TRIAC Light Dimmer
This little circuit can be used to dim lights up to about 350 watts. It uses a simple, standard TRIAC circuit that, in my expirience, generates very little heat. Please note that this circuit cannot be used with fluorescent lights.
Schematic
Parts
|
Part |
Total Qty. |
Description |
Substitutions |
|
R1 |
1 |
50K Pot |
|
|
R2 |
1 |
15K 1/2W Resistor |
|
|
C1, C2 |
2 |
0.068 250V Capacitor |
|
|
L1 |
1 |
Lamp To Be Controlled (up to 350 watts) |
|
|
L2 |
1 |
Neon Lamp |
|
|
TR1 |
1 |
40502 TRIAC |
|
|
MISC |
1 |
Case, Knob, Heatsink For TR1, Wire, Socket For L1 |
Notes
1. This circuit is for 117VAC only. 220 or 240 V will burn up the circuit. L1 can be a maximum of 350 watts.
2. The circuit must be installed and used in a case.