With alternating current now clear, and a clearer picture of what voltage and amperage are, we can now understand what a dimmer switch is actually changing. So there are 120 mini off/on cycles every second.īut because it’s happening when the voltage is at zero, it doesn’t make the light flicker at all. Remember that the cycle happens 60 times a second, meaning the curve passes through zero voltage 120 times a second. If you set the dimmer to maximum, there won’t be a pause, as it just won’t switch the current off, but set it to the lowest setting, and it’ll pause for a longer time. The longer the pause before switching the current back on, the less current constantly flows through the light, so the dimmer the bulb. So the voltage doesn’t change – it still reaches its peak, but it doesn’t have that gentle curve to get to it. It’s essentially switching the current on and off. It’s an undulating sine wave, which starts from zero voltage, rises to the peak voltage of 120 volts positive, returns to zero voltage, then drops to 120 volts negative before returning to zero.Ī dimmer switch interrupts that curve whenever it’s at the zero voltage mark, pausing before resuming it. It does a complete cycle (positive and negative) 60 times a second for a current of 60 hertz. Because we also need to explain alternating current first.Īlternating current (AC) concerns the direction of the flow of electrons.Īs the name suggests, it alternates – it travels in one direction (positive) and then reverses (negative). So now that we understand the voltage and amperage of a home lighting circuit do we know enough to understand how a dimmer switch works? How Does a Dimmer Switch Work on a Circuit? Most lighting circuits in the US are 120 volts with a flow of 15 amps, although you may have other circuits that are 20 amps. ![]() Just like a tiny trickling waterfall isn’t as risky as a massive deep river, no matter how slow it’s moving. The analogy works well because it’s also reflective of the danger.Ī circuit with low amperage and high voltage isn’t going to be as dangerous as one with high amperage and low voltage. While a high amperage and low voltage would be a massive deep river flowing slower due to the low angle. There’s a perfect analogy that some experts use here, comparing electrical current to a river.Īmperage is the volume of water, and voltage is the angle at which the river is flowing.Ī river with low amperage and high voltage would have a low amount of water on an extremely high angle – like a gently trickly waterfall. At the same time, voltage is a measurement of the pressure that permits the electrons to flow. What is the Difference Between Amperage and Voltage?īefore we get into whether a dimmer switch controls amps or volts, it’s good to start by explaining the differences between them.Īmperage and voltage are both measurements of electrical current.Īmperage is a measurement of the volume of electrons moving through a circuit. What that means the dimmer switch is adjusting.The difference between amperage and voltage.Don’t worry though – by the end of this guide you’re going to understand: Like I said – quite complicated, especially if you’re not particularly savvy with electrical circuits. It’s not reducing the voltage but limiting the flow by switching the current on and off, which provides the dimmed effect. ![]() Instead, it interrupts the alternating current (AC) voltage. How does this little dial or slider switch make it so that your lights get brighter or dimmer? Is it more amps?Ī dimmer switch doesn’t control amps, and it doesn’t directly control volts. ![]() Lighting systems and anything to do with circuitry can seem really complicated, and dimmer switches are no different. Taking care of the customer is Lutron’s first principle and our number one priority.While you could have a dimmer switch installed for you and just be happy that it does what it’s supposed to, it’s always better to understand how the electrical components in your home actually work.Whether you are looking to reduce energy costs, increase comfort, or manage light control solutions, Lutron products offer the flexibility you need with the energy savings you want.Ĭonnected lighting, shades, and hand-crafted controls that elevate everyday life.
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