Dimmer for incandescent lamps: types, how to choose, the best models and manufacturers

The principle of operation of dimmers

Dimmers are convenient devices that allow you to change the degree of illumination of the premises, reducing the power of the lamps. Such devices can be based on various solutions.

The simplest device is a conventional rheostat, the disadvantage of which is significant heating during use.

To avoid this, household ballast transformers are included in the power circuit, compensating for temporary voltage surges.

Even the simplest dimmer can perform important functions (+)

Light controllers are considered more modern and convenient devices, the design of which is based on semiconductors - triacs, thyristors, dinistors.

Such devices guarantee easy control of the unlocking / locking moments associated with a change in the direction of the current in the circuit.

Scheme of a dimmer on thyristors. The simplest type of dimming device, which can be easily made with your own hands, having basic technical skills (+)

Devices that generate self-oscillations are also made on the basis of transistors: in this case, the main nodes are high-power field elements.

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Lamp control from two places

Often, when upgrading an object, there is a desire to make lighting control from two places. Two walk-through switches solve the problem of turning on / off, but what about smooth brightness control? To implement this idea, there are so-called pass-through dimmers. The scheme of their inclusion is somewhat more complicated than usual, but it is easily implemented without the involvement of professionals:

Scheme for controlling a lamp from two places using pass-through dimmers

Perhaps a situation will arise when there are pass-through dimmers at your disposal, but you need a regular one. In this case, it is not necessary to run to the store and spend money on a new purchase:

Scheme for using a pass-through dimmer as a regular one

Range of control devices

Dimmers are widely represented on the lighting market today. All their diversity can be divided into the following groups:

modular. They are mounted on DIN rails in switchboards. Used very widely. Such devices can be used to adjust the brightness of lighting, create lighting effects, and also as part of the Smart Home system.The control mechanism here is carried out through remote controls and buttons. The regulator is placed in a mounting box. It can be installed instead of a switch. The control of such a device is carried out using a switch or buttons;

Modular dimmer

monoblock devices. They can also be mounted in an installation box. It is the most common type of devices of this kind. Such a dimmer is installed and connected in the same way as a simple switch - into the break of the phase wire;

Monoblock regulator

portable blocks. They are used to connect spotlights equipped with LED bulbs. They are controlled by remote radio or infrared panels, as well as remote panels and conventional dimmers.

Remote block

Also, lighting dimmers, according to the control method, have the following classification:

• rotary. In this situation, a rotary knob is used that rotates clockwise and counterclockwise;
• rotary push. To turn on the device, you need to press the knob, and the regulation process itself is carried out by a standard turn of the knob;

• push-button (keyboard). There are keys on the front panel that can be used to decrease or increase the brightness;
• sensory. These are the most modern models. Management here is carried out by touching the touch panel.

You can use any type of dimmer in your home.

Dimmer Selection Tips

When choosing a regulator for incandescent lamps, it is important to consider all of the above features.

In addition, experts recommend paying attention to a number of additional nuances.

If the device is planned to be placed in a room whose temperature exceeds +25 °C, it is better to use a model equipped with built-in ventilation or a fuse.

Light control with a dimmer is done using the “phase cut” method. In this case, part of the sinusoid is cut off, which leads to a decrease in the voltage that is supplied to the lighting.

Dimmers are designed for a certain power of lighting devices, which must not be exceeded. If the control device is planned to be connected to a chandelier or a group of lamps, the total indicator must be taken into account.

The cost of products varies widely. The most budget options are keyboard and rotary models, but electronic ones provide more options. If desired, you can assemble a simple dimmer model with your own hands.

Since the operation of electrical equipment is directly related to home safety, it is better to give preference to products of reputable brands whose products are highly rated in user reviews.

What is this device?

• Saving electricity. When using a dimmer, the cost savings come down to turning the lights on at half power or even less. Then your costs will decrease by about 15%, but you will always have to be in the twilight. That is, savings come at the expense of comfort, so this item is not fully considered.
• Extending the life of incandescent lamps. There is an opinion that if the light bulb does not work at the peak of its power (up to 75%), then its service life increases 10 times! Of course, the frequency of switching on / off during the day also affects this, which also significantly reduces the life cycle of the tungsten filament.But one thing is for sure, with a round-the-clock burning of an incandescent lamp at a power of less than 75%, its life increases from 1000 hours to 5-7 thousand, and in some cases up to 10 thousand hours. Savings are evident.

This circuit works on the basis of triacs and thyristors, the principle of operation of which is fundamentally different from rheostats. By cutting off the AC waves, the voltage is reduced and the light dims. At the same time, excess voltage is not processed into heat, it is simply saved.

How many lights can a dimmer hold?

