Everyone is trying to come up with a device that will make life much more comfortable. Over the past century, computers, various types of household appliances, and cars have been created. The light sensor for street lighting was no exception . It is necessary for comfortable movement in the dark. Thanks to the potentiometer, the street light sensor automatically detects the on and off times. Its design also includes adjustment, with which a person can independently set the response time. For people living for a long time in cottages or in private homes, this unit is a very useful purchase.
General information
What is a light sensor for street lighting? It has another name - photo relay. The first part of the word (photo) means that it starts to turn on when light rays hit, the second (relay) is a switch.
The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. If a sufficient amount of light does not pass through the sensor, then the contacts are closed and the lighting is turned on. When the sun rises, the equipment automatically shuts off.
Where else use such a device?
It can be installed not only near private houses, but also used in the entrances of multi-story buildings. Regardless of the time of day, the terrain will be illuminated. In addition, the device significantly saves electricity.
Its main purpose is to turn on and off the light. For example, to irrigate the garden every night automatically, the sensor is connected to an irrigation system. Then everything happens automatically.
It is also used for the smart home system. It is needed to simulate the presence of the owners. When the owner is not in place, the light periodically turns on and off. In addition, the system itself is used for other features of a smart home.
Production
A light sensor for street lighting, the photo of which is presented below, can cost differently.
The price depends on the manufacturer, as well as on the presence or absence of regulatory ability. The light sensor for street lighting has three wires. One goes directly from the device and serves to turn the device on or off. The rest are connected to a power source.
Device
The light sensor for street lighting can be of two types:
- Built-in is located in the electrical panel.
- The remote is located near the building.
The last type of photo relay must be durable, not subject to mechanical stress. In addition, it must be airtight and protect against atmospheric precipitation. The principle of operation of this equipment is quite simple. The main thing is that the configuration has built-in and remote sensors. Depending on the degree of street illumination, one of them transmits information to a relay located in the electrical panel. When a certain indicator is reached, the electric network is closed and the lighting is turned on.
Light sensor for street lighting: characteristics
Any photo relay can be programmed according to the personal preferences of the owner of the site or premises. For example, if the device is installed in the garage, the threshold for the activation and inclusion of lighting will differ from devices located on the street. Therefore, this feature is worth paying attention to. It is necessary to set indicators of sensitivity to light depending on the place of use.
The maximum working load on the sensor depends on the number of devices connected to it.
This value ranges from 1000 to 2300 watts. The operating voltage is
220 V. The light sensor for street lighting, the adjustment of which is in the range from 2 to 2000 lux, turns on when the specified parameters are reached.
For this device to last a long time, you need to know the criteria that you should pay attention to when buying it and minor details and elements. First of all, you need to understand the connection diagram, as well as in operating conditions. This information is present in the instructions. Therefore, to avoid serious problems, you need to carefully study it.
Principle of operation and installation
Sensors are designed to automatically turn on or off lighting devices. It all depends on the time of day. When dark, the device turns on; when the sun rises, it turns off. This feature allowed to significantly save electricity, as well as increase the life of the lamps.
The device operates from a regular consumer network with a voltage of 220 V, and the current strength in the switched circuit is more than 10 A. The process of illumination depends on the adjustment. Such a device is mounted at the bottom of the sensors. You can choose the necessary framework yourself.
If you turn the regulator to the “minus” position, then street lighting will begin only after dark. When set to the “plus” position, the device will work even in the slightest cloudy weather.
The light sensor is mounted on the wall using brackets, which are installed thanks to a special screw. The holder must pass through the housing. When installing it, pay attention to the presence of interference. If they are, then you must reinstall the device in another place where natural light rays fall on the photocell. Also, there should be no interference in front of the light sensor, such as trees, houses, etc.
Light sensor for street lighting: connection
The wiring diagram for this device is either on the packaging or in the instruction manual. Derived wiring have a different color. This is done in order to avoid an incorrect connection. Each of the three wires has its purpose. You can only guess about them with the help of colors. So, the black wire indicates the phase, green - zero, and red - the phase to the light fixture.
How to connect a light sensor for street lighting? Before starting the connection, you must read the instructions. Wires are connected using a junction box. It is placed side by side on the wall and is attached via brackets.
To connect a switched load, voltage must be applied continuously. To do this, you must connect the green wire, which indicates zero, to a regular consumer network with a voltage of 220 V. Such equipment has a current strength of more than 10 A. With a high power of switched load, it is necessary to use more powerful switches to control street lighting.
How to make a sensor for lighting yourself
To assemble the simplest lighting equipment, it is necessary to purchase an LED that performs the function of a sensitive element, resistors, instruments for regulating sensitivity, the necessary wires. You also need to choose a protective casing that will protect the photo relay from mechanical stress and precipitation. To fix it, you need brackets and bolts of a certain diameter, as well as a prepared place.
A do-it-yourself light sensor for street lighting should be assembled in the same way as a conventional photo relay. Here the main element will be a diode. You can also use the photodiode, which is located in a computer mouse. When it falls on a given element of light, an electrical circuit begins to close. The signal enters through a power source and turns on a lighting fixture located indoors or outdoors. Such devices are used for street lighting of streets, summer cottages, garages and other places.
Cost
The average price of a light sensor for street lighting is 500 rubles. If it will be necessary to install it away from the distribution panel, you should purchase a wire. Its price depends on the meter. You can also purchase special motion sensors, but you will have to spend a little money.
Reviews
Many users are happy with the light sensor for street lighting. Such a device does not consume a lot of electricity, as there is a continuous adjustment of lighting. Everyone can choose the necessary sensitivity mode of the device. People use it to illuminate summer cottages, garages, street paths, etc. All that is needed is to carry out the correct installation and connection. The sensor is mounted in a place that is free from unnecessary interference, such as trees or buildings.
Users note the ease of connection, since each of the wires has its own color and meaning. Therefore, it is impossible to get confused, since the relay is simple equipment, many people assemble it themselves. In addition, you can optionally install motion sensors. Lighting will only turn on when people move on a street path. True, the cost of such a device reaches 3,000 rubles.
Conclusion
The light sensor for street lighting is a simple and affordable equipment that simplifies life. Now you do not need to press the switches with your hands, as the whole process happens automatically. The device begins to function when a certain amount of light beam acts on the sensor.
You can independently adjust the supply and shutdown limits of street lighting. Such devices save the life of the bulbs, and also significantly save electrical energy. The light sensor for street lighting, reviews of which are mostly positive, is an excellent device both for the street and for various rooms. Therefore, many people use such devices in the household.