NIGHT SWITCH

Parts list

SEMICONDUCTORS:
Triac 1 -Q4004L4 4A, 400V Triac
D1 -1N4004 Rectifier Diode
D2 -W02M Bridge Rectifier
D3, D4, D5, D6 -1N 914 Switching Diode
Q1 -NA11 NPN Transistor

RESISTORS: (all are 1/4W, _+5% tolerance)

R1, R2, R3, R4 -3.9 Kilohms 1 Watt
R5 -2.2 Kilohms 1 Watt
R6 -120 Kilohms ¼ Watt
R7 -10 Kilohms Trimmer Resistor
LDR1 -CdS (Light dependent Resistor), 5mm diameter

CAPACITORS:
C1 -1 Microfarad/50 Volts electrolytic
C2 -0.05 Microfarad/50 Volts ceramic

OTHERS:
Appropriate PCB Convenience Outlet (optional)
Ceramic base incandescent lamp socket-1 piece’
AC plug (optional)-Required for non-permanent installation
Housing, preferably heat resistant plastic, with vent
Flat cord, at least AWG No.18

The NIGHT SWITCH circuit is a 100 percent solid-state switch without any moving parts or contacts.
Thus assuring a reliable and maintenance free operation throughout its useful life. As illustrated, the main
switch is a triac, Q4004L4. The triac has a current rating of four amperes, which means it could handle
moderate power of about 880 Watts. In usual practice, however, the load is always limited. For this
application a maximum rating of 500 Watts at the 220-volt AC line is recommended.
For a triac to conduct, a positive voltage with respect to its MT2 terminal, voltage should be
applied to its gate terminal. Automatic switching can, therefore, be initiated by simply controlling the
application of this gate voltage. To make a night switchout of triac, a photoresistor (LDR1) with a
transistor driver is employed. The photoresistor exhibits minimum resistance when exposed to maximum
intensity of light and vice versa. When light shines on LDR1, the transistor conducts in a way that it
deprives the triac needed gate voltage.
 HOW THE CIRCUIT OPERATES:
Under normal daytime conditions, a strong light shines on LDR1. Under this situation, LDR1
exhibits a low resistance characteristic. Base a voltage for transistor Q1, passing through diode D1 and
complemented by capacitor C1, saturates transistor Q1 into conduction. As a consequence, all the internal
diodes of bridge rectifier D2 conduct, in turn, shunting the gate terminal of Triac 1 to its MT1 terminal
potential, thereby keeping the triac OFF. As such any load connected to the CONVENIENCE OUTLET
is also OFF. The equivalent transistor circuit with Q1 conducting is shown in figure 2A.
On the other hand, as twilight approaches, the amount of light shining on LDR1 gradually
diminishes. This results to a corresponding increase in resistance of LDR1. The net effect of which is a
reduction of the base voltage or a consequent turning OFF of transistor Q1 and that of bridge rectifier D2.
This condition, in turn, allows small AC voltage through resistor R1 to R5 to pass through diodes D3, D4,
D5, and D6. As a consequence, an AC voltage appears at the gate of Triac 1, in turn, causing it to be
triggered into conduction.
Resistor R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 limit the current through the circuit. Resistor R6, on the other
hand, limits the base drive applied to transistor Q1 to the appropriate level. Trimmer resistor R7 is for
controlling the sensitivity of the circuit. Diodes D3, D4, D5, and D6 offset the voltage drop across D2
during the ON period so that the triac could turn OFF when it is already daytime.

CONSTRUCTION:
Constructing this featured Night Switch is simple. Slight modifications, however, may be
necessary to suit a particular desired application. Simply follow the provided foil pattern layout and parts
placement guide provided.

1. Examine thoroughly the PCB pattern of the NIGHT SWITCH. Locate any possible defect and do
the necessary remedial steps. Then insert and solder the only ¼-Watt carbon composition resistor
(R6).
2. Insert and solder diodes D1, D3, D4, D5, and D6. Note the correct lead polarity.
3. Insert and solder bridge rectifier D2. Note carefully its pin orientation.
4. Insert and solder trimmer resistor R7, capacitors C1 and C2 into the PCB, in this order. Note the
lead polarity of capacitor C1.
5. Insert and solder all the 1-Watt resistors in their respective locations in the PCB. Note that it is
advantageous to keep the body of these resistors slightly elevated over the surface of the PCB to
facilitate cooling.
6. Insert and solder Triac 1. Note carefully its lead orientation. In certain application where the
circuit will handle a considerable load, a miniature heatsink may be mounted on Triac 1.
7. The photoresistor LDR1 may be directly soldered into the PCB or connected to the PCB by
shielded wire. When LDR1 is directly placed in the PCB, provisions should be made so that the
controlled lamp load will not illuminate LDR1. A simple lights shield can be made by enclosing
LDR1 in a plastic container. When LDR1 is to be mounted in a location other than directly into
the PCB, use only shielded wires as the connecting medium. The outer braid of the shielded wire
should be connected to the terminal of D1 while that of the inner wire to one terminal of R6.
8. The output may be directly connected to the base of the lamp or via a convenience outlet. Use at
least a No. 18 AWG insulated connecting wire for the load lamps and the supply line.