Outline
- Introduction
- How Does a Photocell Work?
- What Are The Benefits of Using Photocells in Automatic Lighting Control?
- What Are The Main Types of Photocells?
- How to Choose the Right Photocell for Your Lighting?
- Why LongJoin Photocells Are Best?
- Final Words
Not sure which photocell fits your lighting needs? Choosing the wrong one can lead to wasted energy or system failures.
Cities are becoming smart. The focus on energy conservation has never been more critical. While outdoor lighting shares a major chunk of municipalities’ total power consumption, its effective management could yield tangible results.
Photocells are at the heart of this effective management. They automatically switch lights on at sunset and off at sunrise. This lowers electricity bills by reducing energy waste. But with several options available, choosing the appropriate photocell might be bewildering. To assist you, this guide takes you through everything you need to know to make the best decision.
How Does a Photocell Work?
Photocontrollers are delicate components that work as the brain of a smart lighting system. They operate lighting based on the availability of natural light and occupancy. Their work is a three-step process that includes:
- Monitoring of environmental light level
- When this level goes up or below a certain threshold, the light sensor resistance is changed
- This triggers a relay that turns the lights off or on
This mechanism allows for automatic control of lighting based on natural light availability. This helps optimize energy usage without manual intervention.
What Are The Benefits of Using Photocells in Automatic Lighting Control
Photo sensor, being the primary driver of efficient lighting management, could get multiple benefits on the table.
It’s simple and easy. The more the lights are working, the more the energy is being wasted, catalyzing greenhouse gas emissions, lighting pollution, lighting system component decay, and, of course, the energy bills.
Now, photo sensor, being a one-for-all solution, effectively manages lighting operations that reduce operational hours and ultimately counter all the above-stated issues. Further, below given case studies are some viable examples.
| Location / Project | Upgrade Type | Reported Energy Savings |
| Queens Museum, New York City | LED track lighting with advanced controls | 90% reduction in energy costs |
| AWeber Communications, Pennsylvania | Lighting retrofit with dynamic controls | 32% reduction in lighting energy use; 70% of savings from control strategies |
| General Commercial Buildings | Networked lighting + HVAC integration | 50%+ LED lighting energy reduction; 10% building-wide energy cut |
What Are The Main Types of Photocells?
Primarily, photocell switches are classified into three domains. Details for each domain, including their features, pros, cons, and suitable applications, are discussed below.
Wire-In Photocells
Features:
They are compact-sized, designed for permanent installation within lighting fixtures. They detect ambient light levels and control the lighting accordingly.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective solution for basic lighting control.
- Simple design allows for easy integration into existing systems.
- Reliable operation with minimal maintenance requirements.
Disadvantages:
- Limited functionality; lacks advanced features like programmability or remote control.
- Replacement or upgrades require accessing the internal wiring, which can be labor-intensive.
Suitable Applications:
Their use case mostly involves residential areas where basic dusk-to-dawn control is sufficient, for example, in the garden and porch.
Twist-Lock Photocells
Features:
These photo controllers utilize a standardized plug-in base for easy installation and replacement. While installing, they are mostly combined with NEMA-compliant fixtures for enhanced reliability.
Advantages:
- Offer a handy replacement without the need for complex rewiring.
- High compatibility with various lighting systems due to standardized design.
- Durable construction suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial cost compared to wire-in photocells.
- May require specific fixture compatibility, limiting use in some applications.
Suitable Applications:
Commonly used in street lighting, parking lots, and other commercial or municipal outdoor lighting systems where maintenance efficiency is crucial.
Smart Photocells
Features:
As their name indicates, these photocells integrate with IoT platforms. This offers advanced features like remote monitoring, scheduling, and energy usage analytics.
Advantages:
- The precise control and scheduling enhance energy efficiency.
- Remote access enables real-time monitoring and adjustments.
- Data analytics provide insights into energy consumption patterns.
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial investment due to advanced technology.
- Requires a stable internet connection and may involve a learning curve for setup and operation.
Suitable Applications:
Best suited for smart city initiatives, large-scale commercial properties, and facilities aiming to optimize energy usage and maintenance through advanced control systems.
How to Choose the Right Photocell for Your Lighting?
Identifying the Application Scenario
Begin by defining the specific lighting application. Understanding the context ensures the selected light sensor meets the operational needs effectively. Below is a table outlining different types of photosensors and their typical applications.
| Photocell Type | Model Examples | Typical Applications |
| Twist-Lock Photocells | JL-207, JL-202, JL-251/252/253 | Street lighting |
| Wire-In Photocells | JL-103, JL-423C | Outdoor lightingPassage lightingDoorway lighting |
| Shorting Cap Photocells | JL-208 | Temporary replacement in street lamp construction |
| Zhaga Book 18 Series Photocells | Not specified | Smart city lighting |
Assessing Environmental Conditions
Evaluate the environmental factors where the photocontrollers will operate. Consider temperature ranges, humidity levels, and exposure to elements like dust or water. Selecting a lighting control with appropriate IP ratings and material durability ensures longevity and reliable performance in harsh conditions. The tables below discuss different IP ratings and their offered protection level.
| IP Rating | Protection Level |
| IP65 | Protection from low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| IP66 | Protection from high-pressure water jets |
| IP67 | Protected against immersion in water up to 1m depth for 30 mins |
| IP68 | Protection against continuous immersion in water |
Checking Compatibility with Existing Lighting Systems
Ensure the photocell’s electrical specifications align with the already available system. This includes matching voltage requirements and load capacities. Compatibility prevents issues like flickering or premature failure, especially when integrating with LED systems.
Considering Certification Standards for Safety and Reliability
Choose lighting control that meets widely accepted certification standards. A few of the best-known certifications are UL, CE, and RoHS. As this provides protection, the products that are certified are more apt to work effectively and conform to industry standards.
Evaluating the Need for Smart Features
Remote monitoring, scheduling, and IoT platform integration are some of the advanced photocell features, but they can be more expensive. However, these are not necessary for every application. Assessing the need for such features ensures a balance between functionality and budget.
Why LongJoin Photocells Are Best?
LongJoin offers a diverse range of light sensor switches tailored for various lighting applications. Their lineup includes
- Twist-lock photocells
- NEMA 7-pin series light control receptacles
- Zhaga Book 18 series products
- wire-in controllers
The company’s product development is grounded in its own intellectual property rights. It boasts four national invention patents and nearly 30 utility model patents. Further, all products adhere to the above-mentioned international standards. This commitment ensures that LongJoin’s products are not only innovative but also reliable and environmentally friendly.
Regarding product design, here are some key features that distinguish LongJoin from its competitors.
- Various dimming methods, such as 0- 10V, PWM, and DALI signals
- Signal isolation to prevent interference
- Stringent quality control measures, including high and low-temperature cycle testing, salt spray testing, and long-term continuous operation testing
- Customization services to tailor products to specific project needs
Final Words
Choosing the right photocell ensures your lighting system’s efficiency and reliability. Matching the product to your environment and control needs makes all the difference. For trusted performance, Chi-Swear offers genuine LongJoin photocells with expert support and fast delivery.
External Links
- https://electricalindustry.ca/latest-articles/7477-what-are-the-energy-efficiency-benefits-of-led-lighting-controls/
- https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/20173-dynamic-lighting-control-saves-energy-reinforces-energetic-atmosphere
- https://www.nema.org/
- https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings
- https://www.ul.com/solutions
- https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/single-market/ce-marking_en
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RoHS
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/0-10_V_lighting_control
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulse-width_modulation
- https://www.dali-alliance.org/
English 
Spanish 
Russian 
Arabic 
Italian