Originally Posted by Torben

Morning!

Sorry, I meant the constructed circuit on the breadboard.


Torben

Originally Posted by sammy004

Hey guys thanks for looking after me but I didn't ask for safety 101, I just wanted to know if that is the right pot or not, and are the CONNECTION on the right points not what they look like.

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

It would be irresponsible and negligent to not inform someone that their circuit was potentially dangerous and could kill them and or cause property damage. It was obvious from the photo that you're not an electrician.
Working with low voltage devices (<10V, <1A) is generally considered safe, but working with 110VAC or higher often requires certification or at the least an apprenticeship.

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

Some folks seem to think because they saw something on the web or in these forums it's all good. Take a look at the 220V 555 burglar alarm thread, the OP blamed the forum members for not informing him it wouldn't work; who in their right mind would build it in the first place. Everyone here said it was a bad design, guess we should have added a poor one too.

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

What course combines C++ with mains electrical anyway? If it's not a course then sign up for some formal night school on electricity if it's a hobby. Else stay away from your power lines.?

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

Are you using an isolation transformer?

Originally Posted by ericgibbs

You probably cant see it for the 'smoke'....

Originally Posted by sammy004

What Smoke???

Originally Posted by ericgibbs

Hi Sammy,
Chill, its just a little humour, no offence intended.

On that pot, one of the end terminals has to be connected to the centre terminal [wiper].

The end you choose to connect will determine which way the pot dims the light, CW or CCW,...OK.

Do you follow,?

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

Is this project for fun or a school project? At least take the effort and practice good wire splicing techniques. Does the wire you used look anything like the wire your home is wired with? You have the common sense to use an isolation transformer that's good, but you seem to have very little 110VAC electrical experience. Take a course, they teach this stuff almost everywhere even if it's just to get the basics. Your local library will also have plenty of books on home wiring, worth a look at the very least.

From wikipedia on Solderless Breadboards.

As for the "Electronics for You" burglar alarm, you'd think the publishers would have the savvy to test their articles. The OP should have written them about it.

As for the smoke... give it a chance, put enough current / voltage through those breadboards and they will arc, probably already are. Over time the contacts will pit and the electricity will start looking for a shorter path as the resistance increases. Puddles o fun.

If this IS a school project STOP it's a bad one
If this isn't and you need a light dimmer, you're in BC you can get em anywhere for a few dollars.
If you're trying to learn electricity then learn the basics first.
If you're trying to burn your house down then proceed, don't expect your insurance company to cover it though. Not really CSA or UL approved

PS never trust any electronic projects on the Aaron cake site. It's a bit of a joke round here.
http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/dimmer.asp

Originally Posted by sammy004

Thanks alot Eric do you think if I just get the right Pot it will be easier.

Originally Posted by ericgibbs

Hi.
I would ensure that the pot is rated for mains use, also I prefer plastic shafts.
Be sure to earth the metal wall switch internal casing, when you put the dimmer into service.

Dimmers for Halogen are different from the standard Tungsten.
Also you may need a simple mains filter.

As you may know, shop bought dimmers upto 250W are quite cheap have you considered buying one.?

Originally Posted by Torben

Sammy,

What wattage are you wanting to control with this? What wattage is the light you're testing with?


Torben

Originally Posted by blueroomelectronics

Radio Shack X10 stuff have wall dimmers. About $20

Won't work on the new compact fluorescent bulbs though, Canada is phasing out old incandescent bulbs.
http://www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energysta....cfm#phase-out