What is a Dimmer?
A dimmer, or dimmer switch, is a device that is used to regulate the amount of power dispersed to a light to control its brightness. A dimmer can be controlled manually or by remote control, to adjust the level of the lighting in a room. Dimmers are often used to conserve electricity in order to keep power costs down, and they are also used for mood or task lighting. A low level of light creates a nice relaxing atmosphere, while brighter light is necessary for activities like reading. With the touch of a switch or a knob, a dimmer can be adjusted to just the right setting. But how does a dimmer work? A simple explanation is that the power current is cut back by the switch, allowing only a certain amount of current to reach the light. The strength of the current that moves through the filament in the light bulb determines the amount of light given off by the bulb. This amount of current is determined by the various settings a particular dimmer switch provides. A dimmer may have a switch
Below are various definitions for a dimmer. • A remote device which reduces the light output of a stage lighting fixture by reducing the total wattage it receives, commonly grouped in banks, panels or packs. Present technology usually has a dimmer per circuit, as opposed to systems where a limited number of high-wattage dimmers are patched to a larger quantity of circuits. • In lighting, the electrical device (technically known as a potentiometer) that regulates the current passing through the bulb filaments and, thereby, the amount of light emitted from the lighting instruments. • Electronic controls that allow stage lighting to fade up or down slowly, as opposed to being on or off only. • A control that regulates light levels. • Device which provides adjustable voltage to a lighting fixture to control light output. Can also be a term to refer to a mechanical device, such as a shutter, that controls output. • An instrument used to change the voltage of lights on the set, regulating in
