Modern house contains many systemssave the consumption of various resources. At the same time, such scientific developments increase the comfort of the host in their home. A special attention of consumers was deserved by the equipment controlling the work of electrical equipment. One of these devices is a dimmer. It adjusts the intensity of the lighting. What is a dimmer, how to install it and properly use, every responsible owner must know. Such devices are increasingly used in ordinary homes and apartments. It is possible to install a dimmer with your own hands. To do this, you must familiarize yourself with its device and wiring diagram.
general characteristics
To understand what a dimmer is,delve into the origin of the word. It comes from the English language. Translated dimmer means dimming. In our country, this device is also called the dimmer, variator, and 15 years ago - a dimmer.
Dimmers were invented at the end of the 19th century. Its main purpose is to control the brightness of the lighting, which contributes to an increase in indoor comfort.
Install the device is quite simple.Dimmer do-it-yourself connects according to the scheme, depending on the type of switch. It will allow not only to save electricity, but also to control the lighting of certain areas of the room, the power of lighting with a group of lamps or a single lamp, LED strip.
Principle of operation
Чтобы понять, что такое диммер, необходимо понять principle of his work. The device is based on the principle of a rheostat. In his chip installed 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 ohms. This indicator with the help of a specific 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 the usual light switch.
Types of dimmers
Depending on the type of lighting device, whose operation will adjust the device to adjust the brightness, there are three groups of these switches.
The first includes a dimmer for lamps 220V, as well as LED strips operating at the same line voltage. It uses electric current directly, without lowering its value.
The second group includes a device that hasin its scheme, a step-down transformer of 12 V. This is a LED dimmer. 220V mains voltage supplied to the illuminator, reduced to the desired operating value.
To the third group belongs dimmer forfluorescent lamps, which have a number of differences from conventional illuminators operating from 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, for example, Legrand, will cost much more, but their durability and safety are much higher.
Dimmer control
The dimmer control system is very diverse. The device can be stationary or remote.
In the first case, the device looks likeordinary switch. Only an element of a smooth change in the intensity of brightness has been added to it. Such dimmers can be mechanical or sensory. Preference should be given in this case, the model that fits into the interior and looks like the owners of the house. Touch dimmer looks more modern, and mechanical - easier to use.
Control the light intensity of the lamp orgroups of lamps can be remotely. For this there are systems with remote control. One of the newest management principles is a program that obscures coverage over the Internet. A program on your phone or computer will allow you to do it as comfortably as possible.
Dimmer application
The switch wiring diagram assumesmanagement of one or several light sources. If lamps of the same type, they are allowed to be connected to one channel. For example, a dimmer can be installed on a lamp in the bedroom or connected to several lamps on the ceiling and walls in the corridor and living room.
Smart Device Managementallows you to set the timer function or the program according to which the lighting will be made at certain hours with a given intensity. If, when falling asleep, the house owners put out dimmed lighting in the room, the corresponding program can turn off the lights gradually. You don't even have to get out of bed to do this.
For multichannel dimmers you can installadjustment 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 an accent lighting of some objects in the room, creating unique design effects.
Manufacturers and cost
Top quality device manufacturerslight adjustments are appliances brands Schneider, Makel and Legrand. Dimmer from these companies is at the peak of popularity. Popular also, according to reviews of experts and consumers, are the devices of the companies 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 finer components were used in the production of the regulator, the more durable will be its work. But for this you have to pay a decent amount.
LED lamp compatibility
When choosing a dimmer for LED lampsremember that not all their varieties are comparable with each other. Some of their species may work incorrectly in a bundle. This is due to the peculiarities 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 equipmentThe presented type, which is the company Philips, Osram, is oriented in the manufacture of its products on the most famous and high-quality manufacturers of dimmers. These include the companies discussed above.
When buying lighting fixtures and control devices, they should contact your consultant. It will tell you which dimmers fit the selected LED lamps.
The preparatory stage of the installation of dimmer
Если предполагается устанавливать диммер своими hands instead of the existing light switch, it must first be dismantled. Turning off the power supply to the apartment or house, you can get to work.
First, the old key is carefully removed.switch. Then the screwdriver unwinds the two bolts that hold the trim. Then spreader legs and fasteners unwind. So it will be possible to get a switch from the bottom plate.
Next, remove the wires that are suitable for the switch.In this case there will be three wires left. One zero and two phases. You can determine them with the help of special equipment. One of the wires per phase is supplying, and the second goes through the junction box to the chandelier.
Dimmer connection
The wiring diagram of the switch that adjusts the brightness of the light is shown on the body of the product. It is necessary to observe the correct connection of wires.
Phase cable according to the scheme is usually depicted in red. It is connected to the terminal L-in. The second phase conductor is indicated in orange. It should be connected to the L-out terminal.
When this work is done, dimmerneed to be installed in the former. Spacer legs and mounting screws tighten. After that, you can put on decorative overhead panels. Then set the swivel wheel.
After that, the operation of the device is checked.The tension is applied and the wheel turns counterclockwise until it clicks. Lamps should go out. If you scroll the lever in the other direction, the lighting should increase smoothly. This indicates the correct functioning of the dimmer.
Getting acquainted with the concept of what a dimmer is, eachcan understand the diversity of their species and choose for themselves the best option. At the same time it will be quite simple to install the device with your own hands. The main thing is to follow the instructions and recommendations of specialists.
