Triode For Alternating Current (Triac)

A triac is a three-terminal AC switch that can be used to control the flow of current in an AC circuit. The term “triac” is derived from the fact that it consists of two thyristors connected in series.

A triac can be used to control the power delivered to a load by varying the firing angle of the thyristors. The firing angle is the angle between the time when the current starts to flow through the thyristor and the time when it turns off. By varying the firing angle, the average current delivered to the load can be controlled.

Triacs are widely used in applications such as lighting dimmers, motor speed controls, and domestic appliance controls. They offer several advantages over other types of AC switches, including high reliability, low cost, and ease of use. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as a limited range of operating voltages and currents.