Many parking lot lights and other area lights are rigged in such a way that they turn on automatically when it gets dark. This means that if it gets dark at six or five or even at 7, that is the moment the lights will go on. This goes to show that they are not set to light up at a specific time, but at whatever time, it gets dark. Such lights use a technology called photocells. Photocells are a wide variety of sensors that react based on the presence of light or any form of electromagnetic energy. They can detect when the light is on or when the sun is out. There are different types of photocells. Those used in area lights are known as photoresistors. In this post, we discuss the benefit of parking lot light with photocell sensors.
How do photoresistors work?
As mentioned earlier, photoresistors are a form of photocell used in area lights like parking lot lights. A photoresistor is a high-quality device that is made out of a highly resistant semi-conductor. It works in such a way that when an adequate amount of light hits the semi-conductor, the device absorbs photons. The photons allow the electrons present in the device to have enough energy to conduct. This results in a lowered resistance in the semi-conductor. These devised can either be intrinsic (built on the inside) or extrinsic (made on the outside). The intrinsic photoresistor requires a much more significant amount of light to lower the resistance of the device as compared to the latter. Most intrinsic photoresistors are made from materials such as silicon.
Uses of photocell sensors
Different types of photocell sensors can be used in;
- Solar panels that use light to generate electricity
- Area lights and street lights that automatically turn on and off
- Clocks that need light for readability when it is dark
- Nightlights
- Thermometers
- Light meters found in modern cameras
The benefit of parking lot light with photocell sensor
By detecting the presence of light or lack of light and turning on and off automatically, photocell sensors help to conserve energy. This means that the lights are only on when they are needed hence the energy conservation. Another benefit of photocell sensors in parking lot lights is that they help with efficiency. This means that the owner or the users do not have to turn the lights on and off manually. Therefore, even in the absence of a human being to control the lights, the rest of the neighborhood does not have to suffer. The automation feature also helps to keep the streets secure during seasons like holidays when most homeowners are on vacation.
Take Away
Parking lot lights are a form of outdoor lights. They are typically mounted on poles or stands on the ground. Parking lot lights are similar to street lights, sidewalks, malls, or other lights installed around buildings. Installing LED parking lot lights also helps to conserve energy as well as photocell sensors.
