A modern house contains many systems that save the consumption of various resources. At the same time, such scientific developments increase the comfort of the hosts in their home. Particular attention was paid to consumers appliances that control the operation of electrical equipment. One such device is a dimmer. It adjusts the light intensity. What is a dimmer, how to install it and use it correctly, every responsible owner should know. Similar devices are increasingly used in ordinary houses and apartments. It is possible to install a dimmer with your own hands. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with its device and installation diagram.
general characteristics
To understand what a dimmer is, you should delve into the origin of this word. It comes from the English language. Translated, dimmer means dimming. In our country, this device is also called a dimmer, variator, and about 15 years ago - a dimmer.
Dimmers were invented at the end of the 19th century. Its main purpose is to control the brightness of lighting, which helps to increase comfort indoors.
Installing the device is quite simple. Do-it-yourself dimmer is connected according to the scheme, depending on the type of switch. It will not only save energy, but also control the lighting of certain areas of the room, the power of lighting using a group of lamps or one lamp, LED strip.
Principle of operation
To understand what a dimmer is, you need to understand the principle of its operation. The device is based on the principle of a rheostat. His chip has a set of resistors. They are directly involved in the adjustment process.
Resistors resist a certain force in the path of current flow. It is measured in Omaha. This indicator with the help of a certain control system can be adjusted at will.
The cost of the device is quite low. This makes the dimmer in demand and quite often used in ordinary apartments and houses. It is installed instead of a conventional light switch.
Types of Dimmers
Depending on the type of lighting device whose operation the brightness adjustment device will adjust, there are three groups of these switches.
The first includes a dimmer for 220V lamps, as well as LED strips operating at the same mains voltage. It uses electric current directly, without lowering its value.
The second group includes a device with a 12 V step-down transformer in its circuit. This is an LED dimmer. 220V voltage from the network to the illuminator is reduced to the required operating value.
The third group includes a dimmer for fluorescent lamps, which have a number of differences from conventional illuminators operating at a current of 220 V. Before buying, you must consider the type of device for which the brightness control is intended .
The main thing when choosing is to give preference to quality. Such dimmers, such as Legrand, will cost much more, but their durability and safety are an order of magnitude higher.
Dimmer control
The dimmer control system is very diverse. The device can be stationary or remote.
In the first case, the device looks like a regular switch. Only to it is added an element of a smooth change in brightness. Such dimmers can be mechanical or sensory. In this case, preference should be given to a model that fits into the interior and is liked externally by the owners of the house. Touch dimmer looks more modern, and mechanical - easier to use.
You can control the lighting intensity of a lamp or a group of fixtures remotely. To do this, there are systems with a remote control. One of the newest management principles is a program that dims coverage over the Internet. The program on the phone or computer will allow this to be performed as comfortably as possible.
Dimmer Application
The circuit breaker connection involves the management of one or more light sources. If the lamps are of the same type, they are allowed to be connected in one channel. So, a dimmer can be installed on the lamp in the bedroom or connected to several lamps on the ceiling and walls in the corridor and living room.
The management of intelligent devices will allow you to set the timer function or program according to which lighting will be produced at certain hours with a given intensity. If, asleep, the owners of the house put out dim lights in the room, the corresponding program may turn off the light gradually. You don’t even have to get out of bed to do this.
For multi-channel dimmers, you can set the adjustment of several lighting zones at once. They will be illuminated independently of each other with a given brightness. By installing a dimmer with your own hands, you can make accent lighting of some objects in the room, creating unique design effects.
Manufacturers and cost
The most high-quality manufacturers of light control devices are devices of the Schneider, Mackel and Legrand brands. The dimmer from these companies is at the peak of popularity. Also popular, according to expert and consumer reviews, are the digging devices Bticino, Gira, ABB, Merten. They are cheaper than the above devices. However, the quality of dimmers is proportional to their price.
Experts say that the more solidly the components were used in the production of the regulator, the longer its operation will be. But for this you have to pay a decent amount.
For example, Legrand (a dimmer with push-button or rotary control) will cost the consumer from 1,400 to 2,000 rubles. For the touch model, the average price will be 2800 rubles. The Schneider company dimmer costs on average about 500-1000 rubles, and the Mackel - from 400 to 700 rubles.
Compatible with LED bulbs
When choosing a dimmer for LED lamps , remember that not all of their varieties are comparable with each other. Some of their types may not work correctly in conjunction. This is due to the features of the dimmer circuit and lamp drivers of various production technologies. There are certain tables that allow you to choose the right type of regulator for the LED lamp.
The largest manufacturers of lighting equipment of this type, which are Philips, Osram, are guided in the manufacture of their products by the most famous and high-quality manufacturers of dimmers. These include the companies reviewed above.
When purchasing lighting fixtures and control devices, they should contact a consultant. He will tell you which dimmers are suitable for the selected LED lamps.
Preparatory stage for installing a dimmer
If you plan to install a dimmer with your own hands instead of an existing light switch, it must first be dismantled. Turning off the power supply to the apartment or house, you can begin to work.
First, the key of the old switch is carefully removed. Then a screwdriver untwists two bolts that hold the decorative trim. Then the spreader feet and fasteners are untwisted. So it will be possible to get the switch from the socket.
Next, wires suitable for the switch are removed. In this case, three wires will remain in the socket. One zero and two phases. You can determine them using special equipment. One of the wires per phase is the power supply, and the second goes through the junction box to the chandelier.
Dimmer connection
The connection diagram of the switch that controls the brightness of the illumination is shown on the product body. The correct wiring must be observed.
The phase cable in the diagram is usually shown in red. It is connected to the L-in terminal. The second phase wire is indicated in orange. It should be connected to the L-out terminal.
When this work is completed, the dimmer must be installed in the old socket. Spacers and mounting screws are tightened. After that, you can put on decorative patch panels. Then the swivel wheel is installed.
After that, the operation of the device is checked. A voltage is applied and the wheel rotates counterclockwise until it clicks. The lamps should go out. If you turn the lever in the other direction, the lighting should gradually increase. This indicates the correct functioning of the dimmer.
Getting acquainted with the concept of what a dimmer is, everyone can understand the variety of their types and choose the best option for themselves. In this case, it will be quite simple to install the device with your own hands. The main thing is to adhere to the instructions and recommendations of specialists.