HID and LED Standard Controls

Gateway international 360, LLC (GWI) "Total Solution Products" a photo control is one of those many devices that are encountered on a daily basis that few of us take the time to recognize for their practical significance. Turning the streetlights on when the sun starts to set or triggering the illumination of your pathway lights when you walk to your front door, photo controls can be found in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. There are a variety of electrical timers and switches available on the market, but photo controls are unique in that they use ambient light levels to trigger the power supply to light a given area. This light sensitivity makes it possible to ensure reliable lighting for only those times where it is needed - saving energy and money!

Photo controls or Photo Electric Control Units (PECUs) are light responsive switches that can be paired with traditional lighting solutions to provide automatic illumination during periods of relative darkness. The photo control switch is triggered to allow power supply when light levels fall below a specified value and then switch the supply off when the light level reaches another designated value.

The ratio between the "on" light level and the "off" light level is referred to as the switching ratio. A variety of photo control options with different switching ratios are available to service your application needs for burning hours and dimming levels (see GWI Dimming Controls w/Smart APP).

Gateway International 360, LLC goes beyond the standards set by industry and listen to those in the field management and linepersons to insure great design products that last n the field.

Photo Control Components

Photo controls generally consist of a mounting piece, photocell, enclosure, relay, and the option of a color-coded cover/lid Note: there is no color designation . Most controls also have a built-in delay that helps to prevent false switching that could be triggered by other light sources such as vehicle headlights, lightning, flashlights, lanterns, etc.

With a wide range of needs for photo controls across many industries, there are quite a few options to choose from for your application. It is important to consider the size, environmental exposure, response time, and directional requirements for your specific use. For most photo control brands, there is a universal receptacle for the photo controls, but there are multiple mounting options available.

Model Options

Turn-Lock Models C136.41
  • Utility Grade
  • Quick & Delayed Response
  • Energy Saving
Flush Mounted Models
  • Weather Resistant Housing
  • Lexan Enclosed
  • Delayed Response
Conduit Mounted Models Fixed
  • Heavy Duty Grade Cast Zinc
  • Lexan Enclosed
  • Delayed Response
Conduit Mounted Models Swivel
  • Heavy Duty Grade Cast Zinc
  • Lexan Enclosed
  • Delayed Response
  • 180° Swivel

Photocells (Photo Resister)

  • Cadmium Sulfide, Epoxy Sealed

Mounting Orientation Options

  • Fixed Position
  • Swivel Options
  • Flush Mount Options

Enclosure Material Variations

  • .105-inch Polypropylene (color optional)
  • Clear Acrylic Window
  • Lexan®
  • PBT
  • Aluminum

Photo Control Applications

Photo controls are used in a variety of different applications across industrial, commercial, and residential applications:

 

Industrial

Providing instant response, photo controls for industrial use should comply with the latest ANSI C136.41 Standards. A few companies, such as Gateway International 360, offer locking type prong units that provide state-of-the-art reliability through re-engineering of the electromagnetic relay they give each of GWI standard controls that meets EXTREME standards C136.41

Common Applications

  • Street & Highway Lights
  • Parking Lot Lights
  • Building Perimeter Lights

 

Commercial

Based on the application, there are a number of photo control options for commercial use go to GWI "Total Solutions" . A swivel or stationary mounting option with a heavy duty, vandal and tamper resistant enclosure is a great option for security use. Business can also benefit from the savings a photo control can offer in regard to energy savings and burn time for bulbs.

Common Applications

  • Sign lights
  • Security Lights
  • Parking Lot Lights

 

Residential

Photo controls are frequently put to use in residential areas for security, safety, or decorative purposes. The inexpensive photo controls offered by a number of companies allow homeowners and landlords substantial cost savings and convenience.

Common Applications

  • Roadway Lighting
  • Street Lighting
  • Parks
  • Garages
  • Parking lots
  • Decorative Lights (see GWI Dimming Controls w/Smart APP

"Total Solutions Products"