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How to Wire a Photoresistor

Photoresistors change resistance depending on the amount of light that hits them. Street lights use photoresistors to control when they turn on. As the amount of light hitting the photoresistor decreases, its resistance increases. When coupled to the correct electronic circuit, this characteristic can be used to turn a light switch on or off, depending on where the photoresistor is located in the circuit. Most photo resistors only have two terminals for connecting to a circuit.

Things You'll Need

Photoresistor
Red electrical wire
6-volt battery
6-volt motor
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Electrical tape

Instructions

- 1
  Cut three, 6-inch pieces of electrical wire using the wire cutters. Then strip 1/2-inch of insulation off each end of each wire.
- 2
  Connect one end of wire #1 to the positive terminal of the battery. Connect the other end to one of the two terminals of the photoresistor. Take wire #2 and connect one end to the second terminal of the photoresistor. Connect the other end of this wire to the positive terminal of the motor.
- 3
  Connect the remaining wire between the negative terminal of the motor and the negative terminal of the battery. Use electrical tape to help hold the battery wires in place. If the photoresistor is in bright light, the motor should be running. If the light is cut off from the photoresistor, the motor will either stop or turn more slowly.

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