Each of us dreams that own house was automated and to turn on the light or TV you just had to enter the room. If with household appliances In terms of automation, things are not very good, but with the lighting system everything is much better. And today, in a house or apartment, it is relatively easy to create a system for automatic lighting using special devices.

Our article will tell you how you can organize it with your own hands in any room of the house. quality system lighting operating in automatic mode.

Backlight automation: advantages and purpose

Creating a system for automatic control lighting in home spaces is a dream that can easily be realized today with the help of special equipment. Such systems in the house have the following advantages:

• efficient and comfortable control of lighting fixtures without direct human intervention;
• possibility to install automatic device DIY light control systems;
• automatic switching on light at night;
• saving on electricity. The device (motion sensor, relay, etc.) that is used in a given situation allows you to achieve varying degrees of energy savings.

Automatic room lighting

It is worth noting that automatic lighting systems used indoors are included in the concept of “smart home” or “smart home”. smart light" By connecting such systems, you get the opportunity to quickly, comfortably and effective management the level of lighting in any room of the house where the necessary equipment is installed.
Depending on what device a particular device has (sensor, relay, etc.), turning on the light can be done as follows:

• through registration by the device in a given area of ​​movement. Here the device contains a special sensor that detects any changes in the controlled area. Here, to turn the lighting off/on, you need to install a motion sensor;
• through sound effects. For example, to turn on the light you need to clap your palms. Here you need a special sound switch;
• through the degree of illumination. In this situation, a relay is used, the device of which is capable of assessing the level of illumination in the house and, when it falls below a certain indicator, turning on the light.

Note! All of the above methods of turning on and off lighting at night can be used both indoors and outdoors. But those devices that are capable of responding to an audio signal should be installed indoors to reduce the risk of false alarms.

In some situations, you can even combine devices that have different devices in order to achieve the most complete automation of the automatic light switching system in any room of the house or apartment.
Now let's look in more detail at each type of device used to organize an automatic lighting system.

Motion sensors are the most common option

Most often, an automatic lighting system in a house is organized by installing motion sensors. Such devices come in a wide variety:

• infrared. They are the safest in terms of long-term use in residential areas. They evaluate changes in the thermal signal and, if they detect a difference between the sent and received signal, they can turn the lights in the room on or off;

Infrared motion sensor

• microwave and ultrasonic sensor. Such products are often used to automate outdoor lighting systems. This is because microwave light control, especially when used for a long time, can have a negative impact on people's health. The operating principle of microwave and ultrasonic sensors is almost the same. The only difference is the type of signal received and emitted: microwaves or ultrasound. The organization schemes of such devices are almost identical;

Microwave motion sensor

Combined sensor

• combined sensor. This type of light control, like infrared, is the most optimal for the home. The combined sensor device contains two types of sensors that analyze signals in the monitored area.

Note! Combined and infrared sensors give a minimum number of false alarms.

For proper operation The device requires connection diagrams, which are usually provided by manufacturers and are either in the instructions for the device or printed on the side of the package. Connection diagrams may have different type. It all depends on the model of the device with which you plan to control the light.
Installation of motion sensors is possible in any room of the house, including the bathroom and toilet. The light in such a situation will turn on when a person enters the room, and turn off when he leaves.
In addition, such devices are often combined with such an element as circuit breaker Sveta. It can complement other types of devices in this system.

Smart switch - clap your hands

Smart switch

Another rather original, but nevertheless popular way to turn on the light in a room is to install a switch that responds to hand clapping.

This device is equipped with a microphone, which is characterized by high selectivity. This microphone is able to distinguish a specific sound and separate it from other sound vibrations. In addition, the smart switch is equipped with special automation that is capable of analyzing the received sound spectrum and isolating the necessary signal from it.

Note! A smart switch can respond not only to the clap of your palms, but also to a special word. If desired, any variation of sound vibrations can be used as a signal. The main thing here is to set everything up correctly.

To install such a switch, special circuits are also used. This must be taken into account when installing the device in the house.
It is best to use the switch in rooms such as a bedroom, living room, kitchen, hallway. But a smart switch is not suitable for a bathroom with a toilet.

