![]() The system can also be programmed to control a number of circuits from various switch locations. Pressing the switch and holding it down will either increase or decrease the lighting level to highest or lowest level, depending upon the load level curve at which the circuit was operating at the point of activation of the switch. The lighting fixtures can then be dimmed or brightened by pressing and releasing the switches. The user or operator of the system also can reprogram the default setting of the microprocessor by changing the software setting to provide dimmer functions as well. The microprocessor can be used with the factory default setting for strictly the “on” and “off” switch function for the circuit. Special individual single pole, three-way, and four-way switches can now be connected to a solid state microprocessor-controlled dimmer bank. Most new dimmer switches are solid-state devices that are not as bulky as the old rheostat dimmers, operate cooler (but still may have heat sinks designed into the switch), and can be interlinked electronically to provide “smart switching.” New and innovative designs for dimming modules, dimming panels and interconnected dimmer switches now permit dimming entire banks of switches in a set pattern or a random pattern, at the discretion of the user, to provide specialty control of luminaires (lighting fixtures). The old technology dimmer was not interactive with any other dimmer and only controlled the lights connected to that dimmer. Each part of the fin that was removed would decrease the total wattage rating of the switch. When installing the switch, these heat sinks could be snapped off if more than one dimmer switch was to be installed at a box. The heat sinks for the switches were designed as cooling fins and located on either side of the dimmer. The rheostat dimmer switches were often very bulky and operated at high temperatures, requiring heat sinks to be designed into the dimmer switch housing. These old dimmers were either single pole or three-way switches and required physical adjustment of the switch to cause the dimming action. Old dimming switches were switches that operated as rheostats and used adjustable resistors to drop the voltage to the incandescent fixture, thus dimming the lights. Knowing how to install these sophisticated control circuits in accordance with the National Electrical Code is crucial for both proper operation and the safety of the installation. New switches have been developed that can provide control of individual luminaires or lighting circuits while interfacing with microprocessors that will provide both timing, dimming and mood setting of luminaires in multiple locations. Many new concepts in lighting control ARE being used by designers and electricians, while other new designs are still relatively unknown.
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