with screws and install a decorative frame. If it is necessary to adjust the lighting in several places, you will need additional dimmers and installation of socket boxes with cable laying to them.