More Options for Installing Dusk to Dawn Lighting Sensors
December 1, 2008
When I wrote the article on installing a dusk to dawn photo cell to control exterior lighting, I had no idea that is would be such a popular project. Not only from the feedback that I have received from all of you, but from knowing that such a simple install can have long term payback both in energy savings and in convenience factor. I installed my dusk to dawn sensor in April of 2008, and I have not had to touch the switch or change a bulb in the past 9 months. Better yet, the simple photocell gently turns on the bulb at dusk, and off at dawn.
I have however, received several requests for an alternative source to the Home Depot photocell that I referenced in the original article, “Installing Dusk to Dawn Photocell in Exterior Lighting to Save Power.“ Whether for availability reasons at your local home center, the sporadic reports that this photocell was prone to failure, or the desire to control larger amp loads, I have done some looking and would like to offer up a couple more options to order photocells that can be wired into existing lighting. I’m going to order some up and install them in my detached garage lights and I keep you posted on their performance. The two Lumatrol options are Amazon affiliates. Proceeds to support the site. The Intermatic options are from a storefront that I’ve never used. Do your own due diligence before you order and take all the normal online ordering precautions.
120 volt
Lumatrol A-Series Wire-In Button Type Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 120 Volt / 1000 VA / A-105
Lumatrol A-Series Wire-In Button Type Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 120 Volt / 1000 VA / A-105
Intermatic K4021C Photo Cell Control 120 V 50/60 Hz. 1800 Watt “T” Fixed Position Mounting
http://electricsupplieson-line.stores.yahoo.net/intermatic-k4021c.html
240 volt
Lumatrol A-Series Wire-In Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 208-277 Volt / 1000 VA / A-1068
Lumatrol A-Series Wire-In Photo Control (Dusk to Dawn) / 208-277 Volt / 1000 VA / A-1068
Intermatic K4022 Photo Cell Control 240 V 50/60 Hz. 3600 Watt “T” Fixed Position Mounting
http://electricsupplieson-line.stores.yahoo.net/intermatic-k4022.html
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Tags: Dawn to Dusk, dusk to dawn, dusk to dawn sensor, eco friendly, Energy Savings, Exterior lighting, installing, light controler, light hack, lower my power bill, photo cell, photo control, Photocell, photocells, replacing photocell, save energy, Save Power
4 Comments
Noddy Read says: When I was in the US last year I needed dusk to dawn switches in both 12V dc and 110Vac for my boat and office. I found this web site in the UK that would ship to the US for just a few $. They seem to work fine as they worked for the time I was there. As for saving energy they say they are manufactured using solar energy and the price for the 12v one was about $18 i think.
Does anyone know if the electrical codes regulate the installation of this device? Can the device be mounted outside the fixture, say right on the wall of the house next to the fixture, and wired into the fixture to turn it on and off?
Really depends on the photocell that you use and how you protect the wiring. The Hampton Bay photocell would not be recommended for external use, however, there are a few more options here: