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Does a dimmer switch rheostat consume the electricity that the light fixture is not receiving?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
A little.
First off, most modern dimmer switches aren't rheostats. Those have been supplanted by TRIACs (triode for AC), and later, IGBTs (insulated gate bipolar transistors). For both of these, their mode of action is to change the duty cycle of the AC wave (duty cycle is time on versus cycle time) such that less power per cycle is put through the bulb. This is more efficient than a rheostat, in that, there isnt as much resistive loss across the dimmer.
The resistive loss is where the "a little" comes in. For all three types, a small amount of the power put through the dimmer is dissipated as heat - however, this is significantly less than the reduction in output power to the bulb, whatever the type.
An ideal dimmer would have 100% efficiency - that is, for a given setting, it would dissipate no heat, and the bulb would be the only thing on the circuit consuming power. However, no component is ideal, and modern dimmers typically consume under 1% of their power throughput (so if it's passing a total of 1W, it'll consume less than 10 milliWatts).
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
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What wattage does a 3-way light switch use in a single switch outlet?
A 3-way light switch itself does not consume any power as it is a mechanical device that controls the flow of electricity to the light fixture. The power consumed by the light fixture will depend on the bulbs used and their wattage.
Buzzing noise from light fixture?
A buzzing noise from a light fixture could be caused by loose wiring, a faulty light bulb, or a magnetic ballast. It is important to turn off the power to the fixture and check for any loose connections or replace the bulb to see if the noise persists. If the issue continues, it may be necessary to replace the ballast or contact a professional electrician for further assistance.
How much power does a fluorescent fixture use with no tubes installed For example a switched on 8' fixture with a single tube with an old ballast.?
A fluorescent fixture with no tubes installed will still consume power, typically around 5-10 watts due to the ballast and other internal components. This power consumption is significantly lower compared to when the tubes are installed and the fixture is operating normally.
How many watts will a ballast consume for 3 20 watts tubelights?
Check the ballast for the amperage and multiply it by the working voltage. This will give you the wattage that the fixture draws.
Why does dimmer switch cause ceiling light to make noise?
Dimmer switches control the amount of electricity flowing to the light fixture by rapidly turning the power on and off. This rapid cycling can cause the light fixture to vibrate or emit a buzzing sound, especially if the light fixture is not compatible with the dimmer switch. Upgrading to a dimmer switch designed for the specific type of light fixture can help reduce or eliminate the noise.
Does a down light consume less electricity?
The fixture construction has nothing to do with the amount of energy that the fixture uses. It is the lamp in the fixture that draws the amperage. This amperage times the fixtures voltage is what gives you the fixtures wattage. W = A x V. Watts = Amps x Volts.
Does a light still you electricity if there is no bulb?
No, a light fixture does not consume electricity if there is no bulb in it. The bulb is what generates light when electricity passes through it, so without a bulb, there is no circuit to complete and no electricity is being used.
What wattage does a 3-way light switch use in a single switch outlet?
A 3-way light switch itself does not consume any power as it is a mechanical device that controls the flow of electricity to the light fixture. The power consumed by the light fixture will depend on the bulbs used and their wattage.
If I remove two of the four lamps in my fluorescent fixture to save electricity should they be on the same ballast?
Yes
Buzzing noise from light fixture?
A buzzing noise from a light fixture could be caused by loose wiring, a faulty light bulb, or a magnetic ballast. It is important to turn off the power to the fixture and check for any loose connections or replace the bulb to see if the noise persists. If the issue continues, it may be necessary to replace the ballast or contact a professional electrician for further assistance.
Turning off or unplugging electrical fixtures which saves more money?
Turning off an electrical fixture is a good way to save money, but unplugging it is better. Since you turned off the appliance, and not able to unplug the cord, still it will consume some electricity. So when you unplug it, you save more money!
Why we do need damp cloth to dust furniture and fixture?
The moisture prevents buildup of static electricity that attracts the dust to the furniture.
How much power does a fluorescent fixture use with no tubes installed For example a switched on 8' fixture with a single tube with an old ballast.?
A fluorescent fixture with no tubes installed will still consume power, typically around 5-10 watts due to the ballast and other internal components. This power consumption is significantly lower compared to when the tubes are installed and the fixture is operating normally.
Why would their be Power on the neutral side of a light fixture?
There would be power there because the "neutral" is the path electricity mostly used to return to its source. All electricity has to return to its source somehow.
How many watts will a ballast consume for 3 20 watts tubelights?
Check the ballast for the amperage and multiply it by the working voltage. This will give you the wattage that the fixture draws.
How do you make a light bulb work without electricity?
No power is used. The lamp in the light fixture is the load of the circuit. The load resistance is what makes the current flow. When the current flows through the filament's resistance, heat and light are generated. With no lamp in the fixture, the circuit's voltage potential is still at the socket contact points and if touched could cause you a shock. This is a good reason to shut the fixture off at the switch when removing the burnt out bulb and replacing it with a new one.
Why does dimmer switch cause ceiling light to make noise?
Dimmer switches control the amount of electricity flowing to the light fixture by rapidly turning the power on and off. This rapid cycling can cause the light fixture to vibrate or emit a buzzing sound, especially if the light fixture is not compatible with the dimmer switch. Upgrading to a dimmer switch designed for the specific type of light fixture can help reduce or eliminate the noise.
