What does the term '4-wire dimming' generally refer to?

The term '4-wire dimming' refers specifically to a method of controlling lighting. This involves using four wires to facilitate the control of light levels in a dimmable circuit. Typically, this encompasses two wires for power delivery—one for the hot line and another for the neutral—and two additional wires that serve to convey the dimming control signal, which can come from a controller or a lighting console.

In this setup, the two control wires allow for a more precise modulation of the light output, improving the dimming performance and providing greater flexibility. This contrasts with simpler dimming methods that may utilize fewer wires, which can limit functionality and responsiveness in lighting systems.

Understanding that 4-wire dimming is primarily about the intricate method of managing lighting helps in grasping how modern lighting control systems function effectively, especially in complex environments such as theaters, concert venues, and other performance spaces.