Any modified device that makes operating electrical appliances more comfortable quickly becomes popular. This is especially true in the domestic sphere. The emerging regulators are not yet as in demand as conventional switches, but they have already confidently occupied their niche.
Let's look at how to connect a dimmer yourself, while complying with the standards and not making mistakes.
A dimmer or, in other words, a dimmer allows you to set different lighting modes from one point. Unlike, which can implement up to 3 intensity positions, this device smoothly changes the brightness of one or more light sources from the weakest to the maximum.
To install it correctly, you need to understand the design. But this is where a complication arises regarding the different species. There are devices on sale with different control methods.
The most famous is the rotary mechanism, but besides it you can also come across push-button, electronic, remote and even acoustic ones.
The main operating element of the rotary model is the handle, which must be turned clockwise/counterclockwise to reduce or increase the lighting power
Like a switch, a light controller of the simplest design is connected to a two-wire wire in an open circuit.
The shape of the housing resembles a standard electrical installation - a socket or switch - therefore it can be mounted either in a socket box or simply in a free wall niche. Fixation occurs due to an elastic metal spacer tab or two tabs, and the contacts are also standard.
The first contact is for the incoming phase coming from the distribution box, the second is for the outgoing load core, which is directed to the lighting source. The lighting fixtures can be a table lamp, floor lamp, chandelier, sconce or a group of spotlights.
Manufacturers provide devices with detailed wiring diagrams that must be followed. They are printed on paper and directly on a plastic case
The push-button regulator resembles a regular switch: by briefly pressing the keys you can turn the lamp on/off. However, if you hold the key for 1-2 seconds, the lighting intensity will gradually change.
Modern electronic models can simultaneously control several lamps (from 2 to 5) installed in different rooms. Remote devices are equipped with a remote control. But you need to remember - the wider the functionality of the dimmer, the higher its cost.
If we talk about differences in installation, then the installation and connection of electronic devices is almost the same, with the exception of nuances characteristic of individual manufacturers.
Analysis of connection diagrams
The choice of circuit depends on many factors, including the connection method - separate or with switches, the number of dimmers or lighting devices.
You should also take into account a very important point: different devices are used for incandescent lamps, LED lamps and strips, and low-voltage halogen light sources.
Testing a remote control dimmer connected to an LED strip. LED strips are successfully used to illuminate suspended two- and three-tier plasterboard structures
The most basic dimmer connection diagram can easily be confused with the switch installation diagram, since it actually repeats it exactly the same.
Wiring is usually done with a two- or three-wire wire, depending on the grounding system. In new houses, it is recommended to use a wire with three cores - VVGng with a cross section of 1.5 mm².
Usually, complete with strips or lamps, along with a dimmer, there is an adapter from 220 V to 12 V. This can be a power supply that is plugged into an outlet.
Both wires from the converter are pulled to the dimmer, connected according to the diagram to the required connectors, and from the output terminals they are supplied to one lighting device or several lamps connected in parallel
One or more are often used in conjunction with a dimmer - the electrical network with such a kit becomes more advanced in terms of ease of use.
The location of the switch is determined in different ways: it can be between the panel and the dimmer or between the dimmer and the lamp.
The circuitry of pass-through devices differs from a standard device, and this must be taken into account when connecting. The main attention is paid to connecting the phase conductors in both devices
Finally, let’s look at the order of arrangement of wires and terminals for a standard dimmer connection - after all, it is this that is the most popular in everyday life.
The simplest diagram that can serve as a standard for connecting a standard regulator. The phase conductor is supplied to the input, and from the output, the adjacent terminal, goes to the lamp
The listed examples are only a small part of all possible schemes for installing the device. To make an error-free connection, you must use the manufacturer's instructions as your main guide.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
To purchase, first find out what type of lamps it will serve. Then, based on the allocated budget, they buy either an inexpensive Chinese model or a design from a trusted manufacturer - Makel, Schneider, Legrand.
