2006-09-29 19:23:03 · 8 answers · asked by B. T. Gutowski 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
rheostats are a resistive device that drops part of the voltage across the switch to cause the light to dim. This is a resistive type device.
The more modern dimmer switches today use an electronic device that controls the electricity by electronically interrupting the current flow to the light using a solid state device known as a SCR. Unlike the rheostat, the electronic controllers actually interrupt current flow to the light. Since this occurs at a rate equal to the line frequency of 60 hertz, your eyes don't notice it.
In general, rheostats will have a current rating equal to the circuit load. Whereas the electronic or solid state devices will have a somewhat lower current rating. So you can find a rheostat that will handle a 500 watt bulb, but it will be more difficult to find an electronic device to handle that large a light bulb.
2006-09-30 17:28:29 · answer #1 · answered by richard Alvarado 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rheostats use a steel spring thats not a good conductor of electicity, And Dimmer switched use a copper plate or coil. Both will do close to the same thing.
2006-09-29 19:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by myothernewname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty sure a dimmer switch is a rheostat
2006-09-29 19:31:03 · answer #3 · answered by <B> 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you want a three way change as handyman suggested, yet do no longer try capping off wires as handyman suggested. ignore the different answer, which copied a e book of ineffective innovations no longer with regards to your question. once you get a three way change, between the three wires is a hassle-free (will be categorized or have a diverse shade or both). further, one in each of your 3 colors on the change (black, white, or pink) is on the traditional (search for that note and/or a diverse shade screw). in case you suggested the colors perfect, whoever did the unique wiring did not follow code perfect. you do not look the most qualified for doing electric powered paintings. feel free to call an electrician. there is extra to it than there would look. do not undo any twine nuts, only get rid of wires from the change. i imagine some human beings have requested the thanks to do a dimmer with a lot of of unconnected wires. no longer conceivable to help on line at that aspect.
2016-11-25 03:34:41 · answer #4 · answered by Erika 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mechanically different but both do the same thing .adimmer switch is a rheostat
2006-09-30 03:47:48 · answer #5 · answered by ata31254 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a dimmer is electronic it starts and stops current allowing
less to go through
a rheostat resists voltage and current
2006-09-29 19:36:53 · answer #6 · answered by barry r 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
According to everything I have been taught they are the same thing. Untill you get into the electronic dimmers
2006-09-29 20:53:28 · answer #7 · answered by Maxwell Smart(ypants) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are for all intents and purposes the same, they both vary resistance to reduce or raise voltage to a load.
2006-09-30 04:50:42 · answer #8 · answered by Ed W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