Here is a 480 volt Fisher Pierce photocontrol. This is actually a thermal photocontrol. Thermal photocontrols do not usually last too long, but since this one has the same type of cover that is on other Fisher Pierce photocontrols, and it has a hermetically sealed 1 inch cadmium sulfide cell, I would probably expect this photocontrol to last at least 10 years.
Thermal PCs are actually known to last a VERY long time. It's those stupid clear hockey puck PCs that come with yardblasters that ruin the reputation of thermal PCs (those intermatics aren't that great either). However, i hate the long delay with them lol. I like the electromagentic ones with the 2-5 second delay the best.
Well I think the thermal ones that have the smaller 1/2 inch cadmium sulfide sensor don't last too long. I think it's the ones that have the larger 1 inch sensor, like this one that last a long time. And I never had a electromagnetic photocontrol that has a time delay. All the electromagnetic ones I have are instant on/off. The electronic ones have a time delay of a few seconds.
Yep I have a couple Fisher Pierces that (i think) have the delay and are electromagnetic. All my electronic ones have the delay. I'm guessing it's standard by now.
Thats interesting. I have a grey Fisher Pierce from 1995 that is new old stock. And on the sticker on the bottom, It has the letters "TD" in the part number which I'm pretty sure stands for time delay according to an old Fisher Pierce spec sheet. But I tested it and there is no delay.
what kind of fixture did you test it in? And also, how did you test it? what i do is use a really bright room and put my hand over the window then remove my hand.
they probably mismarked it. That kind of thing happens often. There was a lamp in one of my grandpa's troffers that was marked F40T12/WW even though it was really cool white. It was EOL but i got it to light up once on an electronic rapid start ballast. (that was the end of it though.) It was a no-name lamp that simply said F40T12/WW RAPID STARTin times new roman.
Login
