What are NEMA photocell receptacles

On the top of most street lights or parking lot lights is a blue or black round knob that is actually used as a lighting control device.

The most common lighting control is a dusk to dawn or photocell device. The receptacle can be used for dusk to dawn sensors,

but also for advanced DALI / Bluetooth controls. The 3, 5 and 7 pin standard are set by NEMA and are standard in the lighting

industry across all manufacturers. They are all the same 3 pin twist lock system so they are easily swapped out. The 5 pin and

7 pin add some additional features.

If you have an outdoor lighting fixture with a receptacle but want to turn it on or off with a switch or use another control instead

of the photocell, there is an easy fix. The sensor can easily be swapped with a shorting cap or bypass cap outfitted with the same

3 prongs to bypass the sensor.