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Enter the dimmer switch, a handy electrical component that lets you adjust light levels from nearly dark to fully lit by simply turning a knob or sliding a lever. Advertisement In this article, we'll look inside one of these everyday devices to find out how it controls lamp fixtures.
- The Circuit
(Note: Some dimmer switches also contain a similar...
- The Triac
In the last section, we saw that a dimmer switch rapidly...
- The Old Way
Early dimmer switches had a pretty straightforward solution...
- The New and Improved Way
If the dimmer is turned to a brighter setting, it will...
- How Dimmer Switches Work
This "extra current" works to smooth out the sharp voltage...
- Halogen Lamp
A halogen lamp also uses a tungsten filament, but it is...
- The Circuit
Oct 29, 2023 · We’ve had many questions about dimmer switches and asking how they work.In this video we will look at the more common type of dimmer switch that is used with...
- 11 min
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- LEARN ELECTRICS
Jun 3, 2022 · What does a dimmer switch do, and how does it work? To explain simply, a dimmer switch raises or lowers the brightness of the electric lights in your home or workplace. These devices not only help to reduce your electricity bills, but also enhance your security systems.
Nov 14, 2024 · How Do Dimmer Switches Work? A dimmer switch works by using a semiconductor to regulate the flow of electrical current to the light fixture. When the dimmer switch is turned on, the semiconductor allows a portion of the AC waveform to pass through to the light fixture, while blocking the rest.
If the dimmer is turned to a brighter setting, it will switch on very quickly after cutting off. The circuit is turned on for most of the cycle, so it supplies more energy per second to the light bulb. If the dimmer is set for lower light, it will wait until later in the cycle to turn back on. That's the basic concept, but how does the dimmer ...
(Note: Some dimmer switches also contain a similar semiconductor device called a diac, in addition to a triac. These circuits work in the same basic way.) These circuits work in the same basic way.) In order for the triac to start conducting electricity between its two terminals, it needs a voltage boost on its gate.
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Dec 26, 2023 · How Does a Dimmer Work. A dimmer works by adjusting the amount of electrical current flowing to the light fixture, which in turn affects the brightness of the light. The specific method used by a dimmer to achieve this control depends on its type and technology. At its core, a dimmer consists of a switch and a control mechanism.