If you need to install a new, just purchased device, perform the same actions as when installing a switch:
- change the wiring or make sure the old cables are suitable;
- if there is no separate circuit breaker in the electrical panel, install it;
- prepare the installation site;
- perform the installation.
But more often it is necessary to make a replacement, that is, dismantle the switch body and install a dimmer in its place. Let's consider this option.
Step 1 - Turn off the lighting circuit
Any manipulations with electrical devices in the apartment must begin with a forced power outage at the switchboard, which is located either on the common area or inside the apartment, in the corridor (hallway).
This is required by safety standards and ensures that all connected devices and cables are kept in good condition. But the main goal is to protect your own health.
To switch off the load yourself, just switch the lever of the machine. If you need to replace the circuit breaker or other electrical work on the panel, you should call an electrician servicing the house
For additional insurance, you should always have either a tester or an indicator screwdriver on hand to determine the voltage.
Checking the power line is the first action that should be performed at the beginning of installation or removal of an electrical installation, when connecting wires. It is recommended to use tools with insulated handles and gloves coated with a thin layer of dielectric polymer.
Step 2 - dismantling a conventional switch
To remove the old device, you need to prepare a screwdriver. The dismantling process takes only a few minutes and consists of sequentially removing first the decorative outer part, and then the internal mechanism connected to the wires.
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The main thing at this stage is to find the right way to remove fragile parts without damaging them. If you can’t pick up the key with your fingers, use a narrow object such as a slotted screwdriver
Removing the first element is difficult, but the second is much easier, since the surrounding working space is freed up and you can easily grab the part with your fingers and remove it from its seat
The frame that surrounds the switch mechanism is usually installed with a simple click, so to remove it you need to do the opposite action
The body with the mechanism is held in place by screws that can be unscrewed with a simple screwdriver. There can be two of them - in the center, or four - on the sides
Stage 1 - determining the dismantling method
Stage 2 - removal of control tools - keys
Stage 3 - dismantling the decorative frame
Stage 4 - unscrewing the mechanical part
The last crucial point is disconnecting the wires. The conductors are carefully removed from the terminals by slightly loosening the holding screws or clamps.
Step 3 - installation of the control device
If the wires are in good condition, then nothing needs to be done to prepare. You should start by studying the instructions, which list the installation requirements, the main technical characteristics of the device, and most importantly, there is a wire connection diagram.
The dimmer is disassembled, familiarized with the design, and piece by piece installed in place of the switch.
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To unscrew the locknut, which can be found right in the center, under the handle, use thin-nose pliers or wire cutters with a narrow grip
Removing the nut allows you to remove the decorative parts one by one - the outer plastic panel and the frame. Keep the nut so it doesn’t get lost
Dimmer is a device for regulating voltage. In the everyday sense, it is used to adjust the light in a room, room, or a separate part of the apartment. Thanks to a dimmer, you can not only save on lighting, but also create an interesting lighting design for your apartment. Sophisticated electronic dimmers allow you to change the intensity of the light, turn it on and off automatically, and control the lighting from a remote control or using a sound signal.
After selecting the appropriate type of dimmer taking into account the operating network voltage, you need to select its characteristics correctly. The main indicator is the power for which this dimmer should be designed. This value is determined by the power consumption of the lighting system plus a certain reserve that will help the dimmer reliably work out its life.
The dimmer connection diagram is similar to. The dimmer, like the switch, is installed in series with the load. Moreover, this device can be placed in the same place where a regular switch was located. Before connecting a dimmer instead of a switch, you must turn off the mains power, disconnect the power wires from the switch terminals and install a dimmer in its place, since its installation dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the switch.
When connecting the dimmer to the electrical network, it must be taken into account that it must be connected to the gap of the phase wire designated by the letter L, but not the neutral wire marked N.
