Light Activated Switch Circuit

Introduction

In this project, I will show you how to build a simple Light Activated Switch Circuit using LDR. Using this circuit, an electrical device or an appliance like a light bulb or a fan for example, can be controlled based on the intensity of the light near the circuit. 

Principle behind the Circuit

The main principle of this circuit is based on the working of the LDR Sensor i.e. the Light Dependent Resistor and to switch ON or OFF the light based on the intensity of illumination the LDR is subjected to.

Speaking of the light dependent resistor, it will have a high resistance in darkness and low resistance in the presence of light. This property of the LDR is used with a comparator circuit.

More information can be found in the working.

Light Activated Switch Circuit Diagram

Circuit Components

• LM358 Comparator IC
• Relay Module 
• Light Dependent Resistor LDR
• 10KΩ Resistor
• 20KΩ Potentiometer
• Bulb
• Connecting Wires
• Mini Breadboard
• 5V Power Supply

Light Activated Switch Circuit Design

The light activated switch circuit mainly consists of two components: the comparator IC LM358 and the LDR. The LM358 IC has 8-pins and can have supply voltages ranging from 3-32 volts. It has two internally frequency compensated operational amplifiers.

In the present circuit, only one op-amp is used for comparing the input voltages. Out of the eight pins of LM358, pins 1, 2 and 3 are used by the first op-amp while pins 5, 6 and 7 are used by the second Op-Amp. 

Pins 4 and 8 are common for both the op amps as they are GND and VCC Pins. Since I’m using only one Op-Amp (the first one), I will design the circuit using pins 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8.

Pin 3 is the inverting pin of the Op-amp. Its input is given from the combination of the Light Dependent Resistor (LDR) and a 10KΩ Resistor. Pin 2  is the non-inverting pin and its input is given from the potentiometer. Pin 8 is connected to the supply voltage of +5V while the pin 4 is connected to the ground.

NOTE:

• The Light dependent resistor has high resistance value in darkness and as intensity of light illuminating on the resistor increases, its resistance value decreases.
• Here, a 2MΩ Light Dependent Resistor is used. It has resistance value ranging from 2KΩ ohms to 2MΩ. 

Also read the related post: Auto Intensity Control of High Power LEDs

The output of the Op-Amp i.e. its Pin 1 is connected to the IN Pin of the Relay Module. Since I have used a 5V Relay Module, its Vcc and GND pins are connected to +5V and GND respectively. 

Coming to the Bulb connection, there are three pins for connecting a load to the relay. They are: Normally Open NO, Normally Closed NC and COM.

Initially, the COM pin is connected to the Normally Closed i.e. NC Pin. When the relay is activated i.e. appropriate voltage is applied to the coil of the relay, the COM pin is connected to the Normally Open pin.

Hence, connect one end of the light bulb to the COM pin of the relay and the other is connected to one wire of the AC Mains Supply. The other wire of the mains supply is connected to the Normally Open pin of the relay. 

CAUTION: You have to be extremely when working with AC Mains Supply. Adult or expert supervision is recommended.

Working

The working of this project is very simple and in fact if you are familiar with LDR and comparator, then you might have already understood the working.

When the light falls on the Light Dependent Resistor, the comparator compares the voltages at the  non-inverting pin and the inverting pin of the op-amp. If the voltage at the non-inverting pin is greater than the voltage at the inverting pin, its output will be LOW and if the voltage at non-inverting pin is less than the voltage at the inverting pin, the output of the comparator will be HIGH.

In my case, under normal room light conditions, the output of the Op-Amp is LOW and hence, the Light Bulb stays OFF. When I apply some light on the LDR (with the help of a small torch), the output of the Op-Amp becomes HIGH and the Light Bulb turns ON.

Light Activated Switch Circuit Simulation Video

How to Operate this Light Activated Switch Circuit?

1. Initially connect the AC light bulb to the relay in series.
2. Now, connect the Power supply to the circuit.
3. Now, adjust the light falling on the Light Dependent Resistor with the help of a torch.
4. When the torch is away from the LDR, the light bulb does not glow.
5. When you move the torch near the LDR, the light bulb will be turned on.

Link to Old Output Video

Light Activated Switch Circuit Applications

• This circuit can be used in security applications like when there is darkness on the LDR, it stops lighting.
• This can be used in applications where the light is switched on /off depending on the ambient light