Photo relays and their role in the automatic home lighting system

Photo relay

All devices that are used for organization in the home automatic system backlights can, to some extent, respond to the degree of illumination. But there are special products that respond to the level of natural light. These are relays of different modifications.

Light control here occurs when the level of natural light decreases below a set value. In order for the control to be correct, a relay of this type must be installed using correct diagrams. The relay is installed in the lighting fixture. Only after this control will be available. Therefore, if even one wire is connected incorrectly, the relay will not function as intended.

Photo relay connection diagram

At the same time, it is worth noting that when organizing an automatic lighting system inside a residential building, photo relays or other modifications are rarely used. More often they are included in the external lighting system, where their placement will be most relevant and effective. Here, as a rule, a photo relay is used, which looks like a sensor. It has a certain sensitivity to light rays. When the sun's rays hit the relay, it causes the device to switch to insulator mode. But in the dark, when the light flux weakens, the relay is converted into a conductor. As a result of this transformation, the lights turn on at night and in the evening. The device is powered from the house electrical network.

Conclusion

In order to organize high-quality and effective system automatically turn on the light, you can use three groups of devices. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when choosing for your home. There are some devices (microwave motion sensors), the long-term operation of which near people is unacceptable due to significant harm to health. And this article will help you make an informed choice in favor of one type or another. automatic device for lighting living rooms.

How to select and install volume sensors for automatic light control
Homemade adjustable transistor power supplies: assembly, practical application

When landscaping a property, owners of private houses are concerned with the question of how to automatically turn on the lights at dusk and turn them off at dawn. There are two devices for this - a photo relay and an astro-timer. The first device is simpler and cheaper, the second is more complex and more expensive. Let's talk in more detail about photo relays for street lighting.

Device and principle of operation

This device has many names. The most common is a photo relay, but they are also called photocell, light and twilight sensor, photosensor, photosensor, twilight or light-control switch, light sensor or day-night. In general, there are many names, but the essence does not change - the device allows you to automatically turn on the light at dusk and turn it off at dawn.

The operation of the device is based on the ability of some elements to change their parameters under the influence of sunlight. The most commonly used are photoresistors, phototransistors and photodiodes. In the evening, as the illumination decreases, the parameters of the photosensitive elements begin to change. When the changes reach a certain value, the relay contacts close, supplying power to the connected load. At dawn, the changes go in the opposite direction, the contacts open, the light goes out.

Characteristics and selection

First of all, choose the voltage with which the light sensor will work: 220 V or 12 V. The next parameter is the protection class. Since the device is installed outdoors, it must be at least IP44 (the numbers can be higher, but lower is undesirable). This means that objects larger than 1 mm cannot get inside the device, and also that it is not afraid of water splashes. The second thing worth paying attention to is temperature regime operation. Look for options that exceed the average in your region in terms of both positive and negative temperatures.

It is also necessary to select a photorelay model based on the power of the lamps connected to it (output power) and load current. It, of course, can “pull” the load a little more, but this may cause problems. So it’s better to take it even with some reserve. These were the mandatory parameters by which you need to choose a photo relay for street lighting. There are a few more additional ones.

In some models, it is possible to adjust the response threshold - to make the photosensor more or less sensitive. It is worth reducing the sensitivity when snow falls. In this case, the light reflected from the snow can be perceived as dawn. As a result, the light will turn on and off. This performance is unlikely to please.

Pay attention to the sensitivity adjustment limits. They may be larger or smaller. For example, for the Belarusian-made AWZ-30 photo relay this parameter is 2-100 Lux, for the P02 photocell the adjustment range is 10-100 Lux.

Response delay. Why is the delay needed? To avoid false switching on/off of light. For example, at night the photo relay was hit by the headlights of a passing car. If the response delay is short, the light will turn off. If it is sufficient - at least 5-10 seconds, then this will not happen.

Choosing an installation location

For the photo relay to work correctly, it is important to choose its location correctly. Several factors need to be taken into account:

As you can see, when organizing automatic lighting on the street, choosing a place to install a photo relay is not the best simple task. Sometimes you have to move it several times until you find an acceptable position. Often, if a light sensor is used to turn on a lamp on a pole, they try to place the photo relay there. This is completely unnecessary and very inconvenient - you have to clear off dust or snow quite often and climbing a pole every time is not very fun. The photo relay itself can be placed on the wall of the house, for example, and the power cable can be connected to the lamp. This is the most convenient option.

