How does a photocell work in a lighting system?

Wiring and installing a photocell is pretty straight forward as shown below: As shown above, the load wire (Lo) goes to the lighting installations connected in series while the neutral (N) wire through a breaker is looped to all the lights. The supply line through a breaker supplies the photocell electrical power.

Where does the load wire go in a photocell switch?

As shown above, the load wire (Lo) goes to the lighting installations connected in series while the neutral (N) wire through a breaker is looped to all the lights. The supply line through a breaker supplies the photocell electrical power.

Where can I buy a photocell light sensor?

I bought a photocell sensor on eBay after learning Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart were either out of stock on them or did not carry them. No problem, I thought, 3 wires and it should come with instructions. It arrived, but with no instructions except on the little plastic part (see second photo).

Which is the best photocell for outdoor lighting?

Some of the most reviewed products in Outdoor Lighting Accessories are the Hampton Bay Photocell for Dusk-to-Dawn Outdoor Lantern with 186 reviews and the Newport Coastal Photo Eye Replacement with 149 reviews. What is the price range for Outdoor Lighting Accessories?

Where to place photocell 18 in a room?

Place photocell 18” from the bottom corner of the ceiling. Remember, the Fresnel lens will see light with a field of view that is 1.15 times the distance to the wall. No direct lighting should be within the field of view.

Where to Mount photocell on a reflecting wall?

Mount the Indoor photocell at a reflecting wall. When sconces are in place in the light well, make sure not to mount photocell in direct level as the sconces. Place photocell 18” from the bottom corner of the ceiling. Remember, the Fresnel lens will see light with a field of view that is 1.15 times the distance to the wall.

What kind of power does a photocell need?

In most cases, a 12-24 VDC power source must be supplied to the RED and BLACK wires on the photocell. The photocell will draw 24mW of power. The DC signal voltage is returned to the controller through the YELLOW wire. Wiring the photocell to the controller should be done with 18-22 AWG stranded wire.

How big should a photocell be in a window?

For most general applications the photocell should be mounted between 6-8 feet of the window area, central to the area illuminated by the electrical lighting that will be controlled. In all cases the photocell must be mounted so that it looks at reflected light only and not at any direct light.