- a very convenient thing, as it allows you to smoothly adjust the brightness of incandescent lamps. As it turned out, switches with a regulator can differ significantly in characteristics and this must be taken into account.
In my new house, I installed two switches with a regulator - one on the arch lamps, the other on the chandelier in the hall. Both controls were identical, and when the control was in the extreme left position, the incandescent lamps glowed at full incandescence. Those. Apparently, the simplest principle of thyristor control was applied, in which the minimum voltage was 50% of the maximum, i.e. approximately 110 volts.
After three years of operation, the switch on the arch failed: it stopped turning off due to problems with the contact disconnection mechanism. There was another switch with a regulator in stock.
Light switch with regulator in the package
The packaging of the switch once again confirms that Russian industry has completely degraded: the barcode is Russian, but the switch is made in China.
Characteristics:
Actually, we are primarily interested in power. As a rule, 500 W is enough power for a chandelier, not to mention arch bulbs.
Degree of protection of this circuit breaker IP 20, i.e. The switch is designed for “standard” operating conditions, such as residential premises. This switch should not be used in the bathroom, as it has high air humidity.
The switch is designed for installation in a mounting box.
Back of the switch
I have a metal mounting box installed into which one two-wire electrical cable goes.
Metal mounting box
Installing the switch is very simple: connect two wires, insert the switch with the top cover removed into the installation box and tighten the two screws with a screwdriver until the switch is securely fixed in the box.
The switch cover is secured with a nut.
The switch cover is secured with a nut
And this is what the switch with the regulator looks like after installation.
It's time to tell how the new switch with regulator differs from the old one. The new switch allows you to adjust the voltage from almost zero volts to maximum, i.e. from 0 to 220 V. For me, this is a plus, since the arch bulbs are used as “standby” lighting at night.
The photo shows that in an incandescent lamp the coil barely heats up when the minimum voltage is applied.
I admit honestly that I have not tried to use the switch with energy-saving lamps, so I cannot yet say whether this combination will work or not.
Lighting is an important system of any room. And if it can not only be turned on and off, but also fine-tuned to specific needs, then this provides additional comfort. To ensure this possibility, you need to buy a dimmer (also called a dimmer or switch with a brightness control). Devices of this type allow you to finely adjust the brightness of the lighting element. In addition to the fact that this feature is convenient for moving around the premises at night, it also provides certain savings. A consumer who is not turned on at full power spends less electricity, which affects the size of utility bills.
The brightness of the lighting changes with changes in the power of the current supplied to the lamp. Because of this feature, dimmers are sometimes referred to by the more cumbersome term “dimmer switches.” But such a definition does not fully correspond to the truth. Real rheostats for use in dimmer switches are bulky, expensive, and require significant physical effort to operate. Therefore, most modern models use semiconductor triac or transistor switches.
In addition, due to the different designs of lamps and lighting elements, dimmers also have a lot of differences between specific models. An incorrectly selected dimmer will damage the lamp or wiring. And to understand the types of such devices and buy the right light switch with a dimmer, it is enough to have a small base of theoretical knowledge.
First of all, the design features of the required dimmer depend on the type of lighting elements. An LED bulb works differently than an incandescent bulb. Therefore, in order to buy the appropriate type of dimmable switch, you need to consider the type of lighting element:
incandescent lamps designed for different voltages;
several types for halogen lamps with different operating voltages;
universal device for LED and fluorescent light sources;
Energy-saving lamps are a separate case; they can be dimmed, but this needs to be checked with specialists.
If you buy an unsuitable light switch with brightness adjustment, this can result in damage to the lighting element, lamp, dimmer, or more dire consequences. The highest degree of compatibility with the dimmer is found in Ilyich lamps, halogen and LED lamps. It is noteworthy that until recently, dimming LEDs was considered impossible. But modern technologies do not stand still, and now connecting a brightness control to an LED lamp or even a strip is not difficult.
