Photocell is also named daylight sensor or dusk to dawn sensor, its on/off standard is the illumination value of the position of the LED street light. The light is automatically turned on and off by sensing the illumination value of the surrounding.

A photocell or photocontrol is a sensor whose resistance value (in ohms) changes depending on how much light hits the surface. High-intensity light shining on the surface produces a lower resistance, while lower-intensity light produces a higher resistance. Bright light during the day = 5000 ohms and darkness at night = 20000000 ohms. With the help of the triode, it can finally make the circuit turn on (under high resistance at night) or turn off.

The advantages of daylight control
The advantage of light control is that it can determine whether the street lights are on or not according to the strength of the light on the road. Sometimes even in the daytime, it will be caused by cloudy and rainy days, and the road luminance is low. At this time, the street lights will be on to meet the lighting requirements. 

The combination of time control and daylight control
The intelligent control system of street lights is combined with time and space and light control. In the time range of sunrise and sunset, when the illuminance meets the requirements of switching lights, the system will automatically send instructions to switch on and off the street lights. Using advanced control technology, the fusion light control function and the ordinary time controller have a large number of functions as a whole. According to the user’s energy-saving needs, the light control probe and the time control function can be activated at the same time, which will achieve the best energy-saving effect.

Daylight control and time control mode, which can turn on the lights during heavy rain and foggy weather during the day, and turn off the lights in the middle of the night at night.

It is the best energy-saving control device for street lights. It can be widely used in streets, railways, stations, waterways, schools, power supply departments, and other applications that require time control and light control.

The scientific principle of photocell
The principle of light control is to use photocells, photoresistors, and other photosensitive elements. That is, when the light intensity irradiated on the element changes, its related parameters: current flowing, resistance value, etc. will change accordingly.A collection of components that detect this change in the photosensitive element and use it to control other systems is called light control.

The conditions of LED street light with photocell
Both DC LED street lights and AC LED street lights can be installed with a photocell. When the person wants the street light to be turned on/off automatically, photocell is a good choice.

LED street light with photocell needs to be installed with a receptacle/base such as 3 pin Nema socket, or 5 pin Nema socket, or 7 pin Nema socket or other bases.

The basic function of led street light with photocell
Most outdoor LED street lighting fixtures with photocell can make street lights turn on and turn off automatically. It can sense ambient light level, photocells automatically adjust to seasonal changes in the day/night cycle. Also, you can choose the light level that fits your local situation. This can also be used to turn various outdoor lights on at dusk and turn off when the sunsets. This is widely used for outdoor LED lights such as LED garden lights, LED floodlights, LED street lights, and so on.  

Knowing the basic function of LED street lights with photocell will give you a deeper understanding of excellent lighting solutions so as to achieve the best energy-saving effect.

Precautions when installing LED street light with photocell
While installing a photocell on the street light, disconnect power; wire the receptacle, and an arrow indicating NORTH on the top of the receptacle is used to assist correct direction. Push the photocontrol on and turn it clockwise to lock into the receptacle.

LED street light with photocell must be installed outdoor in natural lighting, avoid the area where the light is irradiated, keep it clean and prevent misoperation and waterproof.