---
title: "What Is Photocell? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A photocell is a light sensor that turns exterior lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Plain-English glossary from Daniel Electric in Southlake, TX."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/photocell
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Lighting

# Photocell

A photocell is a light sensor that turns exterior lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recommends that all parking lot lighting be controlled with a photocell or similar control to eliminate daytime operation, in addition to any time switch or occupancy controls. A photocell can sit in the fixture or on the wall.

If lights stay on in daytime, a failed photocell or its wiring is a common thing to check. Photocells on pole fixtures should be serviced by a licensed electrician. See [light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/light-pole), [occupancy sensor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/occupancy-sensor) and [parking lot lighting repair](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/parking-lot-lighting-repair).

[Daniel Electric can helpParking lot lighting repair](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/parking-lot-lighting-repair)

## Related terms

-   [Light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/light-pole)
-   [Occupancy sensor](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/occupancy-sensor)
-   [HID lighting](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/hid-lighting)
-   [LED](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/led)

## Sources

1.  [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Exterior Lighting for Energy Savings, Security, and Safety](https://www.pnnl.gov/main/publications/external/technical_reports/PNNL-18173.pdf)

TECL #21005 · Family owned since 1988

## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

![A Daniel Electric bucket lift raised to a parking lot light pole](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/_astro/bucket-at-light-pole.BSVZ9eST_1Dp6XR.webp)