The total number of working lamps is selected, knowing the limiting power of the regulator. To obtain a specific figure, system calculators are used. The calculation is carried out based on the category of the room:

• children's;
• canteen;
• bedroom;
• kitchen;
• bathroom.

Lamp types:

• halogen light sources;
• LED lamps;
• incandescent;
• luminescent;
• induction

Enter into the system calculator:

1. Type of room / room.
2. The main dimensions of the area;
3. Used types of lamps.

To calculate on your own, you need to take into account the specifics of various sources:

1. The number of incandescent lamps can be calculated by dividing the dimmer power limit by the power of one bulb.
2. When calculating the number of LED bulbs in a 220 V network, the power limit of the light regulator is divided by 10. And the resulting amount is divided again by the power of the LED lamp.

Dimmable LED lamps

When choosing dimmers, you should always keep in mind the types of lamps that are used in your fixtures.

For example, LEDs must be dimmable. They have a special icon on the packaging and body.

Also, the dimmers themselves may not be suitable for all types of light bulbs. Better look for standard models that natively support all types of lamps.

If you connect LED lamps that are not designed for dimming, this can lead not only to their unstable operation, but also to burnout.

Of course the driver in the lamp will try to compensate for the voltage fluctuation to the optimum operating current of the LEDs. But no one can guarantee how he will behave during long-term work.
What other features do dimmers designed specifically for LED light sources have? Firstly, as we found out earlier, they are connected to light bulbs powered not by simple, but by dimmable drivers.

Secondly, when connecting LED lamps through a dimmer, the color temperature in them practically does not change, unlike conventional incandescent lamps.

Thirdly, when choosing, you need to carefully approach such a parameter as the minimum dimming power.

Criterias of choice

In the 21st century, it's dangerous to just walk into a store and buy the first product you see.

It is important to pay attention to some technical parameters and the manufacturer. So operation will not cause headaches and a person will buy a reliable and durable product.

The main thing that electricians recommend paying attention to is the compatibility of the regulator with user lamps. Unfortunately, there are often people on the market who neglect this advice, as a result they get a dimmer that serves as an excellent decoration, but it has no functional features.

It is important to know that for each type of lamp, appropriate regulators are selected. The second point is power.

The store presents dozens of manufacturers who are able to work with lamps from 300 to 1000 watts. But if a person does not fall into this range, then you will have to pay more for more expensive models that are capable of operating with 3000 watts. Of course, such representatives are hard to find in every store, most often they are ordered in online markets. It is also not recommended to buy cheap Chinese regulators from little-known companies, because they quickly fail, especially when used with high power.

The second point is power. The store presents dozens of manufacturers who are able to work with lamps from 300 to 1000 watts. But if a person does not fall into this range, then you will have to pay more for more expensive models that are capable of operating with 3000 watts. Of course, such representatives are hard to find in every store, most often they are ordered in online markets. It is also not recommended to buy cheap Chinese regulators from little-known companies, because they quickly fail, especially when used with high power.

Appearance matters

It is better to choose a beautifully designed product that will not attract the attention of strangers, but simply fit into the interior. In addition, convenience plays an important role.

An excellent dimmer is one that does not cause problems in management. If the owner does not understand modern technologies and the sensor is not familiar to him, then it is better to purchase ordinary push-button and rotary products. In terms of functionality, they are no different from the new ones, but it will be easier for a person to manage them, and this is the main thing.

The brand will help you find a quality product, it is better to trust a product that is popular with buyers than to change Chinese counterparts twice every six months.Such devices have proven themselves in the market and have reviews from real buyers, and not cheated ones in order to attract more consumers. In addition, most of the well-known companies produce dimmers for any occasion. Therefore, it will not be difficult for the owner to come to the store and take a quality device. To calculate the power, you need a minimum of arithmetic knowledge, the main thing is to know about the power of each light bulb. If a person uses 10 lamps of 12 watts, then the total power will be 120 watts. It is worth adding 20% ​​to the obtained value so that the device can withstand minor overloads, which are often found in remote regions and areas. This solution will increase the safety of operation.

Most of the buyers who once installed a dimmer in their apartment do not regret the purchase at all, as this is a convenient equipment. It also allows you to save electrical energy and adjust the desired atmosphere in a couple of clicks. The light will no longer cause eyestrain when reading and will not light up the TV screen when watching a movie. The product plays an important role in the organization of holidays, because it will illuminate the table with maximum brightness, which will give the room a royal look.

What is the difference between dimmers?

If you are going to use a dimmable switch, you first need to find out what they are. Are all LED bulbs dimmable?

Dimmers differ according to the following criteria:

• By type of installation;
• by execution and method of management;
• according to the method of regulation.

