How to connect a dimmer - instruction from A to Z

Operating principle of the

dimming controller photo First we need to understand how the dimmer works. The principle of operation is the smooth regulation of the voltage, which is supplied to a controlled light source, for example, a spotlight.

Simply put, the device can change the voltage that goes to the bulb from 0 to 100%.The lower the voltage at the output, the dimmer will be the glow. At the same time, there are many types of products that differ not only in appearance, but also by themselves according to the principle of operation, namely:

• control: wheel( rotary), push button( push), sensor( electronic);
• application: halogen, fluorescent, LED light sources or incandescent lamps;
• additional features: timer, remote control, inclusion of cotton, smooth shutdown, etc.;
• design: modular( fastened to DIN-rail), monoblock( fixed in the wall, like rosettes).

So, now we will consider the basic requirements for installing and connecting the dimmer yourself.

Application requirements

Immediately it should be noted that the simplest dimmers that are used at home can only be used to control incandescent lamps and halogen lamps. If they are connected to LED strips and fluorescent bulbs, both devices will fail in a short period of time. That's why you need to choose dimmers based on what kind of bulbs they will control.

The remaining requirements for connecting a dimmer are as follows:

• The minimum power of the luminaire to be connected to must not be lower than 40 W.If you ignore this point, the service life of the product is noticeably reduced.
• It is not recommended to install a dimmer in a room in which the temperature is above 25 ° C.Overheating of the device will negatively affect its operation.
• The phase conductor must always go to the break, which is connected to the connector marked L. Likewise, it is strictly forbidden to connect the zero, in the same way as when connecting the light switch in the standard version.
• To adjust the emission of fluorescent lamps, select products with the appropriate designation, which indicates that the light bulb can be used for dimming.
• If you decide to use the dimmer switch together with LED lamps and ribbons, you need to buy a special design device that can work with such a light source. Leading manufacturers: Schneider, Legrand, ABB and Viko have in their assortment such models, however their cost is an order of magnitude higher( from $ 100).
• The power of the dimmer must exceed the total power of the luminaires that it will serve. For example, if you decide to use 3 bulbs of 100 watts, the power of the device should be selected with a margin of at least 500 watts. If the total power of the luminaires is more than 1 kW, in this case it is necessary to additionally connect an amplifier, with which it is possible to maintain the lighting system up to 1.8 kW.
• It is forbidden to simultaneously connect capacitive and inductive loads to the dimmer.

That's all the requirements that you must adhere to in order to properly connect the dimmer yourself!

Connection diagrams

Before proceeding with the installation of the device, you must select the most suitable wiring diagram. For today it is possible to connect a dimmer with a light switch and without it, as an independent control element. At the same time, it is possible to install several identical devices at the same time, or even use a combination with a pass-through switch. Let's consider each scheme in more detail and determine the merits of all options.

Standard conditions

In this case, you need to connect the dimmer yourself instead of the switch that was installed earlier. It's simple - the phase of conducting the breaking and grounding and zero directly to the luminaire( if using a network of 220 V three-wire).

On the diagram you can visually see the essence of this method:

This option is the simplest and will not take you much time, especially if you use the old shroud for installation work.

With

switch This method is more convenient for use in the bedroom, becauseit will be possible to turn on / off the light with a conventional switch, and the dimmer to be placed near the bed, which will allow you to control the brightness of the lighting without getting up.

Dual control

To control the brightness of ambient light from two different places, you can set two dimmer and connect them with each other jumpers. This option is recommended to use in spacious rooms and long corridors.

Another option for controlling the luminaire and its brightness from several locations is the use of a through switch.

Driving dimmer connection in this case is as follows:

After selecting the most suitable for your dimmer wiring diagrams conditions necessary to proceed to the final stage - the installation of the product.

Installation work

In fact, the technology of installing a dimmer is no different from installing an ordinary light switch.

If you already have a finished shtroba, to which the wires from the junction box and the luminaire are connected, you can connect the dimmer yourself as follows:

1. Turn off the electricity in the apartment.
2. Install the mounting box in the recess.
3. We fix the cores in the corresponding terminals of the case.
4. Put the body in the stroba.
5. Unscrew the side screws so that the presser feet are torn in the walls of the back box.
6. Fasten decorative frame, tighten the screws and screw the wheel - assembled construction.
7. We turn on the electricity and check the correctness of the electrical work.

That's the whole technology of installing and connecting the dimmer yourself. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in this event, the main thing is to choose the type of lamps and model of the device! With such a connection easily cope even teapots in electrical engineering, but if you are having any difficulties, it is best to view the video instructions provided below.

Related material:

• What is dimmable LED bulbs
• How to repair the dimmer at home
• Wiring diagram for the two-key switch