Connection diagrams

The connection diagram of a photo relay for street lighting is simple: a phase and a zero are supplied to the input of the device, from the output the phase is supplied to the load (lights), and the zero (minus) to the load comes from the machine or from the bus.

If you do everything according to the rules, the connection of the wires must be done in the distribution box. Choose a sealed model for outdoor location and install it in an accessible place. How to connect a photo relay to street lighting in this case is shown in the diagram below.

If you need to turn on/off a powerful lamp on a pole, the design of which has a choke, it is better to add it to the circuit. It is designed for frequent switching on and off and can withstand inrush currents normally.

If the light should be turned on only while a person is there (in an outdoor toilet, near a gate), add to the photo relay. In such a combination, it is better to first install a light-sensitive switch, and after it a motion sensor. With this design, the motion sensor will only trigger in the dark.

Connection diagram for photo relay with motion sensor

As you can see, the schemes are simple, you can easily do it yourself.

Features of connecting wires

A photo relay from any manufacturer has three wires. One is red, another is blue (can be dark green) and the third can be any color, but usually black or brown. When connecting, remember:

• the red wire always goes to the lamps:
• the zero (neutral) from the power cable is connected to blue (green);
• phase is supplied to black or brown.

If you look at all the diagrams above, you will see that they are drawn in compliance with these rules. That's it, no more difficulties. By connecting the wires this way (don’t forget that the neutral wire must also be connected to the lamp) you will get a working circuit.

How to set up a photo relay for street lighting

It is necessary to configure the light sensor after installation and connection to the network. To adjust the response limits, there is a small plastic rotary disk at the bottom of the case. Its rotation sets the sensitivity.

Find a similar regulator on the body - it adjusts the sensitivity of the photo relay

A little higher on the body there are arrows that indicate which direction to turn to increase and decrease the sensitivity of the photo relay (to the left - decrease, to the right - to increase).

To begin with, set the lowest sensitivity - push the regulator to the extreme right position. In the evening, when the light level is such that you decide that you should turn on the light, you begin adjusting. You need to smoothly turn the control to the left until the light turns on. At this point we can assume that setting up the photo relay for street lighting is complete.

Astro timer

An astronomical timer (astro timer) is another way to automate street lighting. The principle of its operation differs from the photo relay, but it also turns on the light in the evening and turns it off in the morning. Light control on the street occurs according to time. This device contains data about what time it gets dark/light in each region in each season/day. When setting up the astro timer, the GPS coordinates of its installation are entered, the date and current time are set. The device works according to the programmed program.

Astro timer - the second way to automate the light on the site

Why is it more convenient?

• It does not depend on the weather. In the case of installing a photo relay, there is a high probability of false alarms - in cloudy weather, the light may turn on in the early evening. If the photo relay is exposed to light, it may turn off the light in the middle of the night.
• You can install the astro timer in your home, in a control panel, or anywhere. He doesn't need light.
• It is possible to shift the on/off time by 120-240 minutes (depending on the model) relative to the specified time. That is, you can set the time yourself as convenient for you.

The disadvantage is the high price. In any case, the models that are available in the retail chain cost quite a lot of money. But you can buy it in China much cheaper, although how it will work is a question.

Holidays in a house outside the city become comfortable and bring pleasure only when the tasks of maintaining the house and site are reduced to a minimum. Often, owners are forced to water the plantings, control the ventilation and heating of the house, turn on the lighting of the area, etc. Of course, such a “vacation” was standard for our grandparents, but today there are completely different times and standards of life, which increasingly exclude the transformation of staying outside the city into work that takes a lot of effort and time.

This much-needed functionality today can be completely delegated, not to hired workers, but to modern multifunctional modular electrical equipment, which allows all processes to be carried out on suburban area in automatic mode, i.e. without human intervention. Its installation is quick and easy in already existing systems supply of electricity and thus eliminates the need for complex repair work.

There can be many processes, but in this article we will focus on automatic switching on of street lighting when darkness falls.

Although there are many simple ways turning on street lighting, it is difficult to argue with the fact that it is much more convenient when the lighting is turned on and off without human intervention at all, i.e. in automatic mode.

