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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).

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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 standard incandescent lighting fixture can be caused by a short in the lighting circuit (which is dangerous), or in some cases it can happen using a rheostat that is not all the way on or all the way off. The larger the physical size (not necessarily wattage) of the filament, the more likely it is to buzz using a dimmer -- these bulbs are designed for 120 volts, and using a rheostat gives less voltage to the lamp.A tube fluorescent fixture can make a buzzing noise if the ballast (small electrical box inside the fixture) is beginning to fail.Some outdoor fixtures are inherently noisy, such as a sodium arc lamp. In this case, there is really nothing to be done about it.


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.

Related Questions

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.


How does an electric light switch work to control the flow of electricity to a light fixture?

An electric light switch works by interrupting or completing the circuit that allows electricity to flow to a light fixture. When the switch is turned on, it closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow and the light to turn on. When the switch is turned off, it opens the circuit, cutting off the flow of electricity and turning the light off.


How does an electrical light switch work to control the flow of electricity to a light fixture?

An electrical light switch works by interrupting or completing the circuit that allows electricity to flow to a light fixture. When the switch is turned on, it closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow and the light to turn on. When the switch is turned off, it opens the circuit, cutting off the flow of electricity and turning off the light.


How does the light switch controller work to regulate the flow of electricity to the light fixture?

The light switch controller works by interrupting or completing the circuit that allows electricity to flow to the light fixture. When the switch is turned on, it closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow and the light to turn on. When the switch is turned off, it opens the circuit, cutting off the flow of electricity and turning off the light.


If I remove two of the four lamps in my fluorescent fixture to save electricity should they be on the same ballast?

Yes


What is the purpose of a lamp socket in a lighting fixture?

The purpose of a lamp socket in a lighting fixture is to hold and connect the light bulb securely in place, allowing electricity to flow to the bulb and illuminate the room.


Buzzing noise from light fixture?

A buzzing noise from a standard incandescent lighting fixture can be caused by a short in the lighting circuit (which is dangerous), or in some cases it can happen using a rheostat that is not all the way on or all the way off. The larger the physical size (not necessarily wattage) of the filament, the more likely it is to buzz using a dimmer -- these bulbs are designed for 120 volts, and using a rheostat gives less voltage to the lamp.A tube fluorescent fixture can make a buzzing noise if the ballast (small electrical box inside the fixture) is beginning to fail.Some outdoor fixtures are inherently noisy, such as a sodium arc lamp. In this case, there is really nothing to be done about it.


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 can a single pole 3-way switch be used in a lighting circuit to control the flow of electricity to a single light fixture from two different locations?

A single pole 3-way switch can be used in a lighting circuit to control the flow of electricity to a single light fixture from two different locations by allowing the switch to be turned on or off from either location, providing flexibility and convenience in controlling the light fixture.