Modular Photocell Lighting Control with Separate Probe

1 - Technical Data

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

The electronic twilight switch controls the switching ON and OFF of outdoor lighting systems. It is commonly used for the automatic illumination of streets, shop signs, stairs, or gardens as sunlight diminishes (twilight). The switch closes the contact when the light level falls below the set threshold and remains closed until the threshold is next exceeded. The contact opens and closes with a fixed delay: approximately 15 seconds for switching ON (T_on) and 30 seconds for switching OFF (T_off). This delay prevents false switching caused by brief changes in brightness, such as lightning or car headlights.

The device features a rotary selector for operating mode, a trimmer for adjusting the LUX threshold, and an LED indicator for operating status. A key feature is the intelligent "zero crossing" relay command, which optimizes load enabling and disabling, thereby increasing the relay's lifespan.

WARNINGS!

Read this manual carefully before using the product. It provides important guidelines regarding safety, installation, and use. Preserve the manual for future reference.

Caution! Installation must be performed by a person with electrotechnical expertise only.

Before starting any operations on the device, disconnect the 230V~ mains power supply.

This equipment is intended only for the use for which it was specifically built.

DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead, it should be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment.

ROTARY SELECTOR WITH 4 OPERATING POSITIONS and LUX THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT TRIMMER

Lux Threshold Adjustment Trimmer

Adjustable from 0 to 100 Lux (for x1 scale) or 0 to 1000 Lux (for x10 scale).

Operating Positions:

• Position 1° (x1 Lux scale): Twilight operation.
• Position 2° (x10 Lux scale): Twilight operation.
• Position 3° (OFF): Relay always disabled. This is useful for prolonged switch OFF, e.g., during holidays, without needing to change the Lux threshold setting.
• Position 4°: Relay always enabled. This function is useful for testing correct installation.

Twilight Operation Description: When the light intensity detected by the probe is lower than the value set on the "lux adjustment" knob, the relay closes the contact after a brief delay (T_on, approx. 15 seconds). Conversely, when the light intensity exceeds the set value, the relay opens the contact after a brief delay (T_off, approx. 30 seconds).

2 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Important: Installation and electrical connections must be performed by qualified personnel in conformity with current standards and regulations.

WARNING: For particularly reactive loads (e.g., fluorescent, HID, or electronic lamps) or loads with a power factor lower than indicated in the technical data, the relay may be damaged. In such cases, it is advisable to use a suitably rated external switch or contactor.

The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for product use that does not conform to particular environmental and/or installation standards.

CAUTION: The electrical connection to the separate probe must be made using a twin cable with a minimum external diameter of 4 mm, a maximum of 8 mm, and a conductor cross-section of 0.75 ÷ 1.5 mm².

2.1 - Electrical Connections (Turn off the mains supply)

• Connect the 230V~ supply to the L (line) and N (neutral) terminals.
• Connect the load as indicated: neutral (N) directly to the lamp, terminal 1 to the line (L), and terminal 2 to the lamp.
• Connect the wires coming from the probe to terminals 3 and 4 of the twilight switch.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the wiring. Terminal 1 connects to L (230V~), terminal N connects to N (neutral). The load (lamp) is connected between terminal 2 and N. The probe wires connect to terminals 3 and 4. A cable with a maximum length of 50m is indicated for the probe.

2.2 - Installation of the probe

Installation can be done on a wall or pole using the provided fixing bracket.

• Fix the bracket to the wall or pole.
• Make the electrical connections to the probe.
• Insert the body of the probe onto the bracket until it locks.

Diagram Description: Diagrams illustrate probe installation. One shows fixing the bracket. Another shows the probe body being attached to the bracket. A crucial note states: "To ensure correct operation, the probe must be installed so as not to be influenced by the switching on of the lamps." This is visually represented by showing a probe placed away from a light fixture that is turning on.

CAUTION: Once the connection is completed, the electrical parts will be live. Do not open the protective cover without first disconnecting the 230V~ supply.

3 - DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATING MODES (4 position rotary selector)

The device operates based on light levels detected by the probe and selected via the rotary selector and lux trimmer.

1st position: x1 (Lux scale)

Twilight operation. The relay switches based on the lux threshold set by the trimmer (0-100 Lux).

2nd position: x10 (Lux scale)

Twilight operation. The relay switches based on the lux threshold set by the trimmer (0-1000 Lux).

3rd position: OFF (Relay always disabled)

This mode keeps the relay permanently off, useful for periods like holidays without altering the lux setting.

4th position: Relay always enabled

This mode keeps the relay permanently on, useful for testing the installation.

Twilight Mode Details:

When the light intensity detected by the probe is lower than the value set on the "lux adjustment" knob, the relay will close the contact after a brief delay (T_on, approx. 15 seconds). Conversely, when the light intensity detected by the probe exceeds the value set on the "lux adjustment" knob, the relay will open the contact after a brief delay (T_off, approx. 30 seconds).

Diagram Description: Visuals show the relay status (ON/OFF) and LED status (blinking patterns) corresponding to different light conditions (dark, twilight, bright) and time delays (T_on, T_off) for the twilight modes.

LED SIGNALS (LED on front)

Important: A switched-off LED indicates that the device is not powered.