What is dimmers? Classification and application of dimmer in life.

Dimmer is a product that is widely used in lighting systems, but they are still unknown to many people. Let’s find out what is dimmer? Classification and application of dimmer in life offline!

What is dimmers?

Dimmer is a device that is connected to a fixed light to reduce the brightness of the light. By varying the waveform of the voltage applied to the lamp, it is possible to change the intensity of the emitted light.

While a dimmer is a transformer and transformers can be used for a wide variety of applications, the term dimmer is only used for devices that dim the lighting of incandescent, halogen, compact fluorescent and LED lamps.

Dimmers come in many different sizes from small indoor light switches to large capacity used for stage or building lighting projects.

Working principle of dimmers

Dimmer works based on the change of voltage flowing through the power consuming device, helping to control the lighting ability of the lamp better.

In other words, the dimmer works based on the adjustment of the resistor. Because resistance dissipates power due to heat generation, resulting in a change in amperage. Thereby changing the light intensity of the lamp.

Types of popular dimmers today

There are many types of dimmer but the most common are leading edge dimmer and trailing edge dimmer. Both work by cutting the voltage at different phases of the sine wave of the alternating current, thereby reducing the energy delivered to the bulb.

Leading edge dimmer

Leading edge dimmers are the most common. This type has existed for a long time and is used to control the brightness of incandescent and halogen lamps. This type has a high power range in the range of 250W to 1000W, so it will not work for low-power LEDs.

Trailing edge dimming

Trailing edge dimming, also known as LED compatible dimmer, is used for LED bulbs because of many similar characteristics, such as equivalent wattage ranges. The power required for this type of dimmer is quite low, making it suitable for low-power LED bulbs.

Universal Dimmer

Universal dimmer is used to control halogen, incandescent, compact fluorescent and LED lamps.

This type can give you maximum brightness control range and is free from light flickering. However, when using with compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps, it is necessary to check whether the lamp is dimmable or not.

Dimmer for incandescent and halogen lamps

This type is specifically designed for dimming incandescent and halogen lamps. So you must not use for compact fluorescent lamps and LEDs because of poor performance.

Fluorescent lamp dimmer

This type is used to control the brightness of fluorescent lamps

Dimmer ELV

ELV dimmer is used for low voltage transformer control and LED power supplies such as led string lights, tracklights. To install an ELV dimmer requires a neutral wire.

Low Voltage Magnetic Dimmer MLV

This type is used for low voltage and magnetic wall lamps. MLV is usually heavier and larger than ELV.

High Power Dimmer

Practical application of dimmer in life

Adjust the brightness of the lamp

Some types of lighting such as desk lamps, night lights, lights in theaters, stage lights will use dimmer.

Dimmer supports adjusting the light level that best suits the needs of the user. When turned off, the light will dim and then turn off completely. When turned on, the light will gradually become brighter and then completely bright, creating a comfortable feeling for the viewer because the eyes do not change the light suddenly.

Adjust fan speed

Common fans used in households or offices always need a dimmer. Because many times the manufacturer’s default wind level may not match the user’s needs.

Example : You are turning on the fan at number 3 and feel a little cold. But when reduced to level 2, it is not cool enough. At this point, the dimmer will help you solve the problem easily thanks to the ability to adjust flexibly. In addition, rotating the dimmers is also gentler and more friendly.

Application in agriculture

Dimmer is used to change the brightness of lights in agriculture. In farming, people often use incandescent lamps to change the ambient temperature. Dimmer is a great product to change the ambient temperature indirectly through lights, very convenient.

Other Apps

In addition, dimmer is also used in many other things. For example, dimmer to change the voltage of the current,…

Notes when choosing and installing dimmers

Safety Note:

Regarding electrical equipment, safety is always the first consideration, specifically the prevention of fire and explosion. You should choose famous brands and high-quality products to use.

Notes on installation :

• Check whether the electrical equipment supports use with the dimmer.
• When installing, the electrical connections and connections must be carefully checked and tightened to prevent the electric motor from causing a fire.

With what is dimmer information? Classification and application of dimmer in life, hope to help you. If you have any questions, please comment below to let us know!