Modern modular equipment allows you not only to program the equipment to turn on in a timely manner, but also to create different combinations of light zones (for example, the lighting of several lawns will be turned on at one time, and a little later - the lamps on the remaining lawns and near the entrance).

The issue of turning on the lighting automatically becomes especially relevant in the autumn and winter months, when the sun sets very early and owners of country property are forced to return home in the dark.

There are currently many devices on the market that allow you to solve the problem of turning on the lighting automatically. So, if you need to light street lamps after dark, it is best to use twilight relays (photo relays). In the evening, if the light level drops below a certain level, the relay will operate and the lighting will turn on.

Lamps that are installed for security purposes near gates, garage doors or the entrance to the house can be connected via Motion Sensor. For these purposes, it is most often used to detect the presence and movement of a person in its coverage area. When installing motion sensors, you need to choose the correct location, taking into account its sensitivity.

To solve an important management problem street lighting you can opt for astronomical relay.

To organize lighting at the entrance to the house or the entrance to the site, you can opt for time relay with switch-off delay function. Such a device is controlled by a push-button switch and turns off the load (lights in the yard or garden) after a set time.

The delay time for turning on the load is set on the front panel of the relay, and can be adjusted depending on the device. In some time relays (timers), you can program not only time intervals for turning on and off outdoor lighting, but also distribute them by day of the week.

Very interesting and useful effects can be obtained by combining Various types lighting control devices. For example, a motion sensor can be connected together with a timer. Thanks to this, you can make it so that 2 20 W bulbs turn on automatically according to a timer, and when a person approaches, the motion sensor is triggered and 2 100 W bulbs turn on.

A huge number of possibilities for controlling outdoor lighting can be obtained using equipment for building systems home automation ( , and so on.) . Modern technologies and will help you create the most comfortable and convenient outdoor lighting control schemes at a cost and complexity level that suits you.

All devices listed in the article - photo relays, timers, motion sensors can be integrated into one system, which can be controlled using a remote control remote control or fully automatic. More details about the possibilities of controlling street lighting and floodlights using the X10 home automation system will be discussed in the following articles.

The vast majority of modern foreign-made cars, especially prestigious versions, are equipped with a device that automatically turns on the headlights when certain or specified conditions are created.

Often this device is combined with a rain sensor or is triggered when the light level decreases, controlled by sensitive photocells. However, the use of the above options becomes insufficient when it comes to a car operated in Russian Federation. "Rules Road Traffic» (hereinafter referred to as traffic regulations) in force on its territory require the inclusion of low beam headlights while driving vehicle regardless of the time of day and degree of illumination.

The appearance of this requirement in traffic regulations has caused the need for significant improvements in the electrical supply system not only for domestically produced cars, but also for foreign cars of the older age category.

The main requirements for a device or system that ensures automatic switching on of low beam headlights are:

• Guaranteed automatic switching on of headlights when the vehicle starts moving.
• Turning off the low beam when the vehicle is parked.
• Economical spending electrical energy in all operating modes of the power unit.

Filling the created niche in the automotive spare parts market, the development of these devices was undertaken not only by enterprises specializing in electrical equipment for automobiles, but also by the so-called “traditional craftsmen”. The devices they offer, both ready-made and at the same level circuit diagrams, a great many. The devices differ not only in the principle of operation, but also in the complexity of their implementation.

1. Diagrams of automatic headlight switching devices

Let's look at a few possible options, providing automatic switching on of vehicle headlights.

1.1 One of the simplest and most effective schemes for protecting against turning on headlights when the car is not running is a circuit that provides supply voltage to the button (relay) for turning on the headlights through. Turning off the engine (starter) opens the headlight power supply circuit. The fears of some motorists about increasing the load on the chain are unfounded, provided correct connection devices.

1.2 The method described below for organizing the automatic switching on of low beams involves connecting an additional relay or relay electromagnet that turns on the headlights to the “battery charging” signal lamp circuit. The practical implementation looks like this (see diagram in Fig. No. 1):

• add a five-pin relay to the circuit (type 90.3747);
• We connect contacts “30” and “85” to the ignition switch;
• contact “86” is connected to the output of the generator connected to the charge control lamp;
• contact “88” is connected to the relay that turns on the headlights (or the headlight circuit fuse);
• turning on the ignition ensures the supply of current to the windings of the relay electromagnet coil and its flow (through the generator winding) to the negative terminal;
• the relay operates to open contacts “88” and “30”;
• as a result of starting the engine and the subsequent start of operation of the generator, positive current comes to the terminal of the generator warning lamp;
• disabling the relay leads to the closure of contacts “88” and “30”, that is, the low beam headlights are automatically turned on.

