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Products > Lighting Controls

Photo Controls

UL/cUL Listed NEMA Twist-Lock & Button Photo Controls for Global OEM Lighting Platforms

Engineering Precision

Industrial-Grade Photo Controls Designed for Extended Field Service

Altran Magnetics designs and manufactures high-reliability photo controls engineered for commercial, municipal, and industrial outdoor lighting systems. Built to withstand extreme environmental conditions, our dusk-to-dawn sensors deliver consistent light sensing, lower energy costs, and reliable switching year after year.

Whether you require standard ANSI C136.10 NEMA 3-pole twist-lock controls, button photocells for wall packs, or swivel-mount sensors for tight enclosure spaces, our product lines are certified under UL, cUL, and CSA standards. With long operational design life up to 20+ years, high surge suppression (MOV), and stable ambient light thresholds, Altran photo controls eliminate premature field failures and reduce maintenance truck rolls for international lighting OEMs.

Product Lineup

Comprehensive Photo Control Solutions

Explore our complete catalog of electronic and thermal bi-metal photocells optimized for streetlights, area luminaires, and architectural fixtures.

Altran E7 Series Photocell

E7 Series Electronic Photocell

Engineered for roadway and municipal street lighting requiring multi-volt operation, rugged durability, and precision infrared-filtered light sensing.

  • Design Life: 20,000+ Cycles (20+ Years)
  • Multi-Volt: 105–305 VAC Operation
  • 30A Electromagnetic Switching Relay
  • IR-Filtered Phototransistor Sensor
  • ANSI C136.10 & UL/cUL Listed
Altran E8 Series Long Life Photocell

E8 Series Long-Life Photocell

Built with double-sided FR4 glass epoxy circuit boards and high-temperature housings for severe thermal cycles and extreme weather endurance.

  • Design Life: 20,000+ Cycles (20+ Years)
  • Double-Sided FR4 Circuit Board
  • High-Temperature Rated Enclosure
  • 5,000 Hours at 105°C Endurance
  • 10-Year Factory Warranty
Altran E9 Series Smart Photocell

E9 Series Smart Utility Photocell

Features an inverse OFF/ON ratio and an extended 20-40 second time delay to eliminate luminaire surge and optimize total operating hours.

  • Inverse OFF/ON Ratio Efficiency
  • 20-40 Second Turning Delay
  • Complies with I.E.S. Recommendations
  • 1,000W Tungsten / 1,800VA Ballast
  • UL/cUL Listed & RoHS Compliant
Altran P-101 Commercial Photocell

P-101 Commercial NEMA Photocell

Integrates robust weather-protected thermal bi-metal switches with locking bases for commercial, industrial, and parking lot lighting.

  • Heavy-Duty Thermal Bi-Metal Switch
  • 30-45 Second Time Delay
  • Integrated MOV Transient Surge Protection
  • 7,500 Cycles Rating (20 Years Service)
  • NEMA Locking Type Solid Brass Legs
Altran P-102 Residential Photocell

P-102 Light Commercial Photocell

Cost-effective bi-metal locking controls for perimeter security lighting, entryways, patio fixtures, and residential developments.

  • SPST Thermal Bi-Metallic Switch
  • Fail-Safe Operation Mode
  • UV-Stabilized Acrylic Optical Window
  • 1,000W Tungsten / 1,800VA Rating
  • 10-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Altran P-104 Aluminum Photocell

P-104 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Photocell

Features a rugged die-cast aluminum housing specifically designed for harsh outdoor installations and high wattage switching capabilities.

  • Die-Cast Aluminum Enclosure
  • High Wattage: Up to 3,000W Rating
  • Fail-Safe Bi-Metal Switching
  • Cross-Linked Polyethylene Gasket
  • Extreme Weather & Impact Resistant
Altran P-105 Button Photocell

P-105 Series Button Photocell

Compact button design ideal for post lanterns, wall packs, and architectural fixtures. Available with optional high ambient temperature ratings for HID luminaires.

  • Mounting: 3/4" Long Threaded Nipple
  • Rear Wire Lead Terminations
  • Optional Wall Plate Mounting Kits
  • High Ambient Temperature Options
  • Ideal for Tight Fixture Internal Spaces
Altran P-106 Swivel Photocell

P-106 Tubular Swivel Photocell

Highlights a tubular housing with an adjustable pivoted swivel base for installation flexibility in directional lighting applications.

