How to connect a light sensor for street lighting?

Each person tries to come up with a device that will make life much more comfortable. For the last century computers have been created, various kinds of household appliances, cars. The light sensor for street lighting was no exception. It is necessary for comfortable movement in the dark. Thanks to the potentiometer, the light sensor for street lighting automatically determines the on and off times. Its design also includes an adjustment by means of which a person can set the operating time independently. For people who live for a long time in dachas or in private homes, this device is a very useful acquisition.

General information

What is a light sensor for street lighting? It has one more name - a photo relay. The first part of the word (photo) means that it starts to turn on when light rays hit, the second (relay) is the switch. The principle of the device is quite simple. If a sufficient amount of light does not pass through the sensor, the contacts are closed and the lighting switches on. When the sun rises, automatic equipment shutdown occurs.

Where else is this device used?

It can be installed not only near private houses, but also used in the entrances of multi-storey buildings. Regardless of the time of day, the area will be illuminated. In addition, the device significantly saves electricity.

Its main purpose is to turn the light on and off. For example, to water the garden every night automatically, the sensor is connected to the irrigation system. Then everything happens automatically.

Also it is used for a smart home system. It is needed to simulate the presence of the hosts. When the owner is not in place, the light is periodically turned on and off. In addition, the system itself is used for other features of a smart home.

Production

The 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 adjusting capacity. The light sensor for street lighting has three wires. One exits directly from the device and is used to turn the device on or off. The rest are connected to the power supply.

Device

The light sensor for street lighting can be of two types:

• Built-in is in the electrical panel.
• The remote is located near the case.

The last type of photo-relay must be strong, not subject to mechanical influences. In addition, it must be sealed and protected from the effects of atmospheric precipitation. The operating principle of this equipment is quite simple. The main thing is that the set includes built-in and remote sensors. Depending on the degree of illumination of the street, one of them transmits information to the relay located in the electrical panel. When a certain indicator is reached, the electrical network is closed and the lighting is switched on.

Light sensor for street lighting: characteristics

Any photocell can be programmed according to the personal preferences of the owner of the site or premises. For example, if the appliance is installed in a garage, the threshold for switching on and switching on the lighting will be different from those on the street. Therefore, this feature is worth paying attention to. To expose the sensitivity to light indicators is necessary depending on the place of use.

The maximum working load on the sensor depends on the number of devices connected to it. This value is in the range from 1000 to 2300 W. The working voltage is 220 V. The light sensor for street lighting, which is adjustable from 2 to 2000 lux, is turned on when the specified parameters are reached.

To ensure that this device has been in service for a long time, it is necessary to know the criteria that should be paid attention when buying it and minor details and elements. First of all, you need to understand the connection scheme, as well as in operating conditions. This information is present in the manual. Therefore, to avoid serious problems, you need to carefully study it.

Principle of operation and installation

The sensors are designed to automatically turn the lights on or off. It all depends on the time of day. When darkness comes, the device turns on, when the sun goes down, it turns off. This feature has allowed to save considerably the electric power, and also to increase the service life of the lamps.

The device operates from the usual consumer network with a voltage of 220 V, and the current 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 frames yourself.

If you move the regulator to the "minus" position, then the street lighting will begin only after dark. When set to "plus" the device will operate even with the slightest cloudy weather.

The sensor for light is mounted on the wall using brackets, which are installed with a special screw. The holder must pass through the body. When installing it, attention should be paid to the presence of interference. If they are, then it is necessary to reinstall the device in another place where the natural light rays fall on the photo relay. Also, before the light sensor there should be no interference, such as trees, houses, etc.

Light sensor for street lighting: connection

The connection diagram of this device is either on the packaging or in the operating instructions. The posted wiring has a different color. This is done in order to avoid the wrong connection. Each of the three wires has its own purpose. You can guess on them only with the help of coloring. So, the black wire denotes the phase, the green wire indicates zero, and the red wire indicates the phase on the lighting device.

How to connect a light sensor for street lighting? Before you start the connection, you should read the instructions. Wires are connected with a junction box. It is placed side by side on the wall and fastened by means of brackets.

To connect the switched load, it is necessary to continuously supply voltage. To do this, connect a green wire, which indicates zero, to a normal consumer network with a voltage of 220 V. Such equipment has a current strength of more than 10 amperes. For high switching power, more powerful switches must be used to control street lighting.

How to make a sensor for lighting yourself

In order to assemble the simplest lighting equipment, it is necessary to purchase an LED that serves as a sensing element, resistors, sensitivity control devices, and the necessary wires. Also, you need to choose a protective casing that will protect the photo relay from mechanical influences and precipitation. To fix it you need brackets and bolts of a certain diameter, as well as a prepared place.

The light sensor for street lighting with their own hands must be assembled in the same way as a conventional photocell. Here the main element is the diode. You can also use a photodiode that is in a computer mouse. When the light falls on this element of light, the electrical circuit begins to close. The signal comes through a power source and includes a lighting device located in the room or in the fresh air. Such devices are used for street lighting of streets, suburban areas, garages and other places.

Cost

The average price of a light sensor for street lighting is 500 rubles. If it is necessary to install it away from the switchboard, you should purchase a wire. Its price depends on the footage. You can also purchase special motion sensors, but you will have to spend a little money.

Reviews

Many users are satisfied with the light sensor for street lighting. Such a device does not consume much electricity, as continuous adjustment of the lighting is carried out. Each person can choose the necessary sensitivity mode of the device. People use it to illuminate the suburban areas, garages, street paths, etc. All that is necessary is to perform the correct installation and connection. The sensor is attached to 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 value. Therefore, it is impossible to get confused, since the relay is simple equipment, many people collect it themselves. In addition, you can additionally install motion sensors. Lighting will be included only when people move on the street path. True, the cost of such a device goes up to 3000 rubles.

Conclusion

The light sensor for street lighting is simple and affordable equipment that simplifies life. Now you do not need to press the switches with your hands, because the whole process is automatic. The device starts to function when a certain amount of light beam is acting on the sensor.

You can independently adjust the limits of the supply and disconnection of street lighting. Such devices preserve the life of light bulbs, and also significantly save electrical energy. The light sensor for street lighting, reviews of which are mostly positive, is an excellent device for both street and for various rooms. Therefore, many people use such adaptations in the household.