Summary of Automatic Light Switching System with Dimmer
This article describes an automatic outdoor light switching system that uses a photocell and a 0–10 V dimmable ballast to switch and dim lamps based on ambient light. A TE Connectivity 2213362-1 dimming receptacle connects the photocell and ballast; its power contacts support up to 480 VAC/DC at 15 A max, while its dimming contacts support 0–10 VDC dimming at up to 0.10 A.
Parts used in the Automatic Light Switching System:
- Photocell (ANSI standard dimmable photocell)
- Dimming ballast with 0–10 V dimming control
- Lamp (powered by 220 VAC mains)
- TE Connectivity dimming receptacle 2213362-1
- Power wiring for 220 VAC mains
- Connectors for dimming signal (0–10 VDC)
Manual switching of outdoor lights in houses or roadways can be sometimes really inconvenient especially when we are far away or still at work. Sometimes this becomes an opportunity for thieves to infiltrate houses or a possibility of accident in roadways if night comes and our outdoor lights are still OFF. That is why the goal of this circuit is to automatically switch ON outdoor lights when it senses that it is getting dark and switch OFF lights when it’s daytime.
This type of light switching system is what we can usually see installed in streetlights or houses that are implementing automatic switching of outdoor lights. The system is not just limited to switching ON/OFF lights, it can also adjust the brightness of the lights so that it can just supply the right amount of luminance on the area required. This system is composed of a photocell, a receptacle, a ballast (with dimming control), and a lamp powered by the 220VAC mains. The photocell measures the light intensity level in an area and sends this data in a form of voltages (ranging from 0-10VDC) for the dimming control of the ballast. Based on the level of light intensity sensed by the photocell, the ballast will adjust the brightness of the lamp.
The whole system is supported by the TE Connectivity dimming receptacle 2213362-1. The photocell and ballast are connected through this receptacle. This dimming receptacle supports ANSI standard dimmable photocells with 5 positions (3 power contacts and 2 dimming signal contacts). Its power contacts can handle voltages up to 480V AC/DC provided that the maximum current passing through it will not exceed 15A. The dimming contacts of this receptacle supports 0-10VDC dimming method with a maximum current of 0.10A
For more detail : Automatic Light Switching System with Dimmer
- How does the system detect darkness?
The photocell measures ambient light intensity and sends corresponding voltages to the dimming control. - Can the system dim lights as well as switch them on and off?
Yes, the ballast supports dimming control and adjusts lamp brightness based on photocell signals. - What dimming signal does the system use?
The system uses a 0–10 VDC dimming signal from the photocell to the ballast. - Which receptacle connects the photocell and ballast?
The TE Connectivity dimming receptacle 2213362-1 is used to connect the photocell and ballast. - What voltage and current can the receptacle power contacts handle?
The receptacle power contacts support up to 480 VAC/DC with a maximum current of 15 A. - What are the limits of the receptacle dimming contacts?
The dimming contacts support 0–10 VDC dimming with a maximum current of 0.10 A. - What mains voltage powers the lamp in the described system?
The lamp is powered by 220 VAC mains. - Are standard ANSI photocells compatible with the receptacle?
Yes, the receptacle supports ANSI standard dimmable photocells with five positions.
