Re: Dimmers

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com 

Colin,

That is incorrect.  Firstly, peak voltage of a 120VAC line is about 170V.
With a triac based dimmer, the peak voltage will still be 170V, but the
sinewave will begin to be truncated starting
from the low point and working its way upward.  Rms Voltage, however, will
continue to DECREASE as you increase the "dimming" on  your dimmer switch.

Dan


 > i jim,
 >          yes the voltage is always 120volt as the height of the waveform
 > doesnt change ,its the width. and with the shorter waveform the current is
 > on for a shorter pulse. letting less power through in total.
 > cheers
 > colin