In this project we are going to build a light activated switch. A switch that automatically turns on a light when it is dark and turns off automatically when light is there. So, no more forgetting to turn off the light. The light will automatically turned off in the morning. It is not a magic, with only a handful of low-cost components this photo relay turns a light on or off according general room illumination.

 

Circuit Operation:-

Q1 can be any general purpose pnp transistor of the 2N109 or 2N217 variety, through greater sensitivity is obtained with the 2N2613 type. Relay K1 is a high-sensitivity type.
Potentiometer R2, part of a voltage divider consisting of photocell PC1, R1 and R2, is set so that with normal illumination falling on PC1 the base bias current (through PC1) is just below the value needed to generate the collector-emitter current required to activate relay K1. When additional light falls on PC1, photocell resistance decreases, thereby increasing the base bias, which causes greater collector current to flow and the relay closes.

 

Circuit Diagram:-

Component Required:-

Testing:- Probably you may not get proper value of PC1 and Q1. Any type of pnp power transistor will work well. If you get value of PC1 other than in the List then you have to replace the R1 potentiometer or adjust the pot to get proper operation. Use higher rating of Relay if you use it for TV and other electrical devices.