What is a Triac?

Triacs are semiconductor devices that can conduct current in either direction when triggered. The term triac comes from Triode for Alternating Current and was formerly known as bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyrister

With respect to the usage, installation or assembly of any products described in this video, Galco Industrial Electronics, Inc., a Michigan corporation, encourages you to follow the requirements and/or guidelines of: i) the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Public Law 91-596, as amended, and all laws, rules and regulations implemented in relation thereto; ii) the National Electric Code®; and iii) NFPA 70E®. Any installation, assembly or work described in this video should be performed by a qualified licensed electrician.

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While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information provided is accurate and has been obtained from reliable sources, Galco is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. At all times you should defer to the instructions and safety guidelines issued by the manufacturer. In no event will Galco, its agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information provided to you or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

[manabunakamichi]

Thank you Katie. SanRex Triacs are the best in the world !!!

[DasAntiNaziBroetchen]

I am sorry you receive comments such as the ones below.
I have a question:
For a light dimmer for example, if one triggers the triac, it will turn itself off again at the 0V crossover point. By triggering the triac in let's say the middle of an AC cycle, the triac will be on for half a cycle and turn itself off again. This effectively halves the power delivered to the light. This sounds handy. However, since one must have some kind of timing circuit anyway, to trigger the triac, what's the point of using a triac then in the end?

[jeremywagner]

She talks about these components as if they are the most interesting thing on the planet haha

[Thestripper]

Just watched another video explaining triacs without explaining SCR..