Connection diagram for dimmer with switch
More convenient, especially for the bedroom, is the circuit for switching the dimmer in series with a regular switch. In this case, it is better to install the dimmer near the bed so that it is convenient to control the light intensity without getting out of bed.
The application is especially promising in smart home systems. Lighting control allows you to zone a room depending on the situation and highlight individual interior details with lighting.
You can find out how to turn on chandelier lamps in groups with a single switch with several keys.
A regular switch is installed near the door of the room. It is needed to turn the light on and off when entering or leaving the bedroom.
Switching on the dimmer with pass-through switches
The principle of operation is that switches allow you to turn on the light when entering a room and turn off the light on the other side of the corridor or staircase. The connection diagram for a pass-through dimmer has its own characteristics.
It must be taken into account that the device cannot be switched on between two pass-through switches where two electrical lines are laid. It is better to include it in the phase wire between the switch and the load.
Another feature of this circuit is that if it is in the off state, the pass-through switches will not work.
Lighting control from different points in the room
To provide this lighting control option, 2 schemes can be considered.
Installation diagram with two dimmers
When you need to regulate lighting from two different points, you can use a circuit with two dimmers. In this case, the first and second terminals of the dimmers are connected to each other. 
The phase wire is connected to the remaining third terminal of one of the dimmers, and from the third terminal of the second device the wire goes to the load. Thus, three wires come out of the junction box of each dimmer.
How to properly connect a high quality dimmer
To ensure the adjustment of room illumination from different points, it is possible to use imported high-quality push-button dimmers, for example, the Legrand Valena type produced by the French company Legrand. A special feature of this device is that the purchase package includes additional adjustment buttons that can be installed at different ends of the illuminated room. In this case, the distance from the dimmer to the farthest remote button is limited to 50 meters.
There are several options: with or without grounding, according to a selective or non-selective scheme. The use of this device allows you to ensure both the safety of people and protect devices and the network itself from accidents.
There is a guide for installing spotlights in drywall, and this will help you on how to make the right choice of LED lamps for home lighting.
The circuit diagram for switching on a dimmer with remote adjustment buttons is as follows. The phase wire approaches the dimmer terminal No. 1 and the first terminals of the remote buttons. From the second terminals of the remote buttons, the wire goes to terminal B of the dimmer. The load is connected to terminal No. 2 of the dimmer and neutral wire N.
Of course, you have to overpay significantly for the capabilities of such a branded device. Thus, a Legrand Valena dimmer, designed for 600 W, costs 2,486 rubles, while the domestic AGAT-K-200 costs about 500 rubles.So, before you install a dimmer with your own hands, you need to remember just a few rules:
- Although there are various options for connecting dimmers, their circuits are quite simple - they are installed in series with the power source in the phase wire of the power network.
- To adjust the lighting from different points in the room, you can use a circuit with one high-quality, expensive dimmer with additional remote buttons.
Video: how to connect a dimmer - a specific example
A dimmer is undoubtedly a cost-effective element of a household electrical network. With its help, it becomes possible to regulate the brightness of the lamps, and accordingly reduce their power and electricity consumption, which, if calculated over a year, results in a significant amount. Agree that rooms do not always require lamps to operate at full power, and it is better to solve this problem with a dimmer than to redo the wiring and divide the lighting elements into groups from different light switches. In this article we propose to talk about how to connect a dimmer.
To make it easier for us to understand how to install a dimmer with our own hands, first we’ll tell you a little about what this device is and what the principle of its operation is.
Scope of application
The dimmer got its name from the English verb “to dim”, which literally translated into Russian means “to darken”, “fade” or “dim”. In another way, this device is often called a dimmer. However, with its help you can regulate not only the brightness of lighting fixtures, but also the heating temperature of some electrical appliances (for example, an iron, electric stove or soldering iron).
Its work with incandescent light bulbs is considered the most effective, because the dimmer helps extend their service life. We know that starting current surges are often the cause of light bulb burnouts. If there is a dimmer in the circuit with the lamp, a minimum current will be supplied to it during switching on.
