How to Use Photocells
Photocells are sensors that detect light. There are countless reasons why they are useful and more beneficial than standard lighting. First of all, they are small, which means they are easy to work with and use in different locations. Second, they are very inexpensive. They're also low-power and don't wear out, which makes them highly energy-efficient. There are also less obvious benefits to using photocells; security, for example. Photocell lighting can be "tripped" if it is walked past. Also, photocell lighting can be used to illuminate any signs or advertisements for your business at night.
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Instructions
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Obtain photo cells for your desired application, such as outdoor lighting, from Radio Shack or a similar electronics store.
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Choose the ideal location for the photocells. This should be an area where the photocells will receive plenty of light, such as outside in the sunlight, near a lamp, or in a well-lit room.
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Position the photocells so that they will not be affected by any temporary light sources, such as porch lights, car headlights or rarely used lamps. Make sure there are no obstructions that would prevent your photocell lighting from being visible at night. This is especially important if your photocell lighting is being used to illuminate a sign for your business.
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Determine which calibration method to use. The normal calibration procedure is usually recommended and is automatic, so you should always calibrate this way.
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Clean your photocells to remove any dirt and oil that may have been left by your fingertips, and clean them regularly for the best performance.
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Tips & Warnings
Use sensitive photocells with high-intensity discharge. These lights take time to warm up, so they will have to be activated early. It is often recommended to run a timer in addition to your photocell to meet the criteria for certain lighting needs without wasting energy. Using photocells the proper way can save your business a lot of money, as it is estimated that $1 billion is wasted each year (as of 2009) by unnecessary lighting at night. Photocells are not affected by power failures.
If your photocell lights don't immediately start working, note that some photocells have a delay mechanism to prevent them from turning on at unnecessary times, such as during temporary dark cloud cover.
