A TRIAC (triode for alternating current or bidirectional triode thyristor or bilateral triode thyristor) is a 3-terminal electronic bidirectional (conducts current in either direction if triggered) component, unlike SCRs. The term TRIAC is a genericized trademark.
A TRIAC's symbol is 2 thyrsistors placed back-to-back.
[2] A TRIAC is like a DIAC with an extra gate contact incorporated to ensure device control. Akin to other power devices, TRIAC is manufactured from silicon. Thus it's fabrication process is leads to cheaper productions.
It has 6 areas namely; 4 N-types and 2 P-types.
[2] A TRIAC's operation is based on its thyristor. It facilitates AC components/systems' switchings. They're often used in light dimmer as they allow both halves of AC cycles to be used, making them more efficient in power usages. As much as thyristors can work as TRIACs, it's cost inefficient for operations needing low power. A TRIAC is used in usages that don't need high power as they exhibit asymmetrical switching in their application - disavantageous for applications using using high power as it causes electromagnetic interference. Thus, a TRIAC is used in motor controls., light residential light dimers and small electric fans to control speed.
[2] A TRIAC is ideal for operation using AC power to switch purposes as it can control current flow for both halves in an AC current cycle. it's used in to swithcing phase control, chopper deisgn, lights' brilliance control fans/motors' speeds. Power control system is intended to regulate amount of AC/DC distribution. Such power control systems can be used to manually switch electricity applice or if temperature or light levels exceed preset level.