The dimmer cannot be connected to devices that require a pulsed or transformer power source (such as a radio, television) to operate. This is due to the characteristic features of the regulator. The signal present at the dimmer output does not have a sinusoidal shape; due to the switches, the tops of this curve are cut off. Such a signal will lead to breakdown of the specified equipment.
It is also not recommended to connect an ordinary dimmer with fluorescent lamps. Such a circuit will either not work at all or will cause the lamps to blink. To adjust these light sources, there are special devices that have a slightly different design. The same applies to halogen and energy-saving lamps. If you connect a dimmer to these light sources, the first ones will not be adjusted at all, and the second ones will blink. There are also special regulators for them, although their price is much higher than regular ones.
Species
The simplest dimmer works based on variable resistors (rheostats). This method of adjusting lighting is considered ineffective and has low efficiency due to overheating and the need for cooling. Nowadays, manufacturers no longer mass-produce such devices; most often, radio amateurs make them themselves.
The regulator, which is based on the operation of an autotransformer, produces an almost ideal sinusoidal curve at the output. But such a device is large in size and weight, and adjustment will require considerable effort.
The most popular at the moment are electronic dimmers, which are based on the operation of thyristors, transistors and triacs. It is precisely they that cannot be used with equipment that requires a sinusoidal power supply. Such regulators have another drawback: during operation they create interference that interferes with the normal functioning of radios and other sensitive devices. However, despite the listed disadvantages, electronic dimmers are used more often than others, due to their low price, small size and available additional functions.
In terms of execution, the regulator can be:
Monoblock options are often used in apartments. In private residential buildings, it is convenient to install modular devices when you need to control the light in the adjacent area.
It is worth noting that there are still walk-through models of dimmers; they work on the same principle as walk-through switches, that is, the light can be adjusted in two places.
Ways to control dimmers
Monoblock dimmers, in turn, have several types depending on the control method:
Additional features
The very first dimmers had an electromechanical device, and with their help it was only possible to adjust incandescent lamps.
Modern devices provide the consumer with several additional functions:
- They can turn lights on and off according to a set timer.
- They can be installed when installing a “smart home” system; now it is very fashionable.
- Due to the fact that you can set a certain time for turning the lighting on and off, the dimmer allows you to create the so-called presence effect. This is very convenient if you have a long trip ahead and you leave your home unattended.
- Using a dimmer, you can set different operating modes for lamps, for example, make them blink.
- With the help of modern dimmers, you can control the lighting acoustically, that is, using a voice command or clapping your hands.
- The device makes it possible to control the brightness of the light remotely.
The simplest scheme
Let's look at how to connect a monoblock type dimmer. This model is the most common; it is most often connected independently and mounted instead of a switch.
The dimmer is installed in the network in the same way as a switch, with a phase break, in series with the load. A special point is that you cannot confuse phase and zero. If you connect the regulator incorrectly and set it to the zero break, the electronic circuit will be damaged and fail.
Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to determine the phase wire. The algorithm for these actions will be as follows:
- Turn off the circuit breaker that supplies voltage to the workplace. That is, it can be an introductory machine for the entire apartment, or for this room.
- Check that there is no voltage and remove the switch. Remove the key, the protective panel, disconnect the wires from the input and output terminals and remove the operating mechanism from the socket box.
- We have two wires freed up; we need to find out which of them is the phase wire coming from the junction box. Turn on the power supply again and carefully touch both wires using an indicator screwdriver. That vein, upon contact with which the window on the indicator lit up, is the required phase. Touch the second wire, the window does not light up, which means this is a wire going from the switch to the lighting fixture. Carefully mark the desired phase wire with a marker or a piece of insulating tape.
- Turn off the power supply again to connect the dimmer. The circuit is very simple; connect the detected phase to the dimmer input contact. Connect the wire that goes to the load (lamp) through the junction box to the output contact.
