Home > Electrical > Photocells

Photocells


Photocells are a type of sensor designed to detect the presence of light. They are small inexpensive accessories that can be used with light fixtures to turn them on or off depending on the time of day. We offer many different types and styles of photocells in our Lighting category.
Sort By:
1
MP39063 MP39056 MP39057
MP39058 AmerTac SLC4CB-4 Dusk to Dawn Light Control Socket MP39030
Area Lighting CPGI-ALR-AA-305 Post Security Photocontrol AmerTac 758CTC-4 Dusk to Dawn Post Eye Light Control AmerTac LC120BC-4 Dusk to Dawn Twist Lock Light Control
AmerTac 758M Post Eye Light Control AmerTac SLC5BCW-4 Dusk to Dawn Light Control Socket MP39040
AmerTac 758FPCTCC-4 Dawn Light Control MP39069 AmerTac SW103CTC-4 Dusk to Dawn Swivel Eye Light Control
Area Lighting CPGI-ALR-TL-115 Swivel Mount Photocontrol AmerTac OLC5CFLBC-4 Dusk to Dawn Floodlight Control Photocell MP39060
Area Lighting CPGI-ALR-SPT-15 Thermal Bimetal Photocontrol MP39010 MP39070
MP39042 AmerTac SLC6CBC-4 Programmable Light Control Socket HLP Photocontrol, Twist Lock MV Utility (Long Life Version), 120-277VAC, 1.5fc T
Westek AT15BC-4 Dusk to Dawn Stem Mount Light Control MP39052 Area Lighting CPGI-ALR-OLC-5C Photocontrol
MP39062 MP39012 MP39020
MP39032 Amertac SLC2BCB3-4 Light-Sensing Socket Reducer Socket Adapter MP39050
MP39053 MP39011 MP39022
MP39051 MP39106 MP39013
MP39100 MP39104 Heathco HZ-5690-AL Light Fixture Arm Extension
MP39102 MP39101 MP39107
MP39103 Bell 5638-5 Swivel Mount Photocontrol MP39072
MP88060 MP39112
   
 
1

History of Photocells


The modern photocell has remained mainly unchanged since they were first invented and introduced over 40 years ago. The main reason they were invented was to control outdoor lighting fixtures so that they were lit dusk to dawn, therefore saving power and the bulb's lifespan. The operation of a photocell is fairly simple. There is a current flowing through a closed electromagnetic relay. When the cell is exposed to sunlight the resistance is zero and therefore there is no current flowing to the fixture. When the sunlight is gone the opposite happens and power flows freely to the light.