dimmer switch

[simpson93]

ho guys im just wondering how dimmer switches work, (is it just a variable resistor?) also how to know which dimmer switch to use on which lights.
thanks
simpson93

 

[malcolmsanford]

This is a good article

View attachment iLIGHT%20Binder-HowDimmers.pdf

 

[dean7828]

when you turn the switch rather than completing a full wave cycle it will lock it on to say half a cyle or 180 degrees of a cyle, giving you more or less diffrences in power. i think?

 

[malcolmsanford]

Yes basically unlike the old thirisistor days you alter the wave form from your nice wavy sine to a square one

 

[telectrix]

at least thyristors don't buzz! replaced a dimmer for a client 3 times now, buzzing keeps him awake. tried telling him to switch the lights off before going to bed, arrrgh

 

[simpson93]

thanks guys but still unclear about how you decide which switch to put in for which lights for instance about 6 50w downlighters do you put it on 300w dimmer?

 

[malcolmsanford]

This may help

G:\lights and switches\Dimmer Guide.mht

 

[simpson93]

This may help

G:\lights and switches\Dimmer Guide.mht

dont think your upload is working

 

[malcolmsanford]

it's the TLC site should be able to cut and paste it or go onto the TLC tech part of the site

 

[Marvo]

The link is to an item stored on the G drive of the local pc, he'll need to attach it to the post for you to access it.

 

[telectrix]

thanks guys but still unclear about how you decide which switch to put in for which lights for instance about 6 50w downlighters do you put it on 300w dimmer?

with halogen downlights, i always add up the load, say 300 watt in your example and multiply by 2. ie 700watt dimmer nearest.