12V light sensitive switch to switch lamps or other electric devices on or off at dusk or dawn

This light-sensitive switch is controlled by the ambient light level. It senses the ambient light level and will switch external devices on (or off) at night and off (or on) in the morning, depending on how the leads are connected to the device.

It is called a 'Twilight Switch" by the manufacturer.
The control circuit must be powered by 11V to 14VDC, power consumption is only 2mA / 35mA (relay off/on) so it can be powered by a small 12 volt battery.
The maximum power supply that can be controlled by the photo switch is 25 Volts / 3 Amps.
The switching relay has a delay of approximately 3 to 4 seconds after the photocell has registered a change in light level.
Common uses are for garden lighting and security applications. The sensitivity of the optical sensor (the clear lens on the device) can be altered by partially covering it.

Assembly instructions and setting into operation:
The module should be mounted in a dry place (e.g. roof projection) in such a manner that the lamp which is turned on by the crepuscular switch does not illuminate the crepuscular switch itself! In this case the crepuscular will switch ON and OFF constantly! A switching delay of approx. 3…4 seconds is installed to avoid that the crepuscular switch reacts to short changes of the lighting conditions (e.g. passing headlamps). The device is operated with an operating voltage of 12 V= (either a 12 V car battery or a stabilised 12 V power supply). The device can be set up to either switch a lamp or device on at dusk or switch it off.  The power consumption of the connected devices must be less than 3 amps (maximum breaking capacity of the relay). If you think that the module is too sensitive to surrounding light then change the switching threshold by covering the optical sensor (the clear lens on the device) partially with opaque adhesive tape.

Technical data:

  • Operating voltage: 12 V DC voltage (11...14 V)
  • Power consumption: approx. 2 mA / 35 mA (relay on / off)
  • Relay contact: 1 x switch-over, loading capacity max. 25 V 3 A
  • Operating temperature range: approx. - 15...+ 50 degree C
  • Luminous intensity switching-on: approx. 25 lux ± 20 %
  • Luminous intensity switching-off: approx. 45 lux ± 20 %
  • Switching delay: approx. 3...4 seconds
  • Dimensions: approx. 72 x 50 x 32 mm (without fixing straps)

12V light sensitive switch

  • Product Code: AA0323
  • Availability: No Stock
  • $29.50

  • Ex Tax: $26.82

Tags: Timers, Accessories, Photoswitch, C