Area Lighting Research M-480 Photocontrol Sensor

Area Lighting Research M-480 Photocontrol Sensor is a locking, twist-lock outdoor photocontrol designed for 420–530 VAC operation, capable of switching up to 1000 W of tungsten load or 1800 VA of ballast for shoebox, area, and street luminaires. It uses a Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) photoresistor to sense ambient light and drive automatic on/off control of HID and LED fixtures, with built‑in surge protection via a metal-oxide varistor to guard the control and luminaire against voltage spikes. A 30–45 second time delay helps prevent nuisance cycling from transient lighting conditions, and the unit is UL/CSA listed with ANSI C136.10 compliance, reflecting its suitability for utility-grade outdoor lighting applications. As part of TE Connectivity’s ALR M-Series, the M-480 is optimized for reliable dusk-to-dawn operation in demanding outdoor environments, combining locking hardware, broad voltage tolerance, and compatibility with common outdoor luminaires.