Arduino Relays and Dimmers

Hey guys, so I am currently working on controlling my ceiling lights with an Arduino UNO. My plan is to unhook the light switches from the wiring then hook the wiring to some kind of relay then hook the relay to the Arduino UNO. The only problem is that I have no idea what relay to get or even where to get one. So firstly if you could provide information on how I should pick which relay to get (or even a link to specific one) than that would be great. Secondly I would like to make the lights able to dim so if you could provide any information on dimming lights and such that would also be great. And finally it would a huge help if you all could provide any info or tips on any thing else relative to the project at hand. Thanks so much, sorry if my questions are broad and confusing I am kinda new to this stuff.

Thanks again

Also here is a relay which is something along the lines of what I think I want:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__26921__Arduino_6_Channel_Relay_Module.html

0 e14 Contributor over 13 years ago

Hi JJ,

Please be careful while handling MAINS 230/110 V equipment and connecting them with Arduino.
If not handled carefully, could result in getting electric shock and frying the boards.

Using relay, you can switch ON/OFF high voltage AC devices like bulbs, Fans, tubes, motors etc.
But for dimming you cannot use Relay, you need to drive SCR or Triac to control the phase angle of the sine waveform.
Generally it is recommended to use Diac-Triac with opto isolation to control/dim MAINS equipment with Arduino/Freeduino.
This can be done using PWM from Arduino.

Alternatively i can suggest you to buy my book freeduino.begin() which contains both the examples using relay control for Home Automation and PWM. The book can be download on iTunes or Paperback edition http://www.bhashatech.com/books/131-freeduino-begin.html

Cheers
Siddharth
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