Let's take a closer look at each of them.

By type of installation

For outdoor installation - a surface switch with a dimmer for LED lamps. To install such a device, you do not need to drill a niche in the wall, it is simply mounted on top of the wall. It is very convenient to use in cases where the interior is not a priority or outdoor wiring is laid.

For indoor installation - perfectly fit into any interior, such as this one.

For mounting on a DIN rail, they are very specific and at first it may seem that they are not practical. However, this dimmer for LED lamps works with a remote control, while hidden from prying eyes in the electrical panel.

By execution

By design, the dimmer for LED and incandescent lamps can be:

• rotary;
• rotary-push type;
• push-button;
• touch;

Rotary - one of the simplest options for adjusting the brightness of an LED lamp, it looks unpretentious and has the simplest functionality.

Swivel-push looks almost the same as swivel. Due to its design, when you press it, the light comes on with the brightness that was set when you last turned it on.

The push-button controller for LED lighting already looks more technologically advanced and will organically fit into a modern apartment. Like this switch with a dimmer switch for LED lamps.

Touch models can be completely different at all - from luminous circles to even single-color panels for adjusting the voltage of LED lamps.

By way of adjustment

Dimmers are different not only in their execution, but also in the principle of operation. This applies specifically to AC dimmers.

The first type of dimmers is more common and cheaper, due to the simplicity of its circuit - a dimmer with a cutoff on the leading edge (eng. Leading edge). A little further, its principle of operation and circuit will be considered in detail, for comparison, take a look at the type of voltage at the output of such a regulator.

The graph shows that the rest of the half-wave is applied to the load, and its beginning is cut off. Due to the nature of the load switching, interference is induced in the electrical networks, which interferes with the operation of TVs and other devices. A voltage of a set amplitude is applied to the lamp, and then it decays when the sinusoid passes through zero.

Can a leading edge dimmer be used with LED bulbs? Can. Dimmable LED lamps of this type will only be well dimmable if they are designed to do so in the first place. This is evidenced by the symbols on its packaging. They are also called "dimmable".

The second type works differently, creates less noise and works better with different light bulbs - this is a dimmer with a cutoff on the trailing edge (English falling edge).

Dimming LED lamps with this type of dimmer is better, and its design better supports non-dimmable light sources. The only drawback is that these lamps can adjust their brightness not from "zero", but in a certain range. At the same time, dimmable LED lamps are simply superbly adjustable.

A separate word can be said about ready-made LED lamps with brightness control. This is a separate class of lighting devices that do not need to install additional regulators, but have it in their design. Their adjustments are made using the buttons on the case or from the remote control.

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Pros and cons of application

Before you buy a dimmer, you need to correctly assess the situation and decide whether it is really necessary. Sometimes the installation of a dimmer in the house is really useful, as the device has remarkable advantages.

• The main function - increasing / decreasing the brightness of the light - is already interesting in itself. You can set the “working” mode, in which every speck of dust on the table is visible, or dim the lights to a minimum to give rest to the eyes and relax
• The electronic filling of the device allows you to increase its capabilities, making control methods even more comfortable. For example, turning on / off by a clap or a specific command, by sending a signal through a radio channel or Wi-Fi
• Unlike step switching, smooth switching protects the circuit from sudden current surges, which contributes to the long service life of the lamps and the device itself. It is more difficult to make smooth adjustment with a knob, and the touch device works perfectly in this sense.
• If there is a risk of robbery or for some reason it is necessary to create the impression of an apartment in which someone is constantly located, a device with a presence simulation function is installed. Lights turn on and off in different rooms
• Adjusting the brightness of the light in the room
• Expanded range of capabilities of modern models
• Smooth change of power and brightnessHuman presence simulation function

However, there are also disadvantages. The main ones are related to installation work. It may be necessary to change the wiring for installation, and then make cosmetic repairs. Some devices can interfere with sensitive devices by causing electromagnetic interference.

Most dimmers are not universal, that is, they function with only one type of lamp, for example, with traditional 40W or 60W incandescent lamps. If you want the efficiency of the device to reach its maximum, then just the use of incandescent lamps must be avoided. Greater returns are expected from lighting fixtures on LED sources.

What is it for?

A dimmer is an electronic device that allows you to change the power in the electrical circuit as needed, to adjust it up and down. Often, with the help of this technical device, the lighting load in the room is controlled by changing the brightness of the light.

LEDs, halogen lamps and conventional incandescent lamps can be controlled with a regulator. If you look at the photo of an electronic type dimmer, it becomes clear that the device is compact, has a spectacular appearance and can perfectly fit into the interior of a modern house or apartment.

