Articles

DIMMER

 

Transformer dimmer is primarily based on circuit developed for controlling the load power. Unlike the other circuits utilizing the phase control principle, the function of this circuit is based on variations of voltage amplitude.
The function of transformer dimmer provides not only "soft-start" and protection from power line transients (voltage spikes) to the load but also prevents it from producing acoustical noise. It depends on the style of interior/exterior layout of fixture to mount a low-voltage transformer.
The Companies manufacturing transformers and dimmers have consented on a standard method of categorization of dimmers. In future, the dimmers shall be classified by the three letters, R, L and C or a grouping thereof. 'R' is describe for 'Resistive Load' such as 230V incandescent or halogen lamps, ‘L’ is describe for 'Inductive Load' such as magnetic transformers and “C” is described for 'capacitive load' such as electronic AC transformers for 12V halogen lamps.
The low voltage dimmers are categorized in to Magnetic transformer dimmer, Electronic transformer dimmer (AC) and Electronic transformer dimmer (DC).
Magnetic transformer dimming: The Magnetic transformers are markedly dimmable from 100% to 0%. The appropriate type of dimming for magnetic transformers (inductive = L) is leading edge dimming which can also be used for dimming incandescent and 230V halogen lamps (R).
Electronic transformer dimming (AC): The trailing edge dimming 220-240V a.c., is suitable for electronic AC transformers and can be used for dimming the incandescent and 230V halogen lamps (R) from the range of 35-105W, 220-240v/11.5~12v.
Electronic transformer dimming (DC) are in distinction to electronic AC transformers, and are generally more easily controlled with a leading edge dimmer (inductive = L) or a trailing edge dimmer (capacitive = C).