answersLogoWhite

0

All a solid-state dimmer does is fire a triac at the correct point in the phase to control the power output. It does not dissipate the excess power like a variable resistor. The triac has about 3/4 of a volt drop across it. With a 120W light bulb this means that the dimmer will dissipate 3/4 of a watt at maximum power, which is negligible. So the dimmer will save energy in the long-run.

The dimmer circuit is actually a power regulator, albiet a choppy one. The lower the setting, the less time the lamp is turned on during each cycle. Thus, the overall power consumption is decreased.

How do I know this? I've built light dimmers. Ask me about the ramp voltage.

The truth is logical. Less light less energy!

Not as much as switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.

Do not use a dimmer on CFLs, as it can damage both the bulb and the dimmer.Another option is to switch to an LED lighting which is a solid state lighting. The advantage of this is that you save as much energy as using a CFL while still retaining the capability to dim the bulb thus giving you increased energy savings.

===============

The answers above are not completely accurate. Dimming a light DOES cause it to use less electricity. There are many dimming technologies. Some do "chop" the wave using triacs or SCRs. Others produce a normal sine wave output at lower amplitude, although these are used more often in theatrical and commercial dimming systems.

It is possible to dim a CFL lamp without damaging the lamp or the dimmer. The CFL lamps must be designed to be dimmable (many are now, check the specs). Similarly, not all LED lamps are dimmable--check the specs (most are dimmable but depends on the electronics).

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Does using a dimmer switch affect the electricity usage?

Newer dimmers are based on the "triac" principle which will cut costs of running lamps. This is achieved by allowing electricity to cycle through the bulbs at less than 60 hz thus causing the bulb to use less energy. Some old dimmers were purely resistive dimmers thus, electricity not being used by the lamp was dissipated as heat by the dimmer. This style dimmer showed no electricity savings.


What are the benefits of using a smart dimmer switch in your home?

Smart dimmer switches offer several benefits in a home, including the ability to adjust lighting levels remotely, save energy by reducing electricity usage, create different ambiance settings, and increase the lifespan of light bulbs.


Can connecting a specific amount of magnet to one of your electric wires reduce the electricity usage?

No. Your magnet will fight the electricity.


How can I dim LED lights effectively?

You can dim LED lights effectively by using a compatible dimmer switch designed for LED bulbs. Make sure the dimmer is rated for the wattage of your LED lights and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and usage.


What is the purpose of an electricity usage monitor?

The purpose of a home energy monitor is to monitor the amount of electric and energy used in one's home. It can display the fossil fuel usage to and people who use them often reduce their energy use.


How long do black lights last?

7000 hours, however the longer the usage, the dimmer it will get.


What services are offered by the Switch Gas and Electricity website?

The services offered on the Switch Gas and Electric website are switching service providers , updating profile information and usage . You can manage your bill, switch providers or even stop and start service.


How can I retrofit my existing lighting fixtures to be more energy-efficient and cost-effective?

You can retrofit your existing lighting fixtures by replacing old bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, installing motion sensors or timers to control lighting usage, and adding dimmer switches to adjust light levels. These upgrades can help reduce energy consumption and lower electricity costs.


Advantages of using solar energy?

Solar energy is renewable, meaning it is a sustainable source of power. It helps reduce electricity bills as sunlight is free. Solar energy also has a minimal environmental impact compared to fossil fuels, as it produces no greenhouse gas emissions.


What is the usage of transformer?

The usage of transformer is to produce electricity from a main electric unit


What can I do to monitor and reduce my electricity usage during peak hours?

The best way to monitor and reduce your electricity during peak hours includes replacing your thermostat with a programmable, keeping blinds closed, do laundry at night, and keep the lights off. Be sure that you are turning off lights and televisions when you leave a room.


What is No Electricity Day?

No Electricity Day is an event that encourages people to reduce their electricity usage for one day. It aims to raise awareness about energy conservation, promote sustainable living practices, and highlight the impact of electricity consumption on the environment. Participants are encouraged to find alternative ways to power their activities during this day.