According to this Guide, the photocontrol is almost universally used to control the operation of outdoor luminaires, to ensure that visibility and safety prevail during periods of extreme darkness, near the brighter part of twilight, and during normal "clear day" operation. Historical perspective is provided by an overview which traces the development of modern photocontrol systems and hardware from the earliest use of time-based and manual switches for street lighting using carbon arc and incandescent lamps.

The main sections of this Guide are: method of control; standards of fabrication; practical usage; photocontrol management; visibility considerations; legal and regulatory implications; and a summary of suggested practices. The extensive annex, included in this Guide for reference purposes only, describes work done by a task force of the Energy Management Subcommittee of the IESNA Roadway Lighting Committee. This Guide also contains a list of 14 references and a brief glossary of technical terms relating to photocontrol hardware.