What Is the Difference Between Photocell and Motion Sensor?

Photocell and motion sensor are electronic devices used to manage indoor and outdoor lighting systems. These sensors are used to save energy by turning the lights on when it gets dark or when motion is detected, and turning them off when they are no longer needed.

What Is the Difference Between Photocell and Motion Sensor?
26.03.2022
1.841

Photocell and motion sensor are electronic devices used to manage indoor and outdoor lighting systems. These sensors are used to save energy by turning the lights on when it gets dark or when motion is detected, and turning them off when they are no longer needed.

While there are different types of photocells available, they all use the same technology and semiconductors to control electric current. Photocells are generally used to turn on exterior lights at dusk and turn them off during the day. Photocells automatically adapt to seasonal changes in the day and night cycle, as they sense the ambient light level.

There are different types of photocells with plug, socket and cable. Plug-in photocells are plugged into a standard wall socket and serve to control the device connected to it. Ideal for controlling lights such as a table lamp or floor lamp. The photocell with lightbulb socket is installed between the bulb and the socket on the chandelier or luminaire. In this way, the energy coming to the socket is controlled according to the light situation. Wired photocell is the most commonly used type of photocell. The electrical connection is made directly over the power cables. It is the ideal way to manage multiple lighting devices.

The main difference between photocell and motion sensors is that motion sensors detect physical motion. There are two types of motion sensors. Active motion sensors emit light, radio waves, or ultrasonic sound to detect motion. Movement in the detection area changes the reflected signals and activates the sensor. Passive motion sensors detect infrared energy emitted by people, animals and hot objects. When these hot spots move, the sensor and the electrical circuit connected to it are triggered.

Motion sensors are generally used in outdoor lighting applications to turn lights on when motion is detected and turn off when there is no motion. Motion sensors are also used to save energy in indoor lighting of commercial buildings. Motion sensors designed for indoor and outdoor lighting management can operate directly with 220 V mains voltage. It is possible to manage multiple lighting devices with a single motion sensor.

Motion sensors and photocells turn lights on and off according to changing light levels or motion detected. These sensors are used in many different lighting applications, especially security lighting. The flexible control possibilities provided by the sensors improve the appearance and safety of the area while saving energy.

Emre Yılmaz, the founder of Lighting Portal, graduated from Atılım University Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2013, and since then has been involved in the management and product development activities of state-supported projects in the lighting industry. He completed his master's degree at Gazi University Industrial Design Engineering Department and continues his education in the doctorate program of the same department.
Leave a Comment
Comments - 0 Comment

No comments yet.