Nobody has to stumble to their house in the dark anymore. This is ensured by lamps in and around the house. But lamps do not make perfect lighting.
It gets even better: automatic light control, sophisticated twilight switches and effective anti-theft devices. In addition to simple sensor switches, there are now lights with sophisticated electronics and wireless remote control via a radio link.
Sensortechnik- The simplest form of automatic light control is the use of sensor switches, that react to moving infrared radiation. Every body, but even a warm car engine emits infrared rays, the, when they come within the detection range of the sensor, switch on the light via an electronic circuit. This is usually connected to a twilight switch, which allows the light to be switched on only when it is dark. The detection range of the sensor can be adapted to the circumstances. The range of the sensor can be determined by the mounting height and its angle of inclination If the sensor is partially covered, you can leave out areas or direct the detection area to a point. State-of-the-art sensors cover an area of 360 City. It is not possible to crawl under them.
Radio remote control – A disadvantage of sensor technology: the wiring. Between power grid, Sensor and lights must be laid cables. This can be associated with a lot of effort in the case of subsequent installation. This is different for sensors with radio technology. Here the command to switch on the light is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver, connected to the lamp. The transmitter and receiver must be connected to the mains (Steinei). And it even works without a mains connection: with a system, in which the power supply of the transmitter (Sensor, Wand- or manual button) comes from batteries (Diehl).
timers – Switching of the outdoor lighting can also be left to timers. From simple models, which are placed between the socket and the lamp without cable installation, to permanently installed clocks with extensive automatic programs, there are many models on the market. The clocks can be switched electromechanically with synchronous clockwork or electronically using microprocessors. Timers are available with a selectable program, that all 24 hours repeatedly, or with a seven-day program.
Lots of light and still save energy
For all energy-saving lamps, that are offered today, the traditional fluorescent lamps have almost fallen into oblivion. They are also energy savers. They emit a lot of light with low power consumption. One 120 cm long tube has a power consumption of 36 Watt, but emits as much light as a normal 200-watt light bulb. Inexpensive lights, equipped with these tubes, is also available in a splash-proof version for outdoor use- and double tube (Lamps).