When choosing a dimmable switch for halogen lamps, you need to pay attention to the type of compatible transformer. Thus, for luminaires with a winding transformer, a dimmer marked “RL” is used, and compatibility with an electronic transformer is indicated by the marking “C”. There are separate models with a built-in transformer, but they are designed for smart home systems. The absence of a ballast in a fluorescent lamp also means the need for a special type of dimmer (if the ballast is not built directly into the lamp).
Division by installation features
In addition to compatibility with certain types of lamps, switches with a regulator are also divided by type of installation (which also affects their price):
monoblock models are installed in a standard mounting box, occupy it completely and have a front cover like switches (they have an average cost);
instrument dimmers are also designed for installation in a mounting box, but they are installed using a mechanism that already exists in it (the cheapest, but most difficult to install options);
modular dimmers are even mounted on a rail in the electrical panel (the most expensive models);
Naturally, depending on the type of installation of the device, the methods of controlling it vary. Control configuration is the last important aspect you need to be aware of when choosing a dimmer.
To control a dimmable switch, three types of solutions can be used: mechanical, infrared and radio, on which the price of the device depends to a certain extent. Mechanical control is common to all types of devices. In the case of monoblock dimmers, the rotary knob or keys serve as the only control method. Instrument dimmers can be equipped with external mechanical controls. And in the case of monoblock ones, mechanical regulators serve as a backup control system.
The infrared sensor is mainly the privilege of monoblock models. It allows you to control the light intensity using the remote control. However, this method has its limitations: the sensor receiver must be in line of sight and at a distance of no more than seven meters.
Radio control is much more versatile in this regard. In theory, any type of dimmer can be equipped with a radio signal receiver module. However, in practice, this is a mandatory system for modular dimmers, optional for instrument dimmers, and almost never found among monoblock ones. The radio module allows you to control the device at impressive distances and even through several walls.
As you can see, despite its apparent simplicity, choosing the right dimmer is a matter of many nuances. Three guidelines will help you avoid getting lost among the variety of types and designs: the type of dimmable light source, the installation method and the configuration of the controls.
In order to connect a dimmer to a chandelier, the brightness of which it will control, you need to perform just a few simple steps. It is much more important to do everything correctly, because this type of dimmer can quickly fail if connected to the network incorrectly. Next, we will look at useful installation tips, the simplest connection diagrams, as well as the requirements for installing a dimmer yourself.
First you need to understand the fact. The principle of operation is to smoothly regulate the voltage that is supplied to a controlled, for example, spotlight.
Simply put, the device can change the voltage that goes to the light bulb from 0 to 100%. The lower the output voltage, the dimmer the glow will be. At the same time, there are different types of dimmers that differ not only in appearance, but also, of course, in their operating principle, namely:
So, now let's look at the basic requirements for installing and connecting a dimmer with your own hands.
It should be noted right away that the simplest dimmers that are used at home can only be used to control incandescent and halogen lamps. If they are connected to LED strips and fluorescent light bulbs, both devices will fail in a short period of time. This is why it is necessary to choose dimmers based on which light bulbs they will control.
The remaining requirements when connecting a dimmer are as follows:
These are all the requirements that you must adhere to in order to correctly connect the dimmer with your own hands!
Before proceeding with the installation of the device, you must select the most suitable wiring diagram. Today, you can connect a dimmer with or without a light switch, as an independent control element. At the same time, you can simultaneously install several identical devices, or even use a combination with. Let's look at each scheme in more detail and determine the advantages of all options.
In this case, you need to connect the dimmer yourself instead of the switch that was installed earlier. Everything is simple - we connect the phase to a break, and ground and zero directly to the lamp (if a 220 Volt network with three wires is used).
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 groove for installation work.
This method is more convenient for use in the bedroom, because... it will be possible to turn the light on/off using a regular switch, and place the dimmer near the bed, which will allow you to control the brightness of the lighting without getting up. 
To control the brightness of room lighting from two different places, 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 pass-through switches.
The dimmer connection diagram in this case looks like this: 
After choosing the dimmer connection diagram that is most suitable for your conditions, you need to move on to the final stage - installing the product.
