What does a TRIAC do in a dimmer switch?

The TRIAC dimmer decoder, according to National Semiconductor, detects the dimming angle of a rectified AC current. The LM3450 then decodes the dimming angle, filters it, and remaps the line to a 500-Hz pulse modulation waveform capable of properly dimming an LED.

How TRIAC can be used for light dimmer circuit?

The TRIAC is a three terminal component that is used to control the current. It gives AC switching for various electrical system applications such as the TRIACS and the thyristor. These components can be found only in a particular light dimmer circuit where they allow both halves of the AC cycle to be used.

What is TRIAC in lighting?

What does TRIAC mean? TRIAC stands for Triode for Alternating Current, and is a switch that is used to control power. When used in lighting applications, it’s commonly referred to as ‘TRIAC dimming’.

Which devices are used in light dimmer circuit?

The device that can control the intensity of light is called “light dimmer”. Variable resistors and autotransformers were used as dimmers which can adjust the load current or supply voltage.

What type of dimming is TRIAC?

Forward Phase: Forward phase-cut dimming (commonly referred to as incandescent or Triac dimming) is the most common dimming method. It’s designed for resistive or magnetic low-voltage (MLV) loads, including incandescent and halogen, but certain models allow for more usage with CFL and LED loads.

How TRIAC works as a switch?

A TRIAC is a bidirectional, three-electrode AC switch that allows electrons to flow in either direction. It is the equivalent of two SCRs connected in a reverse-parallel arrangement with gates connected to each other. A TRIAC is triggered into conduction in both directions by a gate signal like that of an SCR.

Are rotary dimmers TRIAC?

Because it’s a TRIAC (phase dimming) unit, it can be controlled via mains 240V dimming – using many standard household rotary dimmer switches.