Light sensors are used in a large number of industries to detect motion or changes in light. If you're considering a job in electronics manufacturing, design, robotics, environmental science or many other industries, you may need to know how to install and monitor light sensors. How much you'll need to know varies depending on the job you're considering and what type of light sensor you'll be working with.

Some industries, like electronics design, may require you to know more than just how to operate light sensors. They also may need you to understand how a light sensor works, along with the knowledge of computers and circuitry needed to install and design a light sensor. If you're interested in light sensors education and training, consider the following:

1. Learn about light sensors online from sensor manufacturers or industry websites.
2. Take classes in electrical engineering or sensor design to learn more about how light sensors work.
3. Attend industry events like conferences, trade shows and workshops to expand your knowledge of light sensors.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get educated about light sensors online

You can find basic information on light sensor systems and how they're used in various industries online. Information on specific types of light sensors, like traffic light sensors or indoor light sensors, is also available. These resources often are provided by light sensor manufacturers or industry associations in article, video or diagram form.

I recommend: Check out the Sensors Reference Center provided by Machine Design, or learn more about sensors and their applications at Measuring Vegetation Health.

Enroll in an electrical engineering class for more information on light sensors

Learn more about using a motion sensor light by taking an electrical engineering class or enrolling in an engineering degree program. These classes generally go over the installation and operation of a wide variety of sensor types, including many types of light sensors. These can include working with a motion light sensor, photoelectric light sensor or calibration light sensors.

I recommend: Take the Smart Sensors Systems Design class offered by the International Frequency Sensor Association, or get a degree in electrical engineering from the University of California, San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.

Continue your light sensor education by attending industry events

Industry events, like trade shows, conferences and workshops, are a great place to learn more about light sensors. Trade shows provide training in the newest types of light sensors and the advances in the industry. Conferences and workshops allow you to learn more directly from the manufacturer and give you the opportunity to brush up on your skills. These events also allow you to network with people in the sensor industry, sharing challenges, tips and tricks.

I recommend: Get training at the IEEE Sensors Conference or attend the International Conference on Sensor Technologies and Applications.

A photoelectric light sensor is a device that registers the presence of light in an environment to cause a trigger in a light sensing system. Light sensors are separated into two categories: indoor light sensors and outdoor light sensors. Indoor light sensors often use either the ambient light sensor or motion light sensor. Most outdoor light sensors use the motion light sensor.

When purchasing light sensor systems, keep in mind your intended use for the system and buy appropriately. An outdoor lighting security system sometimes comes with lights already connected to the sensors, whereas indoor systems more often require the integration of a light sensor component into the circuitry of the building. Keep the following in mind when purchasing light sensor systems:

1. Indoor light sensor manufacturers with the equipment you need for room light sensing systems

2. Vendors of outdoor light sensors for security and aesthetic purposes

3. Specialized light sensors with custom capabilities

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase motion light sensors and indoor light sensors and save on electricity bills

Indoor light sensors can automatically turn off lights in a room after a set period of inactivity and quickly pay for themselves in saved energy costs. These light sensors come in two main styles: ambient light sensors detect room brightness and adjust interior lighting accordingly; motion light sensor activate when a door opens or a person walks into a room, and deactivate after a set amount of time.

I recommend: Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions sells components for ambient light sensors, and eLights.com sells many versions of the indoor model of the motion sensor light.

Improve your business' security using outdoor light sensors and light sensor systems

Outdoor light sensors and light sensor systems are a simple way to increase building security - connect them to an alarm system or even a motion detector light for a cheap criminal deterrent. For more aesthetic purposes, install a light sensing system into a garden and keep the outside of your building looking beautiful even in the night. Also, traffic control systems such as traffic light sensors utilize higher-grade outdoor light sensor systems.

I recommend: The Home Security Store sells many outdoor light sensors and automatic outdoor light sensor systems for your security needs. Also, PLC Multipoint is a quality source for all types of industrial-grade light sensors, such as specialty traffic light sensors and other transportation products.

Choose light sensors with long-range or random surface reflection

Optical sensors come in several styles, each specializing in something different. For example, some have long-range light sensors while others are resistant to random surface reflection.

I recommend: Kanson Electronics has a list of different types and qualities of optical sensors and their electrical specifications. Download or order the Tri-Tronics catalog of products for information about all types of light sensors, then order light sensors straight from the catalog.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you've purchased a system and then find out that it doesn't seem to be working, check to be sure the calibration of the light sensors is accurate. An incorrect calibration means the sensor won't register the brightness of light around it accurately and thus will not function properly.