Visual video lesson on connecting wires
In fact, the technology for installing a dimmer is no different from installing an ordinary light switch. 
A switch with a dimmer is a convenient device that allows you to smoothly adjust the intensity of lighting fixtures. Can be used both for gas-discharge lamps and when using more conventional incandescent lamps. When choosing such a device, you need to take into account the type of source, as well as the voltage level in the network.
According to the method of installation and application there are:
Modular type dimmer
Such devices are most often installed in electrical distribution panels. They are controlled by a button or key. Normally pressing the button turns the light on or off, but if the button is held for more than five seconds, the user has access to adjust the brightness level of the light. Most common in lighting control systems for corridors or staircases.
Built-in dimmer
They are used to control the brightness of lighting of halogen or incandescent sources thanks to a remote button.
Monoblock dimmer
They are mounted in ordinary socket boxes. Connecting such devices is no different from connecting conventional devices to turn off. When connecting, the correct polarity must be observed.
The light output can be controlled using buttons or rotary knobs. And modern models are equipped with touch or remote control.
The lamp is turned on and off by pressing the control knob, and rotating it adjusts the brightness level.
Control is accomplished by lightly turning the knob, which regulates the degree of illumination of the room.
Externally they are no different from standard light switches. One button turns the lamp on and off, the other adjusts the brightness level.
The most advanced and modern type of device. The absence of rotating parts and buttons makes the devices more reliable and durable. They are usually equipped with two sensors. The first is responsible for turning the lighting on and off, the second sensor adjusts the brightness in steps.
To save on electricity bills, our readers recommend the Electricity Saving Box. Monthly payments will be 30-50% less than they were before using the saver. It removes the reactive component from the network, resulting in a reduction in load and, as a consequence, current consumption. Electrical appliances consume less electricity and costs are reduced.
A very popular type of adjustable switches due to their convenient use. In addition to remote control, they can be equipped with manual adjustment.
Since there are now many lamps of different types of light and voltage levels, different dimmers are used for them.
Almost all dimmers fit here. It must be remembered that as the voltage decreases, the color temperature of the emitted light changes. Taking on a reddish tint, light at low voltage will be unpleasant and harmful to the eyes.
Regulation of a halogen source with a voltage range of 12-24V requires the presence of a transformer to reduce the voltage, marked with RL symbols. If an electronic transformer is installed, you need a dimmer marked C.
Regulating devices designed for low-voltage lamps are equipped with a mechanism for smoothly turning off and turning on the light. The service life of such devices can be significantly reduced due to sudden voltage changes.
Such adjustable switches are often used to control the brightness of theater lighting. Given the high power consumption of energy, it is necessary to install dimmers that are resistant to heavy loads.
This type of lighting has some difficulties with regulation, since the standard method of reducing voltage does not work here. Therefore, the design of such devices requires the presence of a special starting device. It converts the supplied frequency into the range from 20 to 50 kHz. The change in frequency determines the value of the current flowing through the lighting circuit. At the same time, the brightness level also changes.
Smooth control of the brightness of LED sources is carried out by applying pulse width modulation. The duration of the current pulses supplied to the LED with optimal amplitude changes, thereby changing the level of luminous flux. Thanks to the high pulse frequency, reaching 0.3 MHz, the possibility of lamp flickering is eliminated.
To install a dimmer you do not need special knowledge of electrical engineering or to be a professional electrician. Due to its similarity to a conventional switch, the device with a regulator is installed and connected in several steps.
The dimmer is attached to the mounting box thanks to special antennae. The regulator is connected to the electrical network in the same way as standard devices, being sure to observe the polarity.
Due to the wide variety of dimmers, there are several points that are useful to consider:
Progress never slows down. This also applies to the seemingly indispensable light switches. Gradually, conventional devices are being replaced by devices for smoothly regulating the light flux.
One of the reasons for this process is the possibility of saving light consumption. Suffice it to recall “smart” houses, where a dimmer can turn off a light that the owner forgot to turn off, or light up a stairwell a little for a person passing through it.
