Photorelay for street lighting

When the owner of a private house begins to improve his territory, he takes care of turning on the light in the dark. It is important that electricity breaks off at dawn. Now there are two devices that have such a function: an astrotimer and a photo relay. The relay is simpler, so it is often preferred.

Features of the photo relay

Its main function is to illuminate the territory when it is dark. The photo relay controls the intensity of the light thanks to the potentiometer. It also accurately captures the time when light sources should be turned on or off. Thanks to the convenient adjustment, the person himself controls the operation of the device.

If there is little light, the relay contacts close. This leads to the inclusion of electric lighting on the street. When the twilight dissipates, the contact circuit automatically opens and the electric lighting is turned off.

This work depends on the photosensitive element. The intensity of lighting changes during the day. This phenomenon contributes to a change in the conductivity of the photocell current. As a rule, this is a phototransistor or photodiode. The main unit of the device is controlled by a special control board. It contributes to the fact that the wiring of the electrical circuit is closed.

The photo relay has indisputable advantages:

• when installing a motion sensor, electricity is saved;
• electric lighting automatically turns off when morning comes;
• You can control a group of lamps from one point.

Where can I use the device with auto-adjustment of light

The installation of the photo relay is carried out anywhere. It is suitable for multi-apartment and private houses. It is often connected to the irrigation system of lawns and lawns. It provides the automatic irrigation system at the same time.

How is the relay connected?

You can connect many different devices to it. Its maximum working load, which ranges from 1000 to 2300 watts, depends on this. It works with alternating voltage - 220 volts, in a circuit with a current strength of 10 amperes. The boundaries of the threshold within which the device is triggered range from 2 to 2000 lux.

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By connecting the photo relay, you need to adjust the working illumination. For this, there is a special regulator at the bottom of the device. The indicator of working illumination is from 5 to 50 lux.

You can adjust the device so that it includes electricity in cloudy weather or in the shade. To do this, move the control in the direction of “plus” or “minus”. When it moves to the “minus”, the relay will operate when it is completely dark.

What are photo relay

There are several types of relays with different elements. The scope of use of the device depends on them.

A device whose shield contains a photocell

This type of relay turns on electricity when it gets dark outside. At sunrise, he turns off the light. The device is equipped with a transparent case. It is made of strong material that protects the element from adverse conditions.

Relay with photocell and timer inside

In addition to the photocell, the device is equipped with a timer. The timer controls the level of lighting at different times of the day. In the task of a certain program, the photo relay works in a given period of time. Moreover, its inclusion occurs at a lighting level below the specified parameters. If there is more lighting, the output will be turned off.

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Timers are:

• daytime;
• nightly;
• weekly;
• annual.

Photo relay, the control of which allows you to adjust the threshold

The principle of operation is the same as that of the first two, but a lever is located below on the case. By turning the lever, the response threshold is adjusted. When you turn the knob to the "plus", electric lighting will work in the shade or thunderstorm. If you turn the knob to the "minus", the photo relay only responds to complete darkness.

The design, which includes a remote photocell

In this design, the photocell is not located in the main unit, but outside it. The unit must be mounted in an electrical panel. The function of the remote photocell is that the main unit of the device should be installed in a room protected from vandals and bad weather. The maximum distance of the relay unit from the element is 150 meters.

How to assemble the photo relay yourself according to the scheme

Before installing the photo relay, you need to make sure that there are no shadows, trees or other objects nearby. They can interfere with natural light. The conclusions of the device are three multi-colored wiring, so it is difficult to mix them up. The color coding for them is as follows:

• phase - black wire;
• zero - a wire of green color;
• switching to a light source - red wiring.

Correctly connect all wiring junction box will help. Switching the load is done by interrupting the voltage in phase with its subsequent resumption. The green “zero” wire provides power. It should be noted that the indicator of the working U relay is 230 volts, with a rated load current of 10 amperes.

With a large load power, you need a strong switch. It is designed to work in twilight.

Photo relay is a convenient and practical invention. It facilitates the management of home and household, providing comfort, coziness and security.