There are dimmer models in which the input and output contacts are marked; then make connections according to the markings:
- “L-in” – this is how the phase-input is designated;
- “L-out” is the designation for phase-out.
If your model doesn't have anything signed, connect randomly.
Dimmer with switch
Also popular is a slightly more complicated circuit, but certainly very convenient, especially for use in bedrooms - a switch is installed in front of the dimmer to break the phase. The dimmer is mounted near the bed, and the light switch, as expected, is located at the entrance to the room. Now, while lying in bed, it is possible to adjust the lamps, and when leaving the room, the light can be completely turned off. When you return to the bedroom and press the switch at the entrance, the light bulbs will light up with the same brightness with which they were burning at the moment of shutdown.
Similar to pass-through switches, pass-through dimmers are also connected, which makes it possible to control lighting from two points. There should be three wires running from each location where the dimmers are installed into the distribution box. The input contact of the first dimmer is supplied with phase from the supply network. The output contact of the second dimmer is connected to the lighting load. And the two pairs of remaining wires are connected to each other by jumpers.
Rotary dimmer installation
Let's look at an example of how to properly connect a rotary dimmer:
- Start with parsing. Pull the rotary handle slightly towards you and remove it.
- Below it you will see a button secured with a clamping nut. Unscrew this nut and remove the front panel.
- There is a working part under the panel; connect the wires to the contact outputs according to the diagram discussed above. Now insert the working part into the socket box and secure it in it with screws.
- Place the front panel, secure with a nut and secure the rotary disk on top. The installed dimmer is ready for use, all that remains is to make sure the circuit is correct.
- Turn the dial counterclockwise, you will hear a characteristic click, which means the dimmer is turned off. Apply voltage to the room by turning on the circuit breaker. The lamps in the lamp do not light, which means everything is correct, because our regulator is turned off. Now start turning the dial clockwise, you will again hear a click indicating it is turned on. After this, the voltage on the lamps will begin to increase smoothly, and the brightness of the lighting will increase accordingly.
The dimmer is connected to LED lamps in the same way, with a phase break. There is only one small difference: the wire from its output contact does not go directly to the lamps, but first to the LED lamp controller.
How to install and connect the dimmer is shown in this video:
As you can see, connecting the regulators is not particularly difficult. If you know how to install and assemble a circuit for switches, then you can handle dimmers.
DIY apartment renovation
In this review, we will talk about a device that can be seen on the shelves of our electrical goods stores, called a dimmer or brightness control for incandescent lamps. And also consider the question - how to install a dimmer with your own hands? Your name "dimmer" received from the English verb “to dim” - to become dim, to darken. In other words, using a dimmer you can adjust the brightness of the lamp. What is especially valuable is that during this action the power consumption is proportionally reduced.
The simplest dimmer device includes one rotary lever for adjustment, and a pair of terminals for connection, and is used to adjust the brightness of halogen and incandescent lamps. Not long ago, dimmers appeared that can adjust the brightness of fluorescent lamps.
Previously, the brightness of incandescent lamps was adjusted using rheostats, the power of which was equal to or greater than the load power. In addition, during a decrease in brightness, excess power was not saved, but was simply dissipated uselessly in the form of heat generation on the rheostat. Naturally, there was no talk of saving, it simply did not exist. And similar devices were used where it was only necessary to adjust the brightness - for example, in theaters.
This was the case until wonderful semiconductor devices appeared - triac and dinistor. WITHmodern dimmers work precisely on the basis of these elements.
Dimmer connection
The dimmer connection is made according to a very simple scheme. It, like a regular switch, is connected to an open circuit in the electronic load power supply circuit supplied to the lamps. In terms of its mounting and installation dimensions, the dimmer is similar to the switch. As a result, its installation is carried out in exactly the same way as a switch in a mounting box, and the procedure for installing a dimmer does not differ from the procedure for installing a regular keyboard player (). The only additional condition stated by the manufacturer is that the terminals are connected to the load and to the phase.
