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Discover why your photocell light might be flashing and how to fix it. Learn about common causes like confusing light sources, wiring problems, environmental challenges, and power fluctuations. Implement troubleshooting measures and maintenance tips to ensure reliable performance and energy conservation.
Main Body
The outdoor photocell sensors also called the dusk to dawn sensors and photoelectric sensors, by professional manufacturers are made to comply with the highest standards of efficiency and energy conservation. It is made sure that they can efficiently detect ambient light and deliver a consistent performance. However, these may still encounter a few problems affecting their performance. The most common of all malfunctions witnessed in photocell lights is flickering or flashing.
This has to do with a lot of factors, both internal and external. Where an outdoor photocell switch’s manufacturing defects can be blamed in some cases, this behavior might be an outcome of environmental factors as well. Let us explore what might cause a photocell light to flicker and how this problem can be solved depending on the cause.
Common Causes of Flickering in Photocell Lights and Troubleshooting Measures
where the exact culprit of a flashing photocell light can be ascertained only after a thorough examination, here are a few common causes you can look for if your light is flashing.
- Confusing Light Sources
Photocells are primed to detect the level of sunlight and turn the light on and off according to the light intensity. However, when there are some other sources of light nearby, a photocontrol light sensor might confuse it as a stimulus. This can especially happen in circumstances where the natural light is undergoing frequent changes in intensity, for example, due to clouds. The photocells might take the artificial light as a stimulus along with the sunlight and hence it may cause flickering.
This problem can be completely avoided by giving importance to the placement details in photocell light fixtures. Make sure these are not directly obstructed by any artificial source of light. Identifying and removing the causes of obstruction can also help reduce fluctuations. Moreover, using smart systems that base their operation on a combination of algorithms can help sensors differentiate between fake and genuine stimuli.
- Wiring and Connection Problems
This is among the most common causes of flashing photocell lights. A wiring that is not tight enough or is damaged can lead to inconsistent flow of power. Similarly, issues with a connection can disrupt the performance of the system. Using low quality wiring and other components without a certification can also result in such problems as these are not tested for high performance.
Have you considered making use of high quality components like NEMA 7 switches to mitigate the chances of signal loss? These and other such certified components are tested for best performance and providing secure connection. Try using our NEMA 7 compatible components to reduce chances of damage and enhance performance. Moreover, if the wiring is damages, replacing it with new wiring and ensuring secure connections will solve the issue.
- Environmental Challenges
In addition to a manufacturing problem or issues arising with different components of a dusk to dawn photocell, factors like pollutants can also obstruct their efficiency. For example, dirt accumulation, humidity, and debris etc cab reduce a sensor’s ability to efficiently detect ambient light. This can lead to flickering. Similarly, in extreme weather conditions like a heavy shower, fog, and snowfall, photocell sensors might undergo a temporary inability to precisely detect the light, causing light fixtures to flicker.
Frequent upkeep of your photocell sensors and maintaining them properly can help reduce the risk of damage and inefficiency due to environmental factors. Keep cleaning the fixtures from time to time and troubleshooting them for any problem in the preliminary stage.
- Power Fluctuations
An inconsistent power supply and frequent surges can also cause light fixtures to flicker. These can even cause permanent damage to the photocells if you do not have surge protection devices installed. Various factors like fluctuations arising in the power grid or due to nearby electric devices can be the reason behind it.
Installing Surge Protection Devices is a great way of reducing such instances of fluctuation. They also protect your photocell sensors against damage arising from power surges. However, if the sensor has been damaged due to sudden surge, the only possibility you are left with is to replace the sensor.
LT134 is a photocell developed by Zhejiang Lead Top for municipal tender projects. It can be customized to include:
1.Surge protection: 20KV/10KA
2.Surge protection level: 1425
3.IP67 rating
4.Insulation Resistance: >500MΩ
5.Will operate down to 80VAC
6.Zero-Crossing Detection
Where frequently maintaining your photocell sensors, cleaning them of dirt and debris, ensuring proper wiring and connection, and using SPD to reduce the risk of damage can help significantly in reducing flashing in your lights, in some cases, seeking help of an electrician might be the only way forward.
Conclusion
Flashing in outdoor photocell lights can result from various factors, including nearby light sources, wiring issues, environmental challenges, and power fluctuations. Implementing measures such as proper fixture placement, high-quality components, regular maintenance, and surge protection devices can mitigate these issues. However, professional assistance may be needed in persistent cases or severe damage. Understanding these causes empowers users to maintain reliable performance and enhance energy conservation.
