IR (Infrared) Vs LDR (Light Dependant Resistor) Sensors
About Us
Pyrotech Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Pyrotech Electronics Pvt. Ltd. Unit – 1) is a leading manufacturer of LED lights, drivers, displays, sensors, CCTV systems, and process control instrumentation in India. Discover how our IR sensors and LDR sensors revolutionize street light automation for energy savings and sustainability.
Industrial Development and its Significance
The development of industries includes the area expansion and modernization of the manufacturing areas, utility area, logistical centers, and the infrastructure-such as roads, yards, substations, and the utilities of the population. It is a process that leads to economic growth because it generates employment, enhances productivity, strengthens the supply chain, and encourages sustainable urban development. Another crucial, but a frequently neglected factor is infrastructure lighting, which increases safety, operational capacity, security, and compliance. The strategic lighting enhances the visibility at night, reduces the risk of accidents, facilitates the 24/7 operations, and also strengthens the overall infrastructure resilience.
Why Street Light Automation Matters
Old fashioned street lights are dependent on manual switches or time consuming wastage of energy when nobody is passing by. Smart sensors in the lighting use Smart street lighting sensors, such as Light Dependent Resistors (LDR) and Infrared (IR) sensors, which detect both the light levels and movement in the area and regulate the light accordingly. This reduces up to 50 percent of electricity bills, enhances safety and promotes green urban infrastructure.
How IR Sensors Work in Street Lights
IR sensors (Infrared sensors) also produce invisible rays of infrared and record the reflections on objects or variations in the circumstances of the surroundings. In street lighting:
• Activates lights at dusk (~6-7 PM)
• Ramps brightness to 100% by 9-11 PM
• Dims to 50% post-midnight (12-3 AM)
• Further decreases to 30 per cent up to dawn (about 6-7 AM), and then switches off
Under the protection of the fixture, the IR sensors are more helping in the dimming of street lights in order to have a real time control.
Role of LDR Sensors in Street Lighting
Photoreceptors LDR sensors (Photoresistor or Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs)) vary resistance according to the exposure to light. Mounted on top of lights:
• Switching on lights (low light) at night
• Switch off during the day (high light)
LDR sensors are simple and passive and only offer basic dusk-to-dawn control with no dimming, which reduces the energy consumption.
IR Sensor vs LDR Sensor: Key Differences
Here’s a quick comparison of IR sensor vs LDR sensor for street light sensors:
| Feature | IR Sensor (Infrared) | LDR Sensor (Light Dependent Resistor) |
| Working Principle | Emits IR beams; detects motion/light changes for dimming. | Resistance drops in light; on/off based on ambient levels. |
| Functionality | Adjustable brightness (e.g., 100% to 30%). | Simple ON/OFF switching. |
| Power Efficiency | High—dims dynamically, saves 40-60% energy. | Moderate—saves ~30% but no dimming. |
| Response Time | Instant to changes. | Gradual based on light intensity. |
| Positioning | Under light (dust/water-protected). | On top (exposed, shorter lifespan). |
| Cost | Slightly higher upfront. | Low-cost, budget-friendly. |
| Maintenance | Periodic cleaning/calibration. | Minimal, durable. |
IR sensors are the best where high end smart street lighting is required; whereas LDR sensors are appropriate where low end needs are required.
Advantages of IR and LDR Sensors in Smart Street Lights
• Energy Saving: IR considers power dimming according to the need; LDR does not waste during the day.
• Cost Reduction: IR saves money more through adaptive brightness, LDR saves on human labor.
• Safety & Security: IR has a high visibility of motion detection; LDR has a good night lighting.
• Eco-Friendly: They both reduce the carbon footprint-IR works well in the variable environment.
Why Choose Pyrotech’s IR and LDR Sensors?
The pyrotech street light sensors are designed to meet the Indian conditions: they are robust, IP-rated and simple to integrate. Our LDR sensors provide stable on/off automation whereas the IR sensors provide precision dimming to save as much as possible. They have long lifespan, low maintenance and are priced competitively to fit municipal works, highway and industrial premises. Contact us for bulk exports!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What sensor does street lights have?
Smart street lighting has both LDR sensors (turn on/turn off) and IR sensors (diming).
- What is an IR light sensor?
A light sensor or motion sensor is an IR sensor that picks up the dark light or motion through the infrared reflections, and brightness is dynamically adjusted.
- How does an IR sensor work?
It produces IR light; reflections cause such actions as dimming or activation.
- What is an LDR light sensor?
Photoresistor which turns lights on or off depending on sunlight intensity usually mounted on top of LED panels.
- How does an LDR sensor work?
Light minimizes the resistance therefore enabling lights to be turned ON/OFF automatically.
- What are the sensor types that Pyrotech produces?
Pyrotech deals with IR sensors, which are used in detecting light, and LDR sensors which are used in automatic control.