Street lights are a proven way to reduce crimes such as theft, robbery, burglaries and property damage in the dark. To study the real effectiveness of these lights, experts install street lights in New York City. They found that the crime rate at night decreased around 36%.
But do you know how street lights actually work to keep you safe and light up your streets? In this reading, you will understand the working principle of street lights plus how they turn on at night and turn off in the morning without any manual effort.
Street Light Components
All types of street lights have common important parts that make them functional. Each component has a unique job. When all parts work together, you will get a safe and well lit street at night.
Power Source: The power source gives energy to the street light. For example: it can be grid electricity or solar energy.
LED Lamp (Light Source): The LED lamp is the part that shines light. It uses less energy and lasts a long time. You will see the street clearly because of this lamp.
Control System/Controller: The controller basically decides the sequence of when street lights turn on and off. Some controllers use timers and others can sense darkness.
Pole and Housing: The pole is used to hold the street light high above the ground. Plus, the housing protects the lamp and electrical parts from rain and wind.
Wiring & Electrical Components: Wires are used to connect all the parts and carry electricity. Other electrical components control the current and keep the light safe.
How Street Lights Work?
Solar Panel Collects Sunlight
Solar street lights mainly work on the principle of solar cells.The solar panel which is also called PV modules absorb the sunlight. Then sunlight converts into solar energy. Monocrystalline panels are used in solar street lights.
You can fix this panel on top of the pole with the use of aluminum brackets. Further, you can also adjust them at a tilted angle, they can catch more sunlight and make the light work better.
Battery Stores Solar Energy
Next, the solar energy which is collected by solar panels is stored in rechargeable batteries of solar street lights. The battery keeps this energy safe during daytime and then powers the LED lamp at night.
These batteries are called deep cycle batteries (lead acid/lithium batteries). Because of them, you will get energy for a long time without loss of power. Mostly, they can store enough energy for 5 days.
Controller Manage Power
The smart controllers are used to handle the energy stored in the battery. You will find two main types of controllers such as PWM and MPPT. Most solar street lights use MPPT. This control system manages the following tasks.
Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD): It controls the flow of electricity, so you can prevent the battery from overcharging.
Motion sensor: The light can detect movement with the help of infrared or microwave sensors. Hence, it can sense people up to 5 to 6 meters away. This way, light can turn on automatically with 100% brightness. In case, sensors detect no motion then 67% light go off and 33% lights will glow.
Time control: The controller can adjust the brightness at different times.
- 11 pm to 5 am: 30% brightness
- 8 pm to 10 pm: 100% brightness
- 6 pm to 7 pm: 70% brightness
Dusk to dawn control: The light automatically turns on when it gets dark and turns off when it is bright.
Remote System Monitors Lights
Remote management software (RMS) sends updates to your phone or computer. So that, you can check and control the street lights from far away. In this way, you can make sure the lights do not use too much energy.
Further, it gives a full report about all the lights. You can check and control each light from your devices like phone, computer or tablet.
LED Light Turns on At Dusk
How do street lights turn on at night? The battery uses its stored energy to turn on the LED light at night. Generally, LED lamps are used because they save energy and last a long time. The LED light stays on from dusk to dawn for around 12 hours.
However, the brightness level changes during the night. At busy hours, the light is at full brightness. Later, it turns dim but if the sensor sees people, it brightens again automatically.
How Do Street Lights Turn on and off?
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Light Sensors (Photocells)
These sensors detect sunlight. In the dark, they tell the street light to turn on. When these detectors sense sunlight, they turn off the light.
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Motion Sensor Street Lights
You will find solar streets only turn on or brighter when motion sensors detect movement. This saves energy when no one is around.
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Photoresistors
Most street lights use a device called a photoresistor. This device works like a switch but it responds to light. During the day, sunlight makes the photoresistor allow electricity to flow and keep lights off. At night, they block electricity and turn on lights.
How Do Automatic Street Lights Work?
How do street lamps work? A light sensor street lamp is one of the most common and useful types of automatic street lights. They use photoresistors (photocells) which sense changes in sunlight and darkness to switch on or off the light. This automatic system removes the need for manual control and keeps lights on only when needed.
Daylight Hours: The photocell sensor detects natural light, so it keeps the street light off.
Sunset or Cloudy Conditions: When sunlight decreases, the sensor allows electricity to flow and turn on street light.
Dawn and Morning: As sunlight returns, the sensor stops the electricity and switches off the light again.
How Do LED Street Lights Work?
During LED street operation, the electricity passes through tiny components called semiconductors. When electricity flows in such a way, they produce bright light but not get very hot.
There is also a small device used, which is called a driver. It changes the electricity from the grid into the right type that exactly LEDs need. Engineers designed LED street lights with special covers or lenses. They focus the light downward, so it shines on the street and not into the sky.
Final Note
If you want to buy high-quality street lights from a trusted supplier, JACKWIN is your perfect business partner. You will get premium solar street lights with long warranties. Our products meet FCC, CE, RoHS & IEC standards and have an IP65 protection rating.
For street lights, we offer a wide range of power options including 60W, 100W, 120W and 150W. Our professional team is also ready to provide customized street light solutions for your project. Contact us today for a quick quote!
People Also Ask
Why Do Some Street Lights Stay on During the Day?
Street lights stay on during the day due to faults such as broken sensors (photo-cells) or issues in the electrical system. These lights are designed to stay on when they fail. So that technicians can spot problems easily and night time security is not compromised.
Do Solar Street Lamps Need Direct Sunlight To Charge?
Solar lights can work without direct sunlight. However, most standard models need sun to stay bright all night. Indirect light (cloudy days) can still charge them slowly. If there is no direct sunlight at all, you need a separate solar panel or low power mode.
How Long Do Solar Street Lamp Batteries Last?
Solar street lamp batteries mostly last 3 to 10 years. But their lifespan depends on the battery type, usage plus environment. Lithium batteries can last 5 to 10+ years and you need replacement for lead acid batteries after 3-5 years.
What Does it Mean When a Street Light Goes out?
When a street light turns off when you pass, it means the bulb is old and not working well. It may get too hot, turn off and then turn on again once it cools down. Sometimes, the problem can also be power issues or a damaged light.
What To Do if Street Light is Not Working?
If you observe a non-functional street light, you should report it to your local authority or electricity company. You must tell them the pole number and the type of problem. Then, they will send a team to fix the light.
Why are Convex Mirror Used in Street Lights?
Convex mirrors are used in street lights to spread light over a wide area. Due to their curved shape, the light can cover more of the road or pathway. This makes it easier for you to see and keeps people safe. This way, you can also reduce the need for installation of too many lights.
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