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Whatever your requirements, whether for street lighting, garden lights, industrial parks or municipal road lighting, we have the right products for you. Our range includes various light control series that comply with NEMA and Zhaga standards, as well as microwave induction Zhaga controllers that are ideal for indoor lighting.
Our product range includes：
-twist-lock type light controller
-Low voltage light controller
In addition to these common types, we also provide advanced intelligent optical controllers, microwave induction optical controllers, GPS positioning optical controllers, and optical controllers that support various communication protocols.
When faced with such a variety of choices, you may be confused.This is why we provide detailed product selection light control product guidelines. These are for customers with different levels of needs.Through these guidelines, you can easily find the specific product model that best suits your project needs.
We invite you to learn more about the products in the Long-join product range. Once you have a general idea of what we offer, please get in touch. Tell us about your intended application and your specific requirements in detail, and our product engineers will provide you with expert advice to help you find the best lighting control solution for your needs.
Twist Lock Photocontroller Series
Wire-in Controller Series
Are you struggling to select the right photocell model for your lighting system?
Choosing the right photocell sensor can be confusing with so many options available. This guide simplifies the decision, comparing Shanghai Long-Join’s bestselling photocell models. By the end, you’ll know exactly which model fits your installation, environment, and control requirements.
What Makes Photocell Models Different from Each Other?
When selecting a light photocell, not all models are the same. Some are designed for basic on/off control, while others handle industrial environments or connect to smart city systems. Understanding the differences between photocell models ensures you avoid mismatched installations.
Model | Mount Type | Control Type | Application Environment | Typical Use Cases | Main Advantages |
JL-103 | Wire-in | Basic Light Sensor | General outdoor lighting | Courtyards, gardens, basic luminaires | Low cost, easy wiring, ideal for basic systems |
JL-240XA | Twist-lock | Standard Photocell | Urban roads, public areas | NEMA-based street lighting systems | UL-certified, fast installation, good compatibility |
JL-243 | Twist-lock | Enhanced Performance | Smart and solar streetlights | Energy-efficient and solar projects | Light attenuation compensation, low power, anti-flicker |
JL-245 | Twist-lock | Industrial-Grade | High voltage, industrial sites | Factories, warehouses, high-mast lights | Strong surge protection, robust design |
JL-118 | Wire-in + Thread Mount | Marine/Anti-Corrosion | Coastal, humid, salt-mist areas | Ports, docks, boarding ramps | Salt-spray resistance, IP-rated for harsh weather |
JL-7X | Zhaga Book 18 Interface | Smart Photocontrol | Smart poles, EU market | IoT-ready city lighting | Zhaga compatible, supports remote control |
JL-700 | Receptacle Component | Non-control Unit | Standard NEMA luminaires | Platform for JL-240/243 photocells | ANSI C136.10 compliant, modular compatibility |
JL-205 | Wire-in | Zero-cross Control | Commercial indoor/outdoor | LED fixtures in malls, signage | Soft start, extends LED lifespan, noise-free |
How Do You Select a Photocell Based on Installation Type?
When thinking about installation, picture how the photocell will connect to the light. Some lights have a socket on top, others only have wires. The type of mount decides which photocell fits. If you pick the wrong one, it may not connect at all.
- Twist-lock sockets: These are round sockets often seen on street lights. A photocell receptacle like JL-240simply twists in, like screwing in a cap. Easy to install and replace.
- Direct wire-in: Here the photocell wires connect straight into the fixture wiring. Models such as JL-103or JL-205 work here. It takes a bit more effort but is reliable.
- Thread mount or marine use: Some lights, especially in ports, need a thread-mounted photocell such as JL-118 that screws into place and seals tight.
- Zhaga base smart poles: In Europe, many poles use the Zhaga socket. The JL-7X fits right in, supporting smart city controls.
- Socket platforms: Sometimes you just need a base.JL-700 is one; it’s a platform for other controllers, too.