If we talk about energy saving, using a dimmer gives from 9% to 35% savings, without significantly affecting the lighting intensity. In this way, the regulators compare favorably with outdated rheostats, in which reducing the brightness of the lighting leaves the level of electricity consumption at the same level.
Adjusting the brightness of lamps may be necessary to reduce the level of illumination or dim the light. Modern electronics allows you to do this by using the simplest and small-sized devices called dimmers. The dimmer switch, in addition to the usual function of turning lamps on/off, regulates the amount of voltage supplied to them, thus changing the brightness of the light.
In addition to reducing brightness, there is a significant reduction in energy consumption and extension of the service life of the light source. When an incandescent lamp (regular or halogen) is connected to the network, a current surge occurs, since a cold spiral has a low ohmic resistance, and until the spiral warms up, a large current flows through it. Although this time is a fraction of a second, the vast majority of lamp failures occur at the moment of switching on. An adjustable light switch allows you to reduce the initial surge of current through the lamp. Smooth heating of the filament leads to an increase in the service life of the lamps.
Light adjustment can be done in two ways:
The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to changing voltage or current is the inclusion of a current-limiting element, a resistor, in series with the light source. A variable resistor for this application is called a rheostat, and the adjustment principle itself is called rheostatic. The advantages of this solution are simplicity and the absolute absence of interference, as well as flickering of lamps. But that's where all the advantages end. The reason for refusing to regulate using resistors was the extremely low efficiency of voltage regulation. After all, if you look carefully, it becomes clear to even an inexperienced consumer that excess voltage remains on the resistor. This voltage drop is released as heat. This forces us to make rheostats with high permissible power dissipation and solve the problems of removing excess heat.
Note! The rheostatic method does not provide any gain in energy consumption; on the contrary, when the load voltage decreases, the overall efficiency drops, since most of the electricity is converted into heat.
The main method of adjusting the brightness of lighting devices at present is the use of triacs. A triac is a semiconductor device that has three terminals, two of which are connected to the load circuit, and the third is supplied with a control voltage that allows switching the load circuit.
The alternating current that is used to power the lamps is in the form of a sine wave. At a frequency of 50 Hz, which is standard for us, in one second the current changes its value from zero to a maximum 100 times (here we take into account the fact that both the positive and negative sections of the sine wave are equivalent).
By controlling the operation of a triac, you can interrupt the flow of electric current in a certain section of the sinusoid. The larger part of it is cut off from the load, the lower the brightness of the lamps will be.
Note! Some sources talk about thyristor regulators. This is not important. A thyristor differs from a triac only in that it operates with a voltage of the same polarity. To be included in an alternating current circuit, an additional diode bridge is needed, and a triac does not need a bridge, but they work exactly the same.
There is a drawback with triac regulation: at the moment the triac is switched, especially if it occurs in a section of the sinusoid close to the maximum, a surge of powerful interference occurs that can disrupt the normal operation of various equipment. In particular, interference is very clearly audible when radio receivers are operating. To reduce the level of interference, it is necessary to install additional filters that complicate the design. At minimum brightness, lamp flickering may be noticeable as the pause between on and off states increases.
On a note. An undoubted advantage is electronic regulation, thanks to which it is possible to control using microcontrollers and introduce additional functions.
In DC circuits, dimming is performed using pulse width modulation. Instead of direct current, power is supplied in the form of high frequency pulses. By changing the ratio of the duration (width) of pulses and pauses between them, the average voltage level is adjusted. In order to make flickering invisible, the pulse repetition rate is high.
Based on their design and application features, dimmable light switches are divided into two groups:
Modular switches are not intended for domestic use and are mounted in power switchboards. They usually dimm entrance lighting.
The most common design of modular devices has push-button dimming control. A single press of the button turns the lighting on or off, and a long press (more than 5 seconds) allows you to enter the adjustment mode and set the desired output voltage level.
Some models have additional adjustment of the maximum and minimum voltage values.