All modern dimmers can be classified into two groups - rotary or rotary (with a regulator) and push-button or electronic, controlled using buttons.
When adjusting (dimming) with the knob, the brightness will depend on the angle of rotation. In this regard, a push-button dimmer is much more flexible. You can, for example, connect a number of buttons in parallel and control the dimmer from different places. Of course, this is in theory, but in practice there are certain restrictions, such as the maximum cable length is approximately 10 meters, and besides, the circuit is critical to interference and interference. As a result, you must strictly adhere to the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
There are also dimmers with remote control, via infrared or radio.
The prices of dimmers with buttons and a regulator differ by approximately an order of magnitude, since a button dimmer is usually assembled using a microcontroller. Because of this, rotary dimmers are much more common.
Before you buy a dimmer, you need to calculate the total power of all lamps whose operation will be regulated by it. For example, there are six 60 W lamps installed in your room, therefore their total power will be 360 W. With such input data, it is better to take a 500 W dimmer, since it needs power reserve. There is no need to load the dimmer at full power, as overheating will lead to failure or even fire. When choosing a touch-type dimmer, there is one caveat - grounding is required for their installation.
How to install a dimer
You need to start dismantling the old switch by turning off the electricity and checking that there is no voltage, then remove the key and remove the frame, unscrew the bolts, loosen the mounting tabs and remove the switch and disconnect the cables.
Connect and install the dimmer. Just repeat step by step the entire process you did when removing the old switch, only this time in reverse. The only thing you need to remember is that, unlike a standard switch, which works regardless of the order in which the wires are supplied, the outgoing and incoming (phase) wires must be correctly connected to the dimmer. The terminal of the device, marked with the letter L (line), is intended just for the power cable.
Diagram and device of a rotary dimmer
In fact, the rotary dimmer device is very simple, but may differ from one manufacturer to another. The main difference is the quality of the components and the assembly itself.
The basic operating principle of the dimmer circuit is as follows. In order for the lamp to light up, current must pass through the triac. This will happen when the required voltage appears between the electrodes of triac A1 and G. And this is how it appears.
dimmer connection diagram
The capacitor will begin to charge at the beginning of the positive half-wave through the potentiometer R. It is clear that the charging rate will depend on the value of R. In other words, the phase angle changes with the potentiometer. When the voltage on the capacitor reaches the value required to open the dinistor and triac, the triac opens.
In other words, the light bulb burns until the end of the half-wave because its resistance becomes too low. The same thing happens with the negative half-wave, due to the fact that the triac and diac are symmetrical devices, and they do not care in which direction the current flow through them is directed.
As a result, we find that the voltage on the active load consists of “fragments” of positive and negative half-waves, which follow each other at a frequency of 100 Hz.
The final and starting ignition points, and in addition the stability of the lamp’s combustion, will depend on the values of the resistors and capacitors. The lamp will burn the least at the lowest resistance of the rotary resistor R1.
If you are an enthusiast, you can try to assemble the dimmer yourself. There are a huge number of different homemade dimmer circuits of varying levels of complexity.
How to repair a dimmer
At the end of the article I would like to write a few lines about repairing dimmers. Usually the main cause of failure is a short circuit or exceeding the maximum permissible loads. As a result, as a rule, the triac breaks. Which can be replaced by removing the radiator and using a soldering iron to remove the triac from the board. It is ideal to immediately replace it with a powerful one, designed for a higher voltage and current than the burnt one. In addition, it happens that the regulator itself fails.
If desired, the dimmer can be used as a simple voltage regulator, connecting any active load to it - a kettle, iron, incandescent lamp, soldering iron. But the most important thing is the power of the dimmer, which must match the load.
That's it, the dimmer installation is complete. We hope that this article was able to fully answer the question - how to install a dimmer with your own hands? Good luck with your renovation!