Using a diode in series with the relay coil and directed towards the generator will help prevent the occurrence of a "harmful" circuit. The headlights will light only if the circuit is unbroken, which is monitored by the “battery charging” lamp.

Figure No. 1

1.3 The third connection method is based on using a sensor in the automatic headlight switching circuit emergency pressure oils in the power plant. In fact, this method is a variation of the one described above. The difference is that the relay coil is connected to the pressure sensor rather than to the generator. The headlights turn on immediately after the pressure in the lubrication system rises to the required level.

A significant disadvantage of this scheme is the blinking of the headlights when the oil pressure in the system decreases and, as a result, the sensor is triggered (coasting, idling mode, etc.).

The schemes and methods discussed above that ensure automatic switching on of headlights are simple in technical design and do not require significant material costs for implementation. This is their undoubted advantage. However, a fairly large group of domestic car enthusiasts, due to lack of free time, technical illiteracy and other objective reasons, prefer to use factory-made devices.

2. The “AvtoSvet AS” device, as an alternative to homemade schemes

The functional purpose of the AutoLight AS device is to smoothly turn on the low beam headlights at the moment:

a) the vehicle begins to move;

b) starting the engine and achieving 10-100% of the rated power.

This allows you to significantly extend the service life of incandescent lamps.

The low beam headlights automatically go out when the side lights are turned on (mains voltage< 12,7 Вольт), зажигания. Схема подключения контроллера предполагает коммутацию «+», то есть включение в цепь «+» выключателя или реле.

Figure No. 2

1. The device can operate in several ways:

The control wire of the controller is connected to the injector or hall sensor circuit;

Connection to the speed sensor circuit

2.2 Installation of the “AvtoSvet AS” controller on a car is carried out as follows:

• disconnect the “-” battery terminal;
• the red wire (D=1.5 mm) is connected through a 15-amp fuse to the power source (12 Volts);
• a black wire (D=1.5 mm) is connected to the “╧” (“ground”) terminal;
• the wire of blue color(D=1.5 mm) connects to the low beam headlight circuit (“+” terminal ≤ 9 Amperes) after the relay;
• the wire Brown(D=0.35 mm) connects to the input contact of the speed sensor;
• The blue wire (D=0.35 mm) is connected to the input contact of the side lights or connected via a toggle switch to the “+” terminal of 12 Volts.

The conditions that determine the automatic activation of low beam headlights depend on the state of the controller loop:

The cut loop ensures that the light turns on when the vehicle starts moving;

The whole loop ensures that the headlights are turned on when the power plant is started.

Attention! Connecting the brown wire directly to the coil contacts Absolutely forbidden, since high voltage values ​​will lead to loss of controller functionality.

• Avoid getting moisture inside the device;
• prevent deformation of the controller due to mechanical and temperature loads;
• Do not use gas-discharge lamps in the vehicle electrical system.

Motion sensors have made human life much easier. They are installed in various devices, including lighting. So, a person no longer needs to look for a switch in the dark. Thanks to installed sensor motion light will automatically turn on.

Lighting appears due to the transmission of a signal to the control panel that there is movement in the room. So, let’s look at the operating principle of the device, what types there are, and also analyze the main models on the market.

It is worth noting that the sensor itself is installed not in the base, but on the wall. Its viewing angle is up to 120 degrees.

The radiation level is recorded within the sensor's visibility range. When at rest, the sensor remains silent. When an object comes into view, the output voltage changes. Depending on the type of sensor, the method of signal transmission varies.

A series of impulses indicating the appearance of an object is transmitted to the central control panel. Depending on the sensitivity level, the light on the object turns on for 3-10 seconds. To ensure that the lighting appears fairly quickly, a motion sensor is installed at the entrance to the room.

