Is the ~ symbol the same as C?

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Hi. I'm replacing a plastic dimmer with a chrome one. Connections on the old one are black to L1, red to C. The new one has ~ instead of C, are they the same? I know I need to earth the chrome one too! Any help would be great, thanks.
 
That little wiggly doo-dar shows the variable ouput of the dimmer.

How many termianls in total do you have?

What are the markings at each terminal?
 
Hi. I'm replacing a plastic dimmer with a chrome one. Connections on the old one are black to L1, red to C. The new one has ~ instead of C, are they the same? I know I need to earth the chrome one too! Any help would be great, thanks.
In your case likely yes as it seems plain on/off but may not always be case so others reading this must be aware.

C = Common
~ = AC supply
L1, L2, L3 vary according to if a C is included.

Since you say red to C then likely that is supply wire so it will go to ~. But with two way switching this may change and I know others may read this post so warning to others C does not always = ~.
 
ANd beware, some dimmers (in a 2-way circuit) do not work with a regular 2-way switch at the other end.

But not in this case. you seem only to have a 1 way circuit.
 
there are three terminals in both the new and old dimmer. L1, L2 and C on the old and L1, L2 and ~ on the new plus earth. One red and one black wire and earth behind the switch.
 
oic, just ignore me then.
Sounds like Eric is on the right track - Red to wiggly doo-dar and black (should have red marking attached) to either L1 or L2
 
oic, just ignore me then.
Sounds like Eric is on the right track - Red to wiggly doo-dar and black (should have red marking attached) to either L1 or L2

No, i think your right.
The wiggly doo-dar is not an ac symbol
it has an arrow through it, and as you say is the variable output.
 
Yes, the black wire has got a red marking on it. I connected it black to L1, red to squiggly thing and earth, stood well back and re-set the trip and all was ok, no instant trip, smoke or flames. The dimmer works ok. We had our wiring checked and a new consumer board installed 11 months ago and the trip switch is really sensitive so if there was a problem would it have tripped?
 
Steve,

All sounds good, but you really must learn the correct terminology for electrical symbols ( or as known in the trade - "wirery stuff")

Its a wiggly doo-dar, not a squiggly-thing.
C'mon, get a grip :D
 
Sorry bout that, I'll read up on my terinoligy for my next wiery project! Thanks for your help guys!
 

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