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A dimmer switch changes the direction of
Electric current – Wikipedia
every time that it is used to dim or brighten the lights. Ultimately, the dimmer switch controls the electrical cycle for dimming a light. When the switch is turned down low the cycle takes longer to complete, and the light emits a lower level of brightness.
Can you put a dimmer switch on any light?
A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.
Do dimmers reduce voltage?
Does a dimmer switch reduce voltage? It works by changing the voltage waveform applied to the lamp, it is possible to lower the intensity of the light output.
Do dimmer switches waste electricity?
Not only do modern light dimmers save you energy, but they also extend the life of your light bulbs! Dimmers use a “Triac Switch” to rapidly turn a light circuit on and off to reduce the energy flowing to a light bulb. This switch will cut the energy running to the fixture up to 120 times in one second.
How do new dimmer switches work?
A modern dimmer switch “chops up” the sine wave. It automatically shuts the light bulb circuit off every time the current reverses direction — that is, whenever there is zero voltage running through the circuit. This happens twice per cycle, or 120 times a second.
What are three types of dimmers?
Dimmers can come in many different styles, including toggles, rotaries, and touch-sensitive, as well as in a variety of colors.Most dimmers fall into these four bulb type categories: Incandescent and halogen bulbs. Dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs. Magnetic Low Frequency (MLV) Electronic Low Frequency (ELV).
How do you know if a light is dimmable?
Check The Light Bulb Check if the light bulb you are about to use is dimmable. Dimmable light bulbs work fine on a non-dimmable circuit; however, non-dimmable light bulbs will not work on a dimmable circuit. You can find this information on product packaging or on our product listing pages.
Do dimmer switches need special wiring?
Remember: Dimmer switches don’t work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage lighting requires special low-voltage dimmers. Remove the wires from the old switch. Dimmer switches are usually connected to the house wiring by short lengths of wire coming out of the switch body rather than by screw terminals.
How much electricity do dimmers save?
What we see is a constant light output. And dimmers do save. Dimming your lights an average of 50 percent can cut your electric use a whopping 40 percent over time and make your bulbs last 20 times longer!.
Does dimmer switch vary voltage or current?
No. When you dim the lights, you put less current through the bulb by putting a “resistor” in the way. Turning the switch gives a greater resistance, and hence a lower current through the bulb. However, the power that doesn’t come out of the bulb is disappated across this resistor (it will get hot).
How is a dimmer switch wired?
New dimmers have either a green grounding wire or a green ground screw that you’ll have to connect to a grounding source if one is available. Houses wired with plastic-sheathed cable almost always have bare copper ground wires that you’ll connect to the toggle dimmer switch.
Can a dimmer switch cause a fire?
A circuit that continuously stays on can happen if the dimmer switches get overloaded by too much voltage. The fixtures attached to these switches might require a larger voltage than what the dimmers are designed to withstand. Dimmer switches can get extremely hot and possibly catch fire as well.
Do LEDs last longer when dimmed?
Dimming an LED reduces the LED junction temperature. Therefore, LEDs are generally unaffected by dimming. In fact, the lower heat output is even better for their lifespan.
Do dimmable LED lights use less energy when dimmed?
Yes, dimmers reduce energy consumption of dimmable LEDs. Unlike incandescent bulbs, the electricity used is fairly linear with the light output; at 50% brightness it should use roughly 50% of the power. Generally speaking, dimming will allow the bulbs to run cooler and extend their life spans.
Do both switches need to be 3-way?
It is not necessary to replace both 3-way switches with smart switches. You can use a standard 3-way switch for one of them, BUT there is a caveat. The SMART 3-way switch MUST be the MAIN SWITCH; i.e., the one that connects to the line/live wire from the fuse/breaker box.
Can you use a dimmer switch on a ceiling fan?
Standard dimmer switches should never be used to control the fan motor on a ceiling fan because the dimmer could damage the fan motor, or overheat and start a fire. You can actually purchase a device that will do this – it consists of a wireless remote and a receiver that gets wired directly in to the fan.
Can you have 2 dimmers on a 3-way switch?
The answer is no. If you set up a 3-way switch for your light, there can’t be multiple dimmers. However, there are workarounds to this. Such as placing one dimmer on the line leading into the first switch.
How do I know what type of dimmer I have?
Determine the number of switches that control the light group. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer. If two switches control a single light or a group of lights, you will need a 3-way dimmer. Then look at the bulb type you are going to be using and pick the right type of dimmer.
Are all dimmer switches the same?
Dimmers all perform the same function, altering the illumination produced by the attached fixtures, but there are many types of dimmer switch controls. These traditional switches have a rotating knob that controls the light level. You can turn the fixture on or off without changing the dimmer setting.
Can I put a dimmer switch on LED lights?
A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.
Can you put a dimmer switch on fluorescent lights?
Dimming fluorescent tubes FYI, fluorescent lights do not dim well at all. Furthermore, it takes the correct type of dimmer switch, like those made for incandescent or led lights won’t work with fluorescent lights and a fluorescent light fixture that’s rated for dimming.
Can you install a dimmer switch on any outlet?
Dimmer switches shouldn’t be used on wall outlets because it is against the electrical code. Installing a dimmer switch on an outlet and then plugging in another appliance on the circuit can cause a short-circuit event or even an electrical fire.
