Light Dimmer

The lighting source (i.e. bulb, tube light) glow according to their specified watt rating. If we need
more light then we have to use high watt bulb at the same place if we need low light we have to
replace high watt bulb with low rating. But What if there is not necessary to change i.e. different
brightness obtained from same source. Here is the simple but effective project which control
brightness according to our use from the unchanged light source.
Working of the circuit Light Dimer
The basic principle of light dimmer is based on phase control. The variable resistor VR
2
is main
controller of the circuit Light Dimer. From main supply capacitor C
2
get charges which trigger
DIAC D
1
. VR
1
is used for fine brightness controller which control brightness to lower level. R
2
and
C
3
used to overcome interference problem.

PARTS LIST
Resistors (all -watt, 5% Carbon)
R
1
= 68 K
R
2
= 270
R
3
= 10 K
VR
1
= 100 K
VR
2
= 500 K
Capacitors
C
1
, C
2
, C
3
= 0.33 F/400V
Semiconductors
TR
1
= Triac BT136
D
1
= Diac ER900
NOTE: Here in this circuit DIAC can be replaced by transistor without any change in circuit as
shown in figure 2. Transistor BC148 is used instead of DIAC used in this circuit. For using
transistor instead of DIAC Base terminal most not connected or for more safety you can break base
terminal and remaining terminal (collector and emitter) is connected without caring of polarity i.e.
we can connect any terminal. We can also use diode as DIAC as shown in figure 3.












A Lamp Dimmer/Fan Regulator Circuit
Description .
This is the circuit diagram of the simplest lamp dimmer or fan regulator.The circuit is based on the
principle of power control using a Triac.The circuit works by varying the firing angle of the Triac .
Resistors R1 ,R2 and capacitor C2 are associated with this. The firing angle can be varied by varying the
value of any of these components. Here R1 is selected as the variable element . By varying the value of R1
the firing angle of Triac changes (in simple words, how much time should Triac conduct) changes. This
directly varies the load power, since load is driven by Triac. The firing pulses are given to the gate of Triac
T1 using Diac D1.

Notes
Assemble the circuit on a good quality PCB or common board.The load whether lamp ,fan or any thing
,should be less than 200 Watts. To connect higher loads replace the Triac BT 136 with a higher Watt
capacity Triac . All parts of the circuit are active with potential shock hazard.So be careful.
I advice to test the circuit with a low voltage supply (say 12V or 24V AC) and a small load (a
same volt bulb) ,before connecting the circuit to mains.
Parts List
R1 1o K 1 Watt Resistor
R2 1o0 K Potentiometer (Variable Resistance)
C1 0.1 uF (500V or above ) Polyester Capacitor
T1 BT 136 Triac
D1 DB2 Diac
Fan Regulator Circuit Diagram

BT 136Triac Necessary Data.

BT 136 Specifications