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  • Modular photo relay | twilight switch with external sensor | 16 A | 230 V AC | 1–50,000 lx | 1CO | IP56 sensor | DIN | VEXEN | VSOU-1

    Code: VSOU-1

    DIN rail twilight switch with external sensor: 1–50,000 lx, 1CO 16 A AC1, 0–2 min delay, input S, 1 module.

  • Modular photo relay with external sensor | 16 A | 1–50,000 lx | VEXEN VSOU-1

    VEXEN VSOU-1 is a twilight switch that switches its output according to real illuminance. The relay is mounted in the panel on a DIN rail (1 module), while light is measured by an external sensor with a holder, mounted outdoors on a wall. Two ranges – 1–100 lx and 100–50,000 lx – let you control both outdoor lighting at dusk and equipment based on bright daylight.

    Key point:
    One relay covers the whole light threshold spectrum needed in practice – from deep dusk to a sunny day. The 1CO changeover contact and blocking input S let you use it not only for a simple “switch on at dusk”, but also in more complex automation.
    Sensitivity
    1–50,000 lx (2 ranges)
    Output
    1CO, 16 A AC1
    Supply
    230 V AC, 50–60 Hz
    Delay
    0–2 min, adjustable
    Mounting
    1 module, DIN rail

    Operating principle

    The external sensor continuously measures illuminance. When light falls below the set threshold, the relay switches the output contact (15–18 closes) and turns the lighting on; when light rises above the threshold plus hysteresis, the contact returns to its initial position (15–16).

    One of two ranges is selected – 1–100 lx or 100–50,000 lx – and the exact threshold is set with the LEVEL knob on the front panel. The delay is adjustable from 0 to 2 min and prevents the relay from reacting to car headlights, lightning or a passing cloud.

    Input S is used to force the output off: e.g. a timer contact via A1–S blocks the lighting during night hours even when it is dark outside. A green LED indicates supply, a red LED indicates an active output.

    Why 1–50,000 lx?
    Outdoor lighting is usually switched on at 5–20 lx, shop windows and signage at 30–80 lx; the 1–100 lx range is used for this. The 100–50,000 lx range is intended for daylight-based control – e.g. blinds, awnings, greenhouse or room shading, where the threshold reaches thousands of lux.

    Technical specifications

    Product type Modular twilight switch (photo relay) with external sensor
    Manufacturer / model VEXEN VSOU-1
    Supply voltage 230 V AC, 50–60 Hz (−15 % / +10 %)
    Output 1 changeover contact (1CO), terminals 15–16–18
    Contact material AgSnO₂
    Switching current 16 A (AC1), inrush current 30 A (< 3 s)
    Switching capacity 4000 VA (AC1), 384 W (DC)
    Switching voltage 250 V AC / 24 V DC
    Light sensitivity range 1–50,000 lx: 1–100 lx and 100–50,000 lx
    Switching delay 0–2 min, adjustable; with hysteresis
    Control input S forced output switch-off (blocking), connected A1–S
    Indication green LED – supply, red LED – output
    Sensor external, with plastic holder for wall mounting
    Sensor cable up to 50 m, from 2 × 0.35 to 2 × 2.5 mm²
    Terminals up to 2.5 mm², with ferrule up to 1.5 mm²
    Mechanical / electrical life 3 × 10⁷ / 0.7 × 10⁵ cycles (AC1)
    Protection rating IP40 from the front panel
    External sensor protection rating IP56 – the sensor is installed outdoors
    Dimensions 90 × 17.6 × 64 mm, 1 module
    Weight 65 g
    Mounting DIN rail (EN 60715)
    Operating temperature −20…+55 °C (storage −30…+70 °C)
    Overvoltage category / pollution degree III / 2
    Dielectric strength 4 kV (supply – output)
    Standards EN 60255-6, EN 61010-1

    Main functions

    • Two sensitivity ranges – 1–100 lx for dusk and 100–50,000 lx for daylight.
    • 1CO changeover contact – a circuit can be switched on at dusk (15–18) or during daylight (15–16).
    • Adjustable delay 0–2 min – short light changes do not switch the output.
    • Blocking input S – a timer or switch can force the output off.
    • Sensor cable up to 50 m – the sensor can be mounted far from the panel.
    • Compact housing – 1 module on the DIN rail, clear LED indication.

    How does it differ from similar models?

