Photo Cell

What is a Photocell?

A photocell is a resistor that changes resistance depending on the amount of ambient light it receives.

How Does a Photocell Work?

A photocell utilizes semiconductor photoconductivity: the energy of light photons hitting the semiconductor frees electrons to flow, decreasing the resistance.

What is a Photocell Used For?

A photocell is typically used to control lighting. It automatically switches the lights on or off according to the amount of ambient lighting it receives. Photocells are commonly used in outdoor lighting systems to conserve energy and reduce light pollution.

What is the Symbol For a Photocell?

A photocell electrical symbol is a graphical representation of the device. It’s primarily used to provide a fast and easy means of determining its position in a circuit, removing the need to perform a physical inspection.

What Does a Photocell Symbol Look Like?

A photocell schematic symbol is generally portrayed as a circle surrounding the resistor. A pair of arrows pointing towards the resistor represents the light hitting it, highlighting its role.

Make Adding Photo Cell Symbols Easier With Capital X Panel Designer!

Skip the tedious process of drawing a photocell symbol with Capital X Panel Designer! This electrical CAD software comes with a library of pre-made photocell electrical symbols that you can simply drag and drop into your schematic layout, significantly boosting your production speed.

Learn more about how to create custom electrical symbols.