Energy Saving Lighting with One-Shot Timer Circuit

Engineer Radu Preda from Romania has developed two energy-saving lighting circuits designed to control the duration that lights are activated, ultimately aiming to reduce electricity expenses. The first circuit utilizes a relay, while the second employs an optoisolator triac (MOC3041) in conjunction with a standard triac such as the BTA06-600. Both circuits incorporate a 555 one-shot timer. These circuits are directly connected to the AC mains, integrating with the existing electrical system of the building. A switch initiates the timing mechanism, allowing for the activation of one or more light bulbs. The relay operates on a 12V supply and its contacts are rated to handle loads up to 1kW at 220V. With the specified component values, the lighting circuit can maintain illumination for approximately 4 minutes. Power is supplied through resistors R1, C1, and R2, with voltage regulation achieved via the PL16Z zener diode, which stabilizes the output to 15V. The second circuit retains the same timing mechanism but replaces the relay with the BTA06-600 triac. It is crucial to exercise caution when constructing and using these circuits due to the risk of electrical shock. They should be housed in a plastic or metal enclosure and positioned in locations that are inaccessible to children and animals. Additionally, protection from rain and sunlight is essential to ensure proper operation.

The first circuit, utilizing the relay, allows for straightforward control of the lighting system. The relay acts as a switch that can handle high voltage and current, making it suitable for household lighting applications. The 555 timer is configured in a monostable mode, where the timing interval can be adjusted by changing the values of R1, C1, and R2. When the switch is activated, the timer begins counting, and after the predetermined time (approximately 4 minutes), the relay deactivates, turning off the lights.

In the second circuit, the use of the MOC3041 optoisolator triac provides electrical isolation between the control circuit and the high-voltage AC mains, enhancing safety. The BTA06-600 triac serves as the main switching element, allowing for efficient control of the AC load. The 555 timer functions similarly to the first circuit, controlling the duration of the light activation. The design of this circuit also allows for dimming capabilities if additional components are integrated.

Both circuits require careful assembly to ensure safety and functionality. Proper heat dissipation should be considered for the triac and relay, as they may generate heat during operation. It is advisable to include fuses or circuit breakers in the design to protect against overload conditions. Furthermore, the enclosures for these circuits should be adequately ventilated to prevent overheating and should be rated for electrical components to reduce the risk of fire hazards. Overall, these energy-saving circuits present an effective solution for managing lighting duration while minimizing electricity costs.Faced with the situation to control the time that the light is turned on, engineer Radu Preda from Romania has started experimenting with different circuits to save money spent on electricity. He has designed 2 energy saving lighting circuits, the first one uses a relay and the second one uses a optoisolator triac MOC3041 and a normal triac like B

TA06-600 and both using the 555 one-shot timer. Note that the circuit is coupled directly to AC mains using the existing system in the building. A switch is used to start the timing and light one or more bulbs. The relay is powered from 12V and its contacts must outstand up to 1kW at 220V. With the values from the schematic the working time of the lighting circuit is around 4 minutes. Power is applied through R1, C1, R2 and the voltage is stabilized at a value of 15V with the zener diode PL16Z. The second schematic uses the same timing block but the control element is the BTA06-600 triac. Please be careful in constructing and utilizing these circuit because there is danger of electrical shock.

Assemble it in plastic or metal box and place it in places inaccessible to children or animals. Obviously, must be protected from rain and solar radiation that adversely affect the proper functioning. 🔗 External reference