A device appeared in electrical stores that looks like a classic switch, but costs more. This is a dimmer - a device that allows you not only to turn on and off the light, but also to adjust the brightness and intensity of the backlight. Thanks to the use of dimmers, you can save on electricity. You can connect the dimmer yourself. To do this, follow the installation instructions and comply with safety requirements.
How the device works
The principle of operation of the dimmer consists in smooth voltage regulation from minimum to maximum value. At a high level, the brightness of the light source will be at its maximum.
Dimmers are distinguished by the following parameters:
- type of control - rotary, push, touch;
- type of light source - LED, halogen, fluorescent or incandescent lamp;
- additional functionality - timer, remote control;
- design - modules, monoblock switches.
Also dimmers differ in appearance and manufacturer. The quality and cost of products depend on the manufacturer's fame.
Application Requirements
The most important requirement when choosing a dimmer is to determine in advance which lamp it will be connected to. Products for halogen lamps cannot be connected to LEDs.
Also important criteria are:
- minimum power of the light source;
- room temperature - it is not recommended to put the dimmer in the room above 25 degrees;
- the phase conductor must go to break, it is forbidden to connect zero;
- the power of the dimmer must be higher than the total load of all luminaires to which it is connected;
- do not connect capacitive and inductive loads to the regulator at the same time.
Failure to comply with the above requirements can lead to negative consequences.
Connection diagrams
The easiest way to connect is when a dimmer is used instead of a switch. The phase goes to break, and the ground and zero go to the lamp.
The switch version is used in bedrooms. With it, you can turn on and off the light, adjust the required brightness. A switch is placed on the phase in front of the dimmer, and from the regulator the wires go to the luminaire.
For large rooms, you can organize the connection of two dimmers to the chandelier. Installing two dimmers allows you to control the brightness of the lighting from different locations. A jumper is placed between the dimmers. This option is convenient to use in long corridors and large rooms. You can assemble a circuit with pass-through switches.
How to connect a dimmer instead of a 2-wire switch
- turn off the voltage in the house on the switchboard;
- check the absence of a network using the indicator;
- dismantle the switch by removing the protective panel from it and disconnecting the wires;
- find the phase wire using the indicator (it should light up when connected to the phase);
- connect the phase to the input of the dimmer, connect the load wire for the lamp to the output contact.
In regulators, the contacts are marked. L-in - phase-in, L-out - phase-out.
After that, you need to turn on the electricity and check the operability of the circuit. With correct assembly, the brightness will change smoothly.
Lighting control from different points in the room
The implementation of light control from different points in the room can be implemented in two ways. It is possible to create a circuit with two dimmers and using separate buttons. The last method is actively used by eminent manufacturers of electrical products, for example, the French company Legrand.
Installation diagram with two dimmers
To ensure regulation of light from two points in the room, a circuit with two dimmers is used. The first and second terminals of the regulators are interconnected. The phase is connected to the third terminal of one dimmer, from the other the wire is supplied to the load.
How to properly connect a high quality dimmer
High quality dimmers are equipped with additional buttons. They allow you to control the light from different points in the room. The maximum distance from the dimmer to the button is 50 meters. These regulators can be connected with or without ground in a selective or non-selective manner.
The phase is applied to the first dimmer and button terminals. From the second terminals, the wire must be connected to terminal B of the regulator. The load must be connected to terminal 2 of the dimmer and the neutral wire.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing
You can replace the switch with a dimmer yourself. It is necessary to follow the instructions for replacing - turn off the lighting, dismantle the switch and install the regulator.
Before doing any electrical work, shut off the power supply to the room. To do this, you need to turn off the electricity in the dashboard on the site or inside the apartment.
The first step is to remove the decorative panel from the switch. Then the internal mechanism is pulled out, connected to the wires. The last step is to disconnect the wires. The cores must be carefully pulled out of the terminals, keeping them intact.
If the wires are in good condition, there is no need to perform preparatory procedures. You should study the instructions for connecting the dimmer, which contains the basic requirements and the connection diagram of the cores. Then you need to supply power and check the operation of the regulator. When properly connected, the brightness will fade in and out smoothly.
A dimmer is a convenient device for adjusting the brightness of lighting. It can be used instead of the classic light switch, or together with it. With basic electrical engineering skills, you can independently connect the dimmer to the light bulb. To do this, you need to observe the correct connection of the conductors and safety precautions.
