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Rojony Khatun Author
Rojony Khatun
CalculatorToolsProjectExpert
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Maล‚gorzata Koperska, MD Steven Wooding
Last updated: September 20, 2025

Day-Night Light Sensor Switch Circuit Using BC547 Transistor

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3V LED 5mm

3V LED 5mm

3V, 5mm round light-emitting diode

47K Fixed Resistor 1/4W

47K Fixed Resistor 1/4W

A 47,000-ohm resistor rated for 0.25 watts

BC547 Transistor

BC547 Transistor

General-purpose NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT)

LDR (light-dependent resistor)

LDR (light-dependent resistor)

A resistor whose resistance decreases with increasing incident light intensity; also called a photoresistor

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Day Night Sensor Wiring

Automatically turn lights on/off using a BC547 transistor-based day-night sensor. Ideal for LED lamps or night lights without complex ICs.

BC547 day-night sensor circuit

An easy and efficient lighting solution is a day-night light sensor switch based on the BC547 sensor, which can be easily used to detect the level of ambient light and automatically turn on the lights used at night and off during the day.

simple day-night electronics project

The Day-Night Light Sensor Switch with BC547 is an auto lighting controller that switches on and off depending on the ambient light. BC547 transistor is used as a switch to turn on the lights or lamp when it becomes dark and to switch off when it is daytime. Light levels are detected by a photodiode, a phototransistor, or just a voltage divider in this circuit. The base voltage on the 547 transistor will make it either conduct or not. The transistor will turn on the load attached when the darkness is detected. The arrangement is perfect for night lights, garden lights, and small indoor lights. The project can be completed by beginners and hobbyists, and they will be able to learn by hands-on experience of switching, sensing light, and automatic control of transistors. It is affordable, simple to put together, and does not need ICs or microcontrollers.

Work / Installation (Inputs โ†’ Outputs)

  • Input โ†’ 5โ€“12V DC supply.
  • Light Sensor (photodiode/phototransistor) โ†’ Detects ambient light.
  • BC547 Transistor โ†’ Acts as a switch to control the load.
  • Output Load โ†’ LED or small lamp turns ON in darkness and OFF in daylight.
  • Installation โ†’ Assemble on breadboard or PCB; position sensor to face ambient light.

Testing & Final Adjustments

Once the circuit has been assembled, test the ccircuit indaylight, and you can cover the sensor to mimic the effect of darkness. Make sure that when it is dark, the LED or lamp turns on and when light occurs it turns off. Tune the light sensitivity by adjusting the values of resistors. Check The pins of BC547 and check sensor orientation. In the case of increased current load, a relay may be attached and fed by the BC547 transistor. Test under real ambient conditions to determine good working conditions. Proper calibration would provide automatic day-night switching of LEDs or small lamps that do not have LDRs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Day Night Sensor Wiring:

Can this work without ICs?

Yes, it uses only BC547 and a light sensor like a photodiode.

What voltage is required?

Typically 5โ€“12V DC depending on the load.

Can it drive LEDs?

Yes, ideal for LED lamps and small night lights.

Is it beginner-friendly?

Yes, easy to assemble and understand.

Can it handle high power lamps?

For higher loads, use a relay controlled by BC547.

Do I need calibration?

Yes, adjust resistor values to set light sensitivity.

Is polarity important?

Yes, BC547 and sensors must be connected correctly.

Can it be used outdoors?

Yes, with proper weatherproofing.

Does it work in total darkness?

Yes, it activates the load when light is insufficient.

Is it low-cost?

Yes, uses basic components like BC547, resistors, and LEDs.

Rojony Khatun

Rojony Khatun

CalculatorToolsProject

Rojony Khatun is the creator of a free online tools website designed to simplify everyday and engineering-related calculations for students, professionals, and hobbyists. The platform offers a wide variety of basic and advanced calculators across key categories, including Electrical Calculators, Electronic Calculators, and Time & Date Calculators, helping users solve problems quickly and accurately.