Dimmer

Definition of a Dimmer

Dimmer is a device which controls the current sent to a lantern or a motor. The device can increase or decrease the current going to the source it is attached and thus increase or decrease the light or speed of motor respectively. When multiple dimmers are encased together, the set is called a dimmer pack or dimmer rack.

Dimmer is one of the most popular pick among the business and homeowners. In a recent research, dimmer was the most popular light item among the people who did home renovations last year. Most of the people replaced their old light switches with dimmers due to their great features. Dimmers can be easily installed anywhere from residential homes to commercial buildings. Most of the manufacturers include the manual on 'How to install a dimmer' in the package. However, the installation is really easy that even the person with no electrician knowledge can do the installation.

Today, dimmer has changed the whole concept of light controls. There used to be switches to control the lights which are now replaced widely by the dimmers. The feature which makes the dimmers different from the switches is their 'dim setting' which dims the light according to the mood or environment. The lights can be dimmed and set according to the surroundings or the mood.

History of a Dimmer

Dimmer was first introduced by Granville Woods in 1892 for theaters. The early dimmers were made for commercial purposes like in theaters and halls. The dimmer circuitry was so big that it cannot be used for residential purposes. Woods manufactured the early dimmer with heavy transformers and resistors. The quality of the output of early dimmer was not good and it created a electrical noise in the circuit which keeps on flickering the light. In 1960s, solid state electronics made progress and the first solid state dimmer was introduced by Lutron. The dimmer was made from solid state components which were more efficient and reliable. The wear and tear of the dimmer circuitry dramatically dropped and the life of dimmers changed from months to years. After the progress in electronics world, the whole concept of dimmers changed. Instead of large heavy dimmers, small and light dimmers came took the market. Now people have more choices in choosing the color and size to match their environment or mood.

Manufacturer of Dimmers

After the beginning of a new era in the electronics world, many dimmer manufacturing companies appeared in the market in 1960s. Most companies were using solid state components in dimmer construction for better results. The most popular brands are Lutron and Leviton. Both Lutron and Leviton are the biggest manufacturers of dimmer and light control products. Both offers thousands of dimmers with different styles and colors.

Dimmer Saves Electricity

The main advantage of dimmers over conventional switches is that they save electricity. The dimmer control the power to the light source and the power is consumed less when the light is dimmed. Dimmer has proved that it is one of the best electricity saver product for homes and commercial buildings. Dimmer also increase the life of a bulb or motor it is attached to. Low power to the source lessens the wear and tear of the electrical components. Dimmers are a great way to save electricity and to cut down the cost of maintenance of light bulb, fluorescent light and ceiling fans. Following is a comparison chart on 'How a dimmer saves electricity'

How Dimmer Saves Electricity

Important Features of Dimmer

Dimmers are low cost replacement for a conventional light switch and ranges from $10-$50 depending on the model and use of the dimmer. Dimmers are the best replacements because their many features like durable, easy installation and different attractive styles. Dimmers have the following important features.

• Durable
• Inexpensive
• Automated
• Easy Installation
• Stylish

A Simple Dimmer Circuit

We can build our own simple dimmer circuit for fun or for our science project. The following circuit is a simple circuit layout for a light dimmer constructed basic electronic components. The circuit is constructed with electronic components like capacitors, resistors and diodes. with . The main principle in the working of the dimmer circuit is to charge the capacitor first using the power source, and then let the capacitor to discharge slowly. This makes sure that the wattage is decreased to the source to which the dimmer is attached.

Simple 12V Dimmer Circuit

Safety Measures for a Dimmer

Dimmer can be dangerous to the property if not installed properly. Due to short circuit in the wires of dimmer, it can cause fire to the property. Therefore during installation, it should be made sure that comes with complete instructions on 'How to install lutron light dimmer' and anyone with no knowledge of electronics can install it in less than 15 minutes. The instructions comes with complete safety measures which should be taken during dimmer installation. During light dimmer installation, it should be made sure that no part of the wires to be touched once they are live.

Common search terms for 'Dimmer'

• Dimmer
• Dimmers
• Lutron dimmer
• Leviton dimmer
• Discount dimmer
• Light dimmer

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