How do variable switches work?

How do variable switches work?

A dimmer switch changes the direction of electrical flow every time that it is used to dim or brighten the lights. The flow of electricity always alternates between positive and negative. When the circuit alternates it will automatically shut the circuit off or on.

Can any switch be a dimmer?

A dimmer switch can be installed anywhere that an existing on or off switch is in place. Replacing the current toggle switch with a dimmer switch will allow you to change the lights’ brightness, so long as you are using a light bulb that is compatible with the dimmer you have chosen.

Are dimmer switches good?

The Advantages of Installing Dimmer Switches You can reduce the light output, which helps the light bulbs last longer. This also means you don’t have to replace the bulbs as often. As a result, dimmer switches can help you save on your utility costs and minimize the costs related to replacing the bulbs.

What is the difference between a rheostat and a dimmer switch?

As nouns the difference between rheostat and dimmer is that rheostat is an electrical resistor, with two terminals, whose resistance is continuously variable by moving a knob or slider while dimmer is a rheostat that is used to vary the intensity of a domestic electric light.

Does dimmer save electricity?

Not only do modern light dimmers save you energy, but they also extend the life of your light bulbs! Dimmers use a “Triac Switch” to rapidly turn a light circuit on and off to reduce the energy flowing to a light bulb. This switch will cut the energy running to the fixture up to 120 times in one second.

Is a light dimmer a potentiometer?

MOST modern light dimmers are no longer a potentiometer or rheostat. The are a triac and the rotating dial you see is the “user interface”, emulating the actions of the older rheostat technology.

Can I put a dimmer switch on LED lights?

Use an LED Dimmer switch A standard dimmer switch cannot be used with an LED light as you will never be able to dim the LED light either completely or not very well. LED lights need their own special electronic dimmer switch to have a fully functioning and dimming light.

What should I look for when buying a dimmer switch?

Choose a dimmer with a wattage rating that meets or exceeds the total wattage of all the light bulbs the dimmer will control. For example, if the dimmer controls a fixture with ten 75-watt bulbs, you need a dimmer rated for 750 watts or higher.

Can I use dimmer switch with ceiling fan?

Standard dimmer switches should never be used to control the fan motor on a ceiling fan because the dimmer could damage the fan motor, or overheat and start a fire.