TRIAC Light Dimmer

This little circuit can be used to dim lights up to about 350 watts. It uses a simple, standard TRIAC circuit that, in my expirience, generates very little heat. Please note that this circuit cannot be used with fluorescent lights.

Schematic

This is the schematic of the TRIAC Light Dimmer

Parts

R1__________50K Pot
R2__________15K 1/2W Resistor
C1,C2_______0.068 250V Capacitor
L1__________Lamp To Be Controlled (up to 350 watts)
L2__________Neon Lamp
TR1_________40502 TRIAC
MISC________Case, Knob, Heatsink For TR1, Wire, Socket For L1

Notes

1. This circuit is for 117VAC only. 220 or 240 V will burn up the circuit. L1 can be a maximum of 350 watts.

2. The circuit must be installed and used in a case.