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What Is A Dimmer Switch And How Does It Work?

What Is A Dimmer Switch And How Does It Work?

29 September 2022

What Is A Dimmer Switch

The dimmer switch used in home lighting is one of the devices that we use so that we can adjust the brightness level of the light. The switches for opening and closing home lighting circuits are the circuit elements that we use every day in daily life. In the classic switches, where we usually can not adjust the brightness level, new types have begun to appear with the development of technology. Sometimes we may want to adjust the ambient lighting according to our changing mood or according to the work we do. That is why the dimmer switch is made in such a way as to help us in adjusting the brightness level for any lighting system.

The dimmer switch, the use of which has increased with the newly built modern buildings, provides a lot of savings in electricity bill apart from controlling the lighting. Increasing or decreasing light brightness is often used to control ambient light. With advanced options and models, you can automatically set it to dim or turn it off at any time with timers or smart controls.

How Does Dimmer Switches Work?

The most basic working principle of the dimmer switch is triage, which has the ability to pass current in two directions. The dimer switch, which is set to be able to change its brightness by controlling the current passing through the circuit, controls the current using a small motor to quickly change the resistance.

What Are The Dimmer Switch Types?

There are many different types of dimmer switches available. Dimmer switches are created by 4 different designs, using slide, rotary, touch, and integrated. We can list some of them as follows;

Pioneering Edge Dimmers

It is usually used with halogen bulbs. It provides a cheaper and higher wattage.

LED Dimmers

It is used for LED bulbs that require less wattage.

Single Pole Dimmers

To control the light intensity from one place, they have a single switch.

3 or 4-Way Dimmers

3- or 4-way dimmers, which are compatible with different types of loads, do not have open and closed signs. They can be used to control the intensity of light from multiple places.


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Other Types of Dimmer Switches

Multi-Location Dimmers

These dimmers are also used to control the intensity of light from many places.

Rotary Dimmers

The most common type of dimmer is the rotating one. Usually, a small electric motor is used to adjust the intensity of the light. Quickly and gradually, the brightness of the light can be adjusted very comfortably.

Touch Dimmers

Often used in smart home systems, these dimmers include a touch button or surface that allows the wearer to adjust the light level by touch.

Slide Dimmers

As its name suggests, they are dimmers that help us adjust the brightness of the light by sliding it up and down.

What Are The Advantages Of Using A Dimmer Switch?

  • Approximately 20% of the energy is conserved because the light intensity can be adjusted as desired.
  • Since less energy is used, the cost of electricity bills is proportionally less.
  • It is easily used in homes, hospitals, and schools.
  • It is very easy to use.
  • The brightness setting of the light can be adjusted as desired.
  • It is used in multiple positions.
  • Thanks to the dimmer switches, the bulb is ensured to be long-lasting.
  • Giving your home a modern look, it appeals to your eye pleasure.

What Are The Disadvantages?

  • It can be used for every home, but an electrician is needed for its installation.
  • Some lighting does not support dimmer switches.