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.
How do you know what kind of dimmer switch you need?
Choose a dimmer with a wattage rating that meets or exceeds the total wattage of all the light bulbs the dimmer will control. For example, if the dimmer controls a fixture with ten 75-watt bulbs, you need a dimmer rated for 750 watts or higher.
Are dimmers universal?
No, the Universal Dimmers are two wire devices that can replace any standard electrical switch. What makes dimming a dimmable LED/CFL bulb different than dimming an incandescent bulb? Dimmable LED/CFL bulbs contain electronic circuitry not present in incandescent bulbs.
What are three types of dimmers?
Different Types of Dimmers
- Incandescent/Halogen. These types of bulbs require resistive dimmers due to the filaments inside of them.
- Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) Transformers that reduce higher voltages to less than 30 volts are called low-voltage transformers.
- Fluorescent.
- Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Are there different types of dimmer switch?
There are two types of dimmer switch for mains dimming in your home; leading edge and trailing edge. Trailing edge switches work best with LEDs. If your dimmer switch is old it’s likely a leading edge switch and worth changing to a trailing edge version.
Can I change a regular light switch to a dimmer?
Instead of merely turning lights on or off, get a wide range of light by installing a dimmer switch. Most dimmers are designed to fit a standard wall box opening, which makes it easy to replace the switch for any incandescent or halogen light with a dimmer.
Do all dimmer switches buzz?
Here’s a fun fact: Almost all dimmers hum. When the room is absolutely silent, and the bulbs have been dimmed down to less than 50%, you put your ears close to the dimmer switch. Chances are, you will hear some buzzing or, at the very least, humming.
Can you add a dimmer to any switch?
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.
Are dimmer bulbs different?
A modern dimmer switch switch functions the same way as if you turn a light ON and OFF really fast. These switches are designed to work with CFLs, Halogens, and Incandescent light bulbs. But the bulbs need to be of the latest technology and must have the feature of dimming to allow it to be used with a dimmer switch.
What are the two basic types of dimmers?
The two basic types of dimmers are electronic and autotransformer.
What is a standard dimmer?
The dimmer switch is rated for the same voltage as the lighting application. Use standard dimmers on 120 line voltage and low voltage dimmers for 12V and 24V applications. The total wattage of all lamps is less than or equal to the maximum wattage rating on the dimmer switch.
Can a dimmer switch be used 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.
How do I know what wattage my dimmer switch is?
Wattage rating is usually on a sticker on the light fixture.
- Multiply the number of fixtures by the wattage rating of each fixture.
- Multiply the result by 125 % (continuous load).
- Round up to the next dimmer wattage rating.
What does leading-edge dimmer mean?
Leading-edge dimmer switches are cheaper and simpler than trailing-edge, and were used originally to dim incandescent and halogen bulbs or wirewound magnetic transformers. They use a ‘TRIAC’ (Triode for Alternating Current) switch to control power, and are sometimes called TRIAC dimmers.
What is a dimmer switch called?
Incandescent and halogen dimmers contain a switch called a “triac”. The triac turns the lights on and off 120 times a second.
Are dimmer switches wired differently?
Unlike standard switches, most dimmer switches have wire leads that are connected to the circuit wires with wire connectors, rather than using screw terminal connections.
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.
Why is my dimmable buzzing?
The dimmer will reduce the flow of electricity by removing parts of the AC voltage when dimming is engaged. Many inexpensive or lower quality dimmers will not properly reduce this flow, and a resulting buzzing sound can be heard.
Why do my lights buzz when using a dimmer?
The voltage actually increases when you dim the light. A dimmer switch works by breaking up the AC current faster than our eyes can see, between the switch and the light. This creates an electromagnetic effect which can cause vibrations in the switch or the bulb. That effect is what you hear as a buzz or hum.
How do I stop my dimmer switch from buzzing?
Upgrading Your Dimmer Switch
If you’re wondering why your dimmer switch is still buzzing, it may be that it is rated too low for the task, and is being overtaxed by the combined bulb wattage. Try taking a few bulbs out of the switch circuit and see if it reduces the buzzing.
Do you need an electrician to install a dimmer switch?
Electricity is a mystery to many people, but some electrical projects like wiring a switch are so simple that anyone can do them. With a few easy steps and the right knowledge, there’s no need to hire an electrician.
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