Household adjustable switches have a wide variety of designs. For the most part, they are designed for installation in standard mounting boxes for conventional switches, so there is no need to resort to special installation measures.
Room lighting controllers are divided into two groups:
Mechanical regulators have the simplest design. On the outer surface there is an adjustment knob mounted on the variable resistor shaft.
Note! The fact that the lighting is controlled using a variable resistor does not mean that this device operates using a rheostatic method. A variable resistor changes the parameters of the control pulses supplied to the thyristor.
The undoubted advantage of such regulators is that in the off position the network wires are mechanically open, and the light is always turned on only from the minimum voltage level.
In turn, touch devices also have a large number of options, including:
The first type is completely identical to the mechanical regulator above, except that the light is turned on and off by touching the sensing element. The lighting turns on immediately to the preset level.
Fully electronic devices perform adjustments according to a given algorithm by touching the corresponding sensitive elements. The presence of a built-in microcontroller allows programming the device using a variety of operating algorithms. You can set the desired lighting level at a certain time of day. Regulators with a microcontroller can de facto be used with a remote control.
All of the listed options can be designed to adjust the lighting of one lighting fixture, or for several. Externally, they differ in the presence of several keys, visually separated from each other.
There are several types of lighting lamps used in everyday life:
Each type of lamp requires its own approach to adjustment. The regulators are no different for incandescent and halogen lamps. The main selection criterion is to take into account the possible switching power of the lamps and the connected regulator.
The main part of the regulators is designed to control incandescent lamps, since it is easiest to manipulate the adjustment here. Typically, a triac control method is used with cutting off part of the alternating current sinusoid.
The disadvantage of incandescent lamps is the fact that when the voltage decreases, the temperature of the filament decreases, and the emission spectrum shifts to the red region.
Changing the brightness of LED light sources encounters a number of difficulties, in particular the following:
LEDs for inclusion in a 220V network have their own driver, so using a conventional dimmer is impossible. A transformer for low-voltage lamps cannot be connected to the regulator for the reason that the output voltage differs from the sinusoidal voltage for which the transformer is designed to operate.
The only possible control option is to use pulse width modulation. Here it is not the voltage level that is regulated, but the duration of the supplied pulses. This became possible due to the fact that LEDs do not have a turn-on delay and can operate when pulses of arbitrarily short duration are supplied. To avoid noticeable flickering, the power pulse repetition rate is high. Dimmers operating on this principle have special markings and require LED lamps for control, which can be used in adjustable lighting systems.
Important! Special models of LED lamps have special drivers for power supply from a 220V network using classic dimmers. These drivers themselves perform pulse-width modulation, depending on the supply voltage level.
There are no regulators designed to adjust the brightness of fluorescent lamps. This is due to the peculiarities of their operation and inclusion:
As a rule, lighting regulators have two terminals and are installed instead of a regular switch. There are subtleties when installing electronic regulators.
It is advisable to install them in series with a classic switch, which allows you to switch the lighting, regardless of the position of the regulator.
Like mechanical switches, dimmers are available for use in pass-through mode. Two regulators installed in different parts of the room allow you to control the lighting using any of them. Such devices contain a switch with normally closed and normally open contacts and are identified by the presence of three terminals for connection. The connection diagram is shown on the back of the device.
Lighting with regulators with mechanical switching does not require special precautions other than generally accepted ones, since when the regulator is in the off position, the circuit is completely opened by a mechanical switch. In electronic devices, the circuit is completely switched by a triac, there is no mechanical disconnection, and there is a galvanic connection between the terminals of the triac. If there is a defect in the control element, it is possible that there is some potential present at the terminals of the lamp socket. Working in networks with electronic regulators requires a complete shutdown of the supply voltage at the distribution board.
A dimmable light source not only improves comfort, but also serves as a means to reduce energy and lamp replacement costs. In general, installation of adjustable switches can be done by an untrained user, but in some cases experience is required. Before connecting a lighting controller, you need to weigh your options, and it is better to use the services of a professional electrician.
