Today the installation of the photosensors is available for ordinary owners of country houses. Such a solution will improve the comfort of your home without large financial investments. You only need to connect the photocell to the lights in the street (lantern, spotlight) to get rid of the need to control the procedure for turning on and off the lighting system.
Contents
Basic principles of a light dependent relay
The general principle of operation of the light barrier relay is similar. The differences between the models are in functionality. The main task of the photo relay for street lighting is to turn on the lighting fixture when it gets dark, and turn it off in the morning. To begin with, it is necessary to understand what a photoelectric relay is. Understanding the construction of the device will allow you to learn how the mechanism works.
The core of the equipment is the key unit - motion sensor based on a light-sensitive element. The photosensor is connected to the control board with relay contacts, which are responsible for controlling all parameters of the device. The relay itself has a form of a special device at the output, distributing the loads. Depending on the level of light the photoresistor or photodiode changes its parameters, which leads to the closure of the contacts in the electrical circuit and the switching on and off of the light.
Technical parameters
When choosing a suitable device, you should pay attention to its characteristics. You can read the information from the attached data sheet. The key parameters are:
- Power supply voltage. In the standard version, the device operates from 220 V mains. Choosing 12 V or 24 V options is not the most rational choice due to the need for additional purchase and placement of power supplies.
- Maximum value of the switched current. This characteristic becomes important only if the device is used to control a large number of lighting devices. For domestic street lighting systems, the capabilities of the simplest modifications of the device are sufficient.
- The trigger threshold of the unit is measured in lumens and given as an interval of values. Many models provide the ability to adjust the characteristic.
- The turn-on delay time. Measured in seconds, it is given as an interval of values.
- Off delay time is a similar parameter.
- Required power. Denoted as two values: for standby mode and during active operation.
- Protection level: IP65 or IP40. The first category of devices is suitable for installation in the open air, the second - only in a dry room.
The following parameters are also considered important: operating temperature range, dimensions, installation methods, power connection.
Main varieties of devices
The most popular are the following types of photocells for street lighting systems:
- With a photocell located inside the body. Such a variant is optimal from the perspective of full automation of the system of external lighting. The devices are equipped with a sealed housing, the transparent part of which is located in front of the photocell.
- With the photoelectric cell placed inside and equipped with a timer. Thanks to the timer, it is possible to automatically turn off the lighting system after a set period of time. The range includes photocells that can be programmed for a day, a week or more.
- With remote photosensor. This option is reliable in operation. The electronic components are installed indoors, while the temperature-protected photocell is placed outdoors.
The suitable model should be chosen according to your requirements and available budget. In addition to standard photo sensors, combined versions are also possible: motion sensors or time sensors. If the device has a timer, the mechanism is triggered according to the time of day. Models equipped with a sensor, built-in timer and motion sensor at the same time are the most rare. Devices are equipped with a special display and allow you to set a particular lighting program.
The nuances of the wiring diagram
Several installation options are available. The choice of one or another scheme of connection of the photo relay for street lighting is determined by the design features of the modules used.
Peculiarities of connection with three leads
If there are three outputs on the body of the unit at once, the process of connecting the wires is organized as follows. The brown cable must be connected to the phase inlet of the mounting box. The blue lead is connected to the zero element, while the red lead is connected to the terminal on the body of the wiring box where the phase to the light fixture comes out.
Connection with two leads
With only two leads on the body of the device, the connection process is somewhat simplified. The connection of the phase input is made to a suitable element on the mounting box. In the same way, the neutral conductor is connected to the terminal on the body of the light barrier. Similarly, the connection of lighting devices is carried out.
Having one pair of terminals on the input is enough to get control over several lighting devices. The connection of the wires to the photocell controller is made in parallel.
Installation work
Wiring the photo relay can be carried out by yourself, without the involvement of professionals. In the case of sealed models of the device, the mounting will be done using a remote bracket. Installation of the photocell for street lighting is realized by means of screws to connect the elements mounted in the holes in the body of the device. Mounting the sensor of the remote type is carried out outside the house. There are a number of rules on how to connect the photocell to the lighting:
- you must choose a sunlit place for installation;
- Avoid shadows from awnings, fences, high walls;
- It is necessary to take into account that during the warm season the blossoming leaves on the trees can be an obstacle to the normal functioning of the equipment.
If necessary, any retrofitting of the device can be done with your own hands, without resorting to the services of electricians.
Proper adjustment of the photoelectric relay is carried out as follows. Under the hood of the photosensor there is a round knob - its turning changes the sensitivity of the sensor. You should set it to the extreme first position. Then you need to connect the photocell to the mains and at the time you want to turn on the street light, turn the lever until the sensor signal. By leaving the lever in the designated position, you will ensure that the system will start properly at the set light level.
The benefits of using a photo sensor for street lighting prices
Mounting a photosensor as a component of your lighting system is beneficial for a number of reasons. The use of modern technology increases the comfort of living conditions on the territory.
Those who have installed a photocell on their yard, have had time to appreciate its undeniable advantages:
- Provides the convenience of working with the system of external lighting. Switch on street lighting becomes as simple as possible - this task is entrusted to the installed device.
- It saves electricity consumed by incandescent lamps - lighting is turned on only when it is actually necessary.
- Extends the life of the lamps installed in the light fixtures.
- Fast actuation - in this parameter it wins in comparison with a mechanical switch.
- Compatibility of the device with almost all types of incandescent lamps - it will not be a problem to pick up elements for the lighting system.
- Automatic system of switching lights performs a security function - scares away potential intruders.
The obvious benefits of mounting a photocell have contributed to its popularity. Connection and adjustment will need to be made once, while the mounted system will serve the owner faithfully for many years.
Possible malfunctions of the mechanism for street lighting
In the case of problems with the functioning of the photosensor should check the adjustments. It is necessary to adjust the lighting fixtures according to the season. When purchasing a light regulator, you should consider:
- The overall size of the area surrounding the house;
- the presence of a built-in timer to ensure proper operation of the equipment and save electricity consumption;
- the presence of a function for setting the threshold of the sensor in the selected model of photosensor.
In the photo relay settings can be adjusted without problems, which will eliminate possible malfunctions. False alarms caused by pets or random passers-by in the street are not excluded.
Failures caused by moisture inside the device or a faulty board element burned out due to a voltage drop in the mains are also possible. If the device itself is in good working order and set up properly, you should check the wires. Particular attention should be paid to the integrity of the insulation in each section. If necessary, replacing the cable can solve the problem.
Video of the light on and off photocell
The mounting system of the photocell is not too complicated - you can handle it yourself. How to correctly connect the photocell to turn on the light, it is proposed to understand with the help of a video. The information contained in it will allow you to cope with the task of installing a photocell even a person who does not have special knowledge and skills.
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