    • VEXEN TWR1 – Only 1–100 lx and a 1NO contact, but a wide 110–240 V AC supply and an AUTO / ON / OFF switch – for simple outdoor lighting.
    • VEXEN TWR923 – A relay of the same category with a 1–10,000 lx range – when the 50,000 lx upper limit is not needed.
    • VEXEN DTWR972 – Digital relay with a built-in timer – night-time switch-off without a separate timer on input S.
    • Eti SOU-1 – Close equivalent: 1–50,000 lx in two ranges, 1CO 16 A – an alternative where Eti devices are used on site.

    Where is it used?

    • Street, driveway and car park lighting
    • Yard, facade and building outline lighting
    • Shop windows and illuminated signs
    • Control of blinds, awnings and shading by daylight
    • Supplementary lighting automation in greenhouses and farm buildings
    • Outdoor lighting with night-time switch-off via a timer and input S
    • Replacing timers and manual switches in existing panels

    Use by need

    For the electrician.
    One model for both dusk and daylight tasks; the 1CO contact and input S make integration with other automation easier.
    For the home or farmstead owner.
    Yard lighting switches on at dusk without adjusting a timer, and with a timer on input S it switches off for the night.
    For the company or farm manager.
    Site lighting and shading follow real light – lower costs and less manual work.

    Practical use

    If warehouse yard floodlights must be on at dusk but off from 0:00 to 5:00, VSOU-1 solves this without a complex circuit. Mount the relay in the panel and the sensor on the north wall where the floodlights do not light it. Select the 1–100 lx range, set the threshold to about 10 lx and the delay to 1 min. Connect the timer contact to A1–S for the night hours. Switch the floodlight group via a modular contactor.

    Pros

    • Wide range 1–50,000 lx (two sub-ranges)
    • 1CO changeover contact 16 A AC1
    • Adjustable delay 0–2 min
    • Blocking input S for night-time switch-off
    • Sensor cable up to 50 m
    • Only 1 module on the DIN rail

    Cons / limitations

    • 16 A is rated for AC1 (resistive) load – for LED drivers and floodlights with high inrush current use a modular contactor
    • No built-in timer – night-time switch-off requires a timer on input S or VEXEN DTWR972
    • 230 V AC supply only – for a different control voltage choose VEXEN TWR1 (110–240 V AC)

    ⚠ Safety and installation notes

    • Mount the sensor where daylight reaches it but the controlled luminaires do not – otherwise the relay will start switching itself off.
    • Do not point the sensor towards the road where car headlights hit it; increase the delay for the same purpose.
    • The relay housing is intended for a panel (IP40 from the front) – only the sensor with its holder is installed outdoors.
    • Sensor cable up to 50 m; do not route it together with power cables and do not install the relay near sources of strong electromagnetic interference.
    • For larger loads the relay must control a contactor coil, not the luminaire group directly; protect the circuit with a suitable circuit breaker.
    • Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician after disconnecting and verifying the absence of voltage.

    Quick selection guide

    1–50,000 lx
    1CO 16 A AC1
    230 V AC
    1 DIN module
    Suitable when you need to:
    • control lighting or other equipment both at dusk and by daylight;
    • have a changeover contact (switch on at dusk or during daylight);
    • switch off at night via an external timer (input S).
    Check before use:
    • load type and inrush current (LED – via a contactor);
    • where the sensor will be mounted and whether the cable stays within 50 m;
    • whether the control circuit voltage is 230 V AC.
    Important reminder: a photo relay controls lighting by light level, but it does not replace protective devices; night-time switch-off via input S requires a separate timer.
    ☝ Elsprendimai.eu recommends:

    FAQ

    Which range should I choose?
    For outdoor lighting and shop windows – 1–100 lx; for blinds, shading and other daylight-based control – 100–50,000 lx.
    Where should the sensor be mounted?
    Outdoors, on the north side of the building, where daylight reaches it but not the controlled luminaires or car headlights.
    Can LED floodlights be connected directly?
    A small load – yes, but for larger LED groups use a modular contactor because of inrush current.
    What is input S for?
    For forcing the output off: e.g. a timer contact via A1–S switches the lighting off at night.
    Why does the output not switch immediately?
    An adjustable 0–2 min delay is active – it protects against false triggering.
    How far can the sensor be?
    Up to 50 m from the relay, using a 2 × 0.35–2 × 2.5 mm² cable.

    Modular photo relay with external sensor | 1–50,000 lx | 16 A | VEXEN VSOU-1

    VEXEN VSOU-1 is a modular twilight switch with an external sensor, two ranges of 1–100 lx and 100–50,000 lx, a 1CO 16 A AC1 changeover contact, an adjustable 0–2 min delay and blocking input S. Designed for outdoor lighting and daylight-based control.

    Illustrative image may have been created using AI. The appearance of the product may differ slightly from the image shown. Please refer to the technical specification.
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