When you match the photocell to the right installation, the system stays safe. It also stays easy to maintain. This way, you avoid costly rewiring problems.
One of the first questions to ask is: what kind of installation do you have? Some lighting projects use NEMA twist-lock sockets. Others need direct, wire-in solutions instead.
- For smart poles with Zhaga base: Use JL-7X.
- If you only need a socket platform: The JL-700serves as a base for other photocells.
So, you pick a photocontrol receptacle that fits your hardware. It prevents costly rewiring.
Which Photocell Works Best in Different Environments?
People often overlook the environment, yet it matters. A photocell that works on a city street can fail near the sea. It can fail in a heavy factory.Choosing the wrong model can cause rust, false switching, or even early breakdown of the lights.
Environment | Best Choice |
Coastal / Corrosive Areas | JL-118 |
Heavy Industry / High Power | JL-245 |
Urban Roads & Parks | JL-240 |
Solar / Smart Energy | JL-243 |
European Smart Poles | JL-7X |
Think about how salt, dust, or voltage spikes affect sensors:
- Near the ocean, salty air eats into normal metals. That is why JL-118 has special coatings and seals. It keeps working where a normal photo cell sensorwould rust in months.
- In factories, machines can create strong power surges. The JL-245 includes stronger surge protection so lights do not flicker or burn out.
- In busy cities, JL-240 gives stable dusk-to-dawn control for photocell street light It is simple, tested, and widely used.
- For solar projects, JL-243 is tuned for energy saving. It avoids false triggers at sunrise or sunset and adjusts for light decay in LEDs.
- In Europe, JL-7X connects to smart poles using theZhaga socket. This allows remote control and future upgrades.
Example: A port in Singapore upgraded to JL-118 due to its salt-spray resistance. Without it, standard outdoor photocell light sensors corroded within months. Another case is a steel plant in China that replaced faulty switches with JL-245, cutting down failures by half.
What Level of Control Intelligence Do You Need?
Do you need a basic dusk-to-dawn photocell or a smart system with IoT features? Choosing based on intelligence level avoids overspending or underperforming systems.
Control Level | Recommended Models |
Basic Auto On/Off | JL-103, JL-240 |
Energy-Saving Intelligent | JL-243, JL-245 |
Industrial Durability | JL-245, JL-118 |
IoT-Ready Smart Systems | JL-7X |
This helps narrow down whether you need just a light sensor switch or a smart street light controller for advanced projects.
How Are These Photocells Used Around the World?
Long-Join photocells are trusted worldwide, each model tailored for specific regions and applications:
- JL-240: Dominates the North American photocellreceptacle for street light market with 50% share.
- JL-243: Favored in solar-powered lighting with light decay compensation.
- JL-118: Used in coastal cities like Guangzhou, lasting years in humid, salty conditions.
- zhaga series: A leader in Germany, France, Spain, supporting Zhaga sockets mart pole networks.
These real-world applications prove why working with trusted manufacturers’ photocell solutions matters.
Why Should You Choose Shanghai Long-Join Photocells?
Shanghai Long-Join isn’t just a supplier; it’s a leading photocell manufacturer with global certifications, strong R&D, and proven reliability. Unlike generic brands, Long-Join offers:
- Certified quality(UL, CE, ANSI standards)
- Custom solutionsfor OEM/ODM projects
- Smart-ready designsfor IoT photocontrol
- Test reports & datasheetsfor every product
Learn more about Long-Join photocell solutions and how they support global smart city projects.
Conclusion
Whether you need a basic photoelectric sensor, a robust industrial photocell switch, or an advanced Zhaga smart controller, Long-Join offers models for every use case.
Our photocells help:
- Lower energy costs
- Extend the lighting system’s lifespan.
- Enable smart automation in cities, ports, factories, and streets.
Need help choosing? Contact Long-Join for datasheets, technical support, and custom proposals.
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