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Photocell consists of two special pieces of silicon joined together. Pure silicon is neaturally charged but if small amount of an impurity such as phosphurus is added, ther are more free electron which make this a better conductor than pure silicon. This is known as n-type(negative) silicon. If a diffrent impurity, such as boron, is added there is an absence of free elactron. The absence of an elactron is known as a hole and the silicon is knpwn as p-type silicon. When these two types of silicon are placed together it is called a p-n junction. An electric field is created between the two layers. Sunlight is made up of a tiny packets of energy called photons. When photons are absorbed the energy causes electron to become free. They move to the negetive layer and leave the junction to flow in an external curcuit.

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How do you replace a photocell on your outdoor light post?

# Turn off the power to the lamppost circuit at the breaker box. # Unscrew the mounting screws holding the lamp in place, and pull the lamp fixture from the post. Remove the wire nuts, and use the circuit tester to be sure the power is off. # Disconnect the wires to the fixture and the photocell. # Disconnect the locking nuts that hold the existing photocell on the post, and remove the photocell. If your lamp doesn't have a photocell, you'll need to drill an access hole in the post to install one. # Install the adhesive foam ring (provided with the photocell) around the mounting hole. # Run a bead of silicone sealant around the photocell where it will press against the interior of the lamppost. # Push the sensor through the mounting hole, and secure it with a locking nut. # Add silicone sealant inside the lamp fixture at any point where moisture might leak through to the photocell. # Connect the white wires from the power supply, lamp, and photocell together. Secure the connection with a wire nut. Connect the black photocell wire to the black power supply wire in the same manner. Connect the black lamp fixture wire to the red photocell wire and secure the connection with a wire nut. # Reainstall the fixture on the lamppost.


How does a photocell work in a kerosene heater?

A photocell in a kerosene heater works by using light to generate an electrical current. The photocell detects the flame produced by the heater and triggers the fuel pump to continue supplying kerosene. If the flame goes out, the photocell senses the absence of light and shuts off the fuel supply to prevent dangerous fuel leaks or build-up.


Can you wire a photocell to work at night instead of during the day?

Photocells are designed to work at night when it gets dark and turn off in the morning when it gets lighter. If the photocell is on during the day then it is not working the way it was designed to. Time to get a new one.


How is the Campbell recorder is used to measure sunshine?

The Campbell recorder measures sunshine duration by recording when sunlight falls on its photocell. The photocell's electrical resistance changes when exposed to light, allowing the recorder to track periods of sunshine. This information is used to calculate the number of hours of sunshine during a specific time period.


In a photocell what is the charge of a hole?

In a photocell, the charge of a hole is positive. Holes are essentially empty spaces in a crystal lattice where an electron has moved away, leaving behind a positive charge that can move through the material similar to a positively charged particle.

Related Questions

Where do you buy a 6 volt replacement photocell?

You can buy 6v photocell dusk to dawn switches from Acetek photocells


How does a roof affect the position of a photocell?

the roof is slanted so you will need to put your photocell on the side of the roof where the sun is shining


How do you reset photocell?

To reset a photocell, first, turn off the power supply to the device for about 10-15 seconds. Then, restore the power, allowing the photocell to recalibrate itself. If it has a reset button, press it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, ensure that the photocell is clear of any obstructions or dirt that might affect its operation.


What happens if gamma rays falls on a photocell?

Gamma rays typically have enough energy to ionize atoms in the photocell material, releasing electrons. This can result in a current being generated in the photocell, which can be used to detect the presence of gamma rays.


How do you replace a photocell on your outdoor light post?

# Turn off the power to the lamppost circuit at the breaker box. # Unscrew the mounting screws holding the lamp in place, and pull the lamp fixture from the post. Remove the wire nuts, and use the circuit tester to be sure the power is off. # Disconnect the wires to the fixture and the photocell. # Disconnect the locking nuts that hold the existing photocell on the post, and remove the photocell. If your lamp doesn't have a photocell, you'll need to drill an access hole in the post to install one. # Install the adhesive foam ring (provided with the photocell) around the mounting hole. # Run a bead of silicone sealant around the photocell where it will press against the interior of the lamppost. # Push the sensor through the mounting hole, and secure it with a locking nut. # Add silicone sealant inside the lamp fixture at any point where moisture might leak through to the photocell. # Connect the white wires from the power supply, lamp, and photocell together. Secure the connection with a wire nut. Connect the black photocell wire to the black power supply wire in the same manner. Connect the black lamp fixture wire to the red photocell wire and secure the connection with a wire nut. # Reainstall the fixture on the lamppost.


When light strikes a photocell does the resistance increase or decrease?

When light strikes a photocell, the resistance decreases, allowing current to flow more freely.


In a photocell light energy is converted into?

In a photocell, light energy is converted into electrical energy. When light strikes the photocell surface, photons of light are absorbed, releasing electrons that create an electric current.


How does a photocell work in a kerosene heater?

A photocell in a kerosene heater works by using light to generate an electrical current. The photocell detects the flame produced by the heater and triggers the fuel pump to continue supplying kerosene. If the flame goes out, the photocell senses the absence of light and shuts off the fuel supply to prevent dangerous fuel leaks or build-up.


What chemical element is used in a photocell?

Silicon


Where can someone get professional photocell lighting?

Professional photocell lighting is available from a number of websites. Some of the most popular include Arcadian Homes, Build and Lighting Showplace.


How do you change an outdoor sensor light fixture photocell?

To change an outdoor sensor light fixture photocell, first, turn off the power at the circuit breaker to ensure safety. Remove the light fixture from its mounting, typically by unscrewing it from the wall or ceiling. Locate the photocell, which is usually a small cylindrical or rectangular component, and disconnect the wiring by unscrewing it or unclipping it. Replace it with a new photocell, reconnect the wiring, and reassemble the fixture before restoring power.


Why would lights come on by themselves?

Perhaps they are on a timer or photocell.