Automatic Lighting Controls

Installing lighting controls is one of the simplest and most efficient means of reducing lighting energy costs. When lights are left on unnecessarily, or areas are lighted excessively, energy costs increase. In residential applications, outdoor security lights can account for a large portion of overall lighting energy costs, and are often left on when not needed. Each hour that an unneeded light operates represents unnecessary expense. Listed below are some devices available to prevent this kind of waste.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors are a good choice for outdoor security lighting. The motion sensor keeps the lights on as long as there is movement. After motion has stopped (lapse time is adjustable), the detector switches the lights off.

Photocells

Photocells sense existing light and turn electric lights on when natural light levels are low; off when light levels are higher. They are especially good for outdoor or security lighting control, allowing the outdoor lighting system to adjust to changing seasons. If exterior lighting is needed for only a portion of the night, a photocell can be used to turn lighting on and a time clock to turn it off. Some photocells have delay mechanisms to prevent temporary cloud cover from turning the lights on.