  • Field Adjustable Pivoting Swivel Base
  • Compact Tubular Form Factor
  • 30-45 Second Built-in Delay
  • Impact-Resistant Polycarbonate Body
  • UL 773A & ANSI Compliant
Altran P-102-01 Special Photocell

P-102-01 Specialized Photocells

Specialized variants including cold-climate protection models (AT) and wide-voltage electromagnetic relay models (CA) for automated outdoor lighting control.

  • Cold Weather Optimized Operation
  • Wide Voltage: 120V to 277V Relays
  • Ergonomic Weatherproof Base
  • Precise 10–20 Lux Turn-On Setpoints
  • UL, cUL & RoHS Compliant
Selection Guide

Photo Control Specification Matrix

Compare performance parameters across our main photo control product platforms to simplify your OEM procurement process.

  • DC Electromagnetic Relay
  • Electromagnetic / FR4 PCB
  • Inverse Ratio Relay
  • Thermal Bi-Metal
  • Heavy Duty Bi-Metal
  • Button Bi-Metal
  • Swivel Bi-Metal
  • Series Switch Type Voltage Rating Tungsten / Ballast Load Expected Life Certifications
    E7 Series 105–305 VAC 1000W / 1800VA 20,000+ Cycles (20+ Yrs) ANSI C136.10, UL, cUL, RoHS
    E8 Series 105–305 VAC 1000W / 1800VA 20,000+ Cycles (20+ Yrs) ANSI C136.10, UL, cUL, RoHS
    E9 Series 105–305 VAC 1000W / 1800VA 20,000+ Cycles (20+ Yrs) I.E.S. Compliant, UL, cUL
    P-101 Series 120V / 208-277V 1000W / 1800VA 7,500 Cycles (20 Yrs) ANSI C136.10, UL, cUL
    P-104 Series 120V / 208-277V Up to 3000W 5,300 Cycles (10+ Yrs) Die-Cast Aluminum, UL, cUL
    P-105 Series 120V / 208-277V 1200W / 1800VA 7,500 Cycles (20 Yrs) ANSI C136.24, UL 773A, cUL
    P-106 Series 120V / 208-277V 1800W / 1000VA 5,300 Cycles (10+ Yrs) UL 773A, cUL, RoHS
    OEM Sourcing Partner

    Why Global Lighting Manufacturers Choose Altran

    International lighting manufacturers require rigorous quality assurance, traceable documentation, and predictable delivery performance. Altran Magnetics provides comprehensive application engineering support to ensure seamless integration into your luminaire bills of materials.

    01 — COMPLIANCE

    Global Safety Listings

    UL, cUL, CSA, and CE certified components. Test data and compliance certificates accompany all qualification samples for fast compliance approval.

    02 — CUSTOMIZATION

    OEM Tailoring

    Custom wire lengths, special Lux setpoints, private-label branding, and dedicated customer part numbers maintained under strict revision control.

    03 — RELIABILITY

    10-Year Warranty

    Select electronic photo control product families are backed by our industry-leading 10-year manufacturer warranty for total operational peace of mind.

    Technical Support

    Photo Control Sourcing FAQs

    Answers to common technical and purchasing questions regarding Altran Magnetics photo controls.

    Altran Magnetics photo controls are engineered and tested in accordance with ANSI C136.10, ANSI C136.24, and UL 773A standards. Product families carry UL and cUL listings, CE compliance, and meet environmental RoHS regulations required by international purchasers.

    Our photo controls integrate a 20 to 45-second ON/OFF time delay. This prevents brief, transient ambient light changes—such as passing automobile headlights or lightning flashes—from triggering unwanted cycling of the lighting fixture, thereby extending lamp and driver life.

    Premium electronic models (such as the E7, E8, and E9 series) feature a design life of 20+ years (rated at 20,000 ON/OFF operations) and carry a 10-year factory warranty. Thermal bi-metal controls offer reliable 5,300 to 7,500 cycle lifespans for standard commercial applications.

    Yes. Custom engineering is a core strength. We routinely supply custom lead lengths, pre-attached connectors, modified Lux turn-on levels, special housing colors, and customer-specific labeling under strict revision-controlled part numbers.

    Request Specification Sheets or OEM Evaluation Samples

    Contact Altran Magnetics' technical sales team in Sterling, Illinois for technical datasheets, cross-reference support, or volume pricing for your production program.

    Send an Inquiry

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