Bollards with Photocell: Automated Lighting Solutions for Your Project

August 23, 2023
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LED Bollard with Photocell Sensor with Low Glare Diffuser or Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Shield, Surface or Root Mount

Bollard lights with photocell sensors offer a highly convenient and automated lighting solution. These sensors function like a light switch, turning on or off based on the amount of light (lux levels) detected in the area. This means no manual adjustments are needed, and the lighting adapts automatically to changing daylight conditions throughout the year. Perfect for outdoor lighting, LED bollards with photocell sensors provide reliable, worry-free operation.

How Do LED Bollards with Photocell Work?

Photocell sensors (also known as photoelectric switches) in LED bollards are designed to detect light levels. The sensor is attached to photosensitive plates, which adjusts resistance as the amount of light changes. When the lux level drops below a set threshold (typically 35 lux), the bollard automatically turns on. Conversely, when the lux level rises above this threshold, the light turns off. This automated process ensures that any bollard with photocell operates efficiently without user intervention. The bollard adjusts to the seasons, so no manual adjustment for sunrise or sunset shifts is needed.

LED Bollard with Photocell in Stainless Steel with Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K, with Surface Mount or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell  Flat Top Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell Black Dome Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell Access Door and Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell in Stainless Steel Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell Flat Top Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K, with Shield Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell in Black Dome Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface or Root Mount options
LED Bollard with Photocell Slim Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K with Surface Mount or Root Mount Options
LED Bollard with Photocell with Access Door Fuse Cut Out Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K Outdoor with Surface Mount
Image above shows Westminster Bollard with Photocell in 2700K Extra Warm White, installed with Surface Mount Flange Plate.

Benefits of Bollards with Photocell:

Opting for a bollard with photocell offers several advantages:

  • Automated operation: The sensor triggers the bollard on/off based on natural light levels (lux levels), eliminating the need for manual control.
  • Energy savings: Since the light only operates when needed and no longer than necessary, this reduces the electricity consumption.
  • Enhanced convenience: Perfect for those who want worry-free outdoor lighting, ensuring reliable operation all year-round.
  • Tailored lighting: Choose from different colour temperatures, such as 2700K extra warm white or 3000K warm white, without affecting the photocell’s function. You can tailor the lighting to suit your project’s needs while benefiting from the sensor’s automation function.
LED Bollard with Photocell with Flat Top Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K for Outdoor
Image above shows Hamilton Bollard with Photocell in 3000K Warm White, installed with Bolt-on Root Mount.

How to Choose the Right Bollard with Photocell:

When selecting a bollard light with photocell, quality is crucial. A low-quality product may result in inaccurate light level detection or malfunctioning. To ensure optimal performance, research reputable manufacturers like Gemma Lighting, with over 40 years of experience in electronic manufacturing. Look for bollards made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and provide long-lasting reliability.

It’s also important to ensure the sensor’s lux trigger level is right for your application. Many operate at 35 lux, but 55 lux and 70 lux is also common. If you have a variety of luminaires on a project, you may wish for them to operate at the same time, e.g. post top lights and bollard lights turning on at the same time. With a difference in sensor levels, there would be a delay

Finally, you need to consider the application whether you need a surface mount, root mount, or flange plate bollard and ensure it fits your project’s requirements. Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight into product performance.

LED Bollard with Photocell with Slim Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K for Outdoor with Surface or Root Mount
Image above shows Sandringham Bollard with Photocell in 2700K Extra Warm White, installed with Surface Mount Flange Plate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Are Bollards with Photocell Effective?

Yes, bollards with photocells are highly effective when sourced from reliable manufacturers. At Gemma Lighting, we offer bollards made from premium materials, ensuring durability and resistance to the elements. Our bollards provide dependable performance, giving you peace of mind that your lighting will operate as needed.

Can You Combine PIR Sensors with a Bollard with Photocell?

While PIR sensors and photocell sensors can work together in some applications, they currently serve different purposes for bollards. PIR LED bollards detect infrared radiation from body heat, providing safety and security lighting, while bollards with photocell are focused on automation based on ambient light levels. As of now, these two types of sensors are sold separately, but developments in lighting technology may offer a combined integrated solutions in the future.

LED Bollard with Photocell with Flat Top Low Glare Diffuser in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K for Outdoor with Surface or Root Mount
Image above shows Cosham Bollard with Photocell in 2700K Extra Warm White, installed with Bolt-on Root Mount.

Bollard with Photocell vs PIR LED Bollard:

Both bollards with photocell and PIR LED bollards use sensors to automate lighting, but they function differently:

  • Photocell sensors detect changes in ambient light and turn the bollard on or off based on lux levels.
  • PIR sensors detect changes in heat signatures, making them ideal for security lighting by activating lights when motion is detected.
LED Bollard with Photocell with Black Dome Louvre in 2700K, 3000K or 4000K for Outdoor with Shield, Surface Mount or Root Mount
Image above shows Nelson Bollard with Photocell in 4000K Neutral White, installed with Bolt-on Root Mount.

While PIR bollards offer energy savings and enhanced security, bollards with photocells provide automated lighting based on natural daylight, making them a great option for general outdoor lighting or remote areas.

Contact us Today

Gemma Lighting is an Award-Winning LED Bollard Manufacturer in the UK with over 40 years of experience in designing and manufacturing electronics, plus 20 years of manufacturing high-quality, long-lasting exterior lighting solutions for our clients. Including bollards with Photocell for your project.

If you need assistance in finding the right light sensor LED bollard, book a consultation meeting with our dedicated Sales team or contact us directly at +44 (0) 800 999 5201.

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