The ever-present compatibility issue

A consumer interested in using equipment for dimming should be aware that he will not just buy the necessary system components, but match them together. Often there is a problem of inconsistency between the dimmer and the purchased LED lamp.

This happens due to the fact that a large number of electronic circuits for power supply drivers for lighting fixtures and control devices are on the market.

Products of any domestic, European or Chinese manufacturer for inclusion have the right to have a voltage threshold that is unique to them.Also, incompatibility can lead to the fact that the range of adjustments is narrowed, and significantly.

For example, there are LED lighting devices that can turn on and work even at 5% of the rated power. An incorrectly selected dimmer will only be able to control them within 40-100%. That will significantly reduce the functionality of the process.

The dimmer control panel can send a radio or infrared signal. The first option is more functional, the second is cheaper, which is why it is the most popular.

This feature will lead to the fact that the consumer will not save enough electricity or will not be able to provide himself with the expected level of comfort. This is also a significant disadvantage. Other signs of malfunction may also appear.

The most common are the following:

1. The power driver of the existing LED lamp makes loud noises that are unpleasant for the user during operation or cannot start the lighting device.
2. The maximum voltage at the output of the dimmer does not reach the prescribed 220 volts, which makes it impossible to use the light bulb at full power.
3. Short-term bright flashes when the lighting device is turned on, the duration of which usually does not exceed 1 second.
4. Various interruptions in the functioning of the regulator itself, which will not allow you to effectively control the LED lamps.

All of these points indicate that the selection of equipment should be carried out carefully and competently.

The best monobloc dimmers

Schneider Electric Blanca

The glossy white case is made of thermoplastic, which guarantees safety during operation. No special protective coating.

Functionality - compatible with presence and motion sensors, "remembers" the last lighting scenario.
Screw hidden fastening, rotary-push control mechanism.

Available in white and beige.

Schneider Electric Blanca dimmer
Advantages:

• even glow without flickering and “humming” of lamps;
• you can set a constant minimum brightness;
• frame included;
• ensures smooth ignition.

Flaws:

• when switching to the minimum value, it first brings the brightness to medium - this is unpleasant for the eyes and
• inconvenient, for example, if you turn on the light at night;
• takes a long time to respond to commands.

BTicino AXOLUTE

Touch controller. The case is laconic, square. Shown in anthracite. There is a backlight.
Built-in fuse, soft start and stop functions, which reduces sparking.
Material - thermoplastic housing, control - touch, without remote control. Supplied without a frame, if necessary, decorative overlays can be purchased separately.

BTicino AXOLUTE dimmer
Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• reliable work;
• simple installation and easy operation.

Flaws:

• price;
• no remote control.

Top 3 Best Touch Devices

Vitrum I EN

A great option for those who need a quality touch device. The case is made of pleasant material. The response is immediate. The product is made in a classic design and is suitable for most interiors.

The average price is 20,000 rubles.

Vitrum I EN

Advantages:

• Durability;
• Quality material;
• Easy control;
• Nice appearance.

Flaws:

Sens SR-2830A-RF-IN Black

Excellent value for money option.This product is suitable for many people who prefer to use modern technology rather than conventional ones. The equipment will decorate the room and give it a new look.

Sens SR-2830A-RF-IN Black

Advantages:

• Excellent assembly, there are no backlashes;
• The body is scratch resistant;
• Simple operation;
• Easy installation.

Flaws:

BingoElec M1-D101B

A touch device designed to change the brightness of halogen, LED, energy-saving and nickel lamps. The maximum power is 700W. The device will perfectly fit into a modern interior.

The case is made of glass, which is unusual for such devices. However, this is where the main disadvantage of this equipment lies, since fingerprints remain, which are clearly visible in bright light. Works with voltages from 110 to 240 V.

The assembly is made at a high level, which makes it possible to operate the device for a long period and not look for a replacement at the first power surge. Most users are attracted not even by high-quality assembly and original design, but by the cost, which is very different from similar similar models.

BingoElec M1-D101B

Advantages:

• Good build;
• Smooth touch adjustment;
• Suitable for all kinds of lamps;
• Reliable fastening;
• Installation will not take much time;
• Low cost;
• original design;
• There is a backlight that will make it easy to navigate in the dark;
• Surge protection.

Flaws:

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The presented video tells in detail about three modifications of dimmers, the well-known French company Schneider Electric, and also talks about how to connect them:

Dimmers designed to work with incandescent lamps are convenient devices that increase comfort and quality of life. A wide range of products is on sale, which may differ in technical solution, the presence of various functions, and a variety of designs.

Different types of dimmers are extremely easy to install, which allows you to install it yourself

It is only important to strictly follow the safety rules and carefully perform all manipulations.