Types of motion sensors

There are quite a few types of motion sensors on the market today. Depending on the existing tasks at the site, budget and external conditions, it is necessary to install one or another motion sensor to turn on the light. So, you can install an ultrasonic, infrared or microwave sensor.

Ultrasonic The sensor works on the principle of reflecting waves from objects that surround it. It is believed that this the most reliable device , presented on the market, and its price is the most attractive. This device saves energy, is easy to use and quite functional. If necessary, you can connect the sensor to a microphone or monitor to monitor the object. The only one disadvantage this sensor is the complexity of installation.

Infrared The sensor works like a thermometer. When an object whose body temperature is higher than that in the room hits, a signal is transmitted to the control panel. Within 3−10 seconds the light turns on automatically. Main disadvantage such a sensor is a reaction to a change in temperature. Therefore, it is not suitable for rooms where there is heating devices. It is not recommended to install it in front of the door. However, these sensors are usually used in residential premises. This is due to the ability to adjust the temperature range so that the light does not turn on on pets.

Microwave The sensor operates like a locator. So, the device periodically sends signals of a certain range. When the signal returns, the sensor is triggered. This is the most advanced sensor on the market today. His maximum sensitivity, and the viewing angle reaches 120 degrees. However, the cost of such a sensor is quite high, so they are installed in office premises or in production workshops.

There are also motion sensors to turn on the lights outdoor and indoor versions. If an indoor sensor operates at a temperature of 0−45 degrees Celsius, then outdoor sensors can withstand frosts down to -50 degrees. When installing alarms, it is important to consider the range of the device. Most often, devices are installed that operate at 100-500 meters, but there are professional models, the radius of which approaches one kilometer. Note that many sensors only work with certain types of lighting fixtures. It is important to take this nuance into account during installation.

Let us remind you that the main purpose of motion sensors for turning on lights is to save energy.

When installed in a large commercial facility, energy savings range from 25 to 40%.

Selecting a motion sensor to turn on the light

Of course, you can purchase any type of motion sensor. But when choosing, it is necessary to start from the planned budget and technical capabilities object. There are several rules when installing motion sensors.

Yes, many experts recommend installing an ordinary switch parallel to the motion sensor. The fact is that if you need to stay indoors for a long time, then in order for the light to be on, you will have to constantly move. Otherwise, after a certain time it will turn off if not used infrared sensor movements.

To prevent the device from triggering on pets, it should be installed at a distance of 1 meter from the floor. If it is important that the viewing angle be maximum, the sensor is installed on the ceiling.

You can install the most simple sensors- ultrasonic. But, for dark and cold basements, infrared devices are recommended. They are most suitable for such objects. As for microwaves, they are universal, although due to their high cost, their installation is often carried out at large industrial facilities.

Manufacturers

There are several major manufacturers on the market today. But most of them have factories in China. However, there are several domestic manufacturers that assemble sensors from Chinese components in Russia. The cost of such models is slightly higher, but this is fully compensated by the increased warranty period.

It is important to note that the price of the device directly depends on the distance from the central warehouse of the supplier or manufacturer. Yes, on Far East Chinese models are much cheaper than domestic ones. Sensors can be found in Moscow Russian production, which will cost less than imported ones. The most reliable and easy-to-install sensors are models from the Ultralight, Theben and Sen brands. Recently, Camelion LX-03A has become very popular on the market.

Although specifications, in fact, are the same everywhere in the technical passport, domestic outdoor models are more frost-resistant. The warranty usually ranges from 6 months to 1 year.

Installation of motion sensors

In theory, it is very simple to install a sensor that will respond to sound or movement. You need to connect the device wires to the wiring. In order for everything to look aesthetically pleasing, a special distribution box is used. When installing, you must follow several rules.

Firstly, you should immediately think of an installation location, since moving the sensor to another place after its installation will be quite difficult and labor-intensive. Secondly, the switch must operate separately from the motion sensor. Otherwise, difficulties may arise if the sensor breaks. Thirdly, it is important to understand in advance what range of devices will be needed at a given site. It is important that the sensor is not exposed to direct sunlight. Otherwise it will quickly break.

However, to ensure everything is installed correctly, it is recommended to contact a specialist. If you purchase the sensor directly from the installation company, you can save on installation costs. The higher the order value, the greater the discount. In some cases, installation may be free.