Hi,

I am going to be replacing the light fixtures on the outside of my garage. I want fixtures which will turn on automatically at dusk and stay on until dawn the next morning. I haven't like the fixtures that have this feature as part of the fixture.
So, one of the guys at the home center introduced me to a add-on feature that you screw into the socket and then the bulb into add-on. I don't know what the exact name of the "gadget" is but it perfoms the dawn to dusk feature like the others that have it installed into the fixture and gives me the flexibility to pick the new fixture that I like.

But, not being too familiar with this "gadget" I'm worried at how effective it is? I was curious if anybody had experience with it I woul appreciate your input.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

FYI... There is also a small "button" size sensor they sell that you can add/wire in to a light fixture also. It does not screw into the light socket with the bulb but rather is mounted in the fixture. Basically you can add the sensor to almost any type of exterior light fixture.

 

Hi Shawn,
The device is called a photocell. I use one of these screw-in styles in my porch light and it works great. Only cost $5, too.
Just make sure the unit can get natural light so it can know when it is dark and when it is light outside.

 

There are two issues to be concerned about.

Enough natural light needs to get to the device to trigger it appropriately. I tried one and I had to replace one piece of glass on the fixture with clear glass. The glass was all frosted, and prevented light from reaching the cell.

The other issue is height. The unit I was using added about an inch or so to the height of the socket. The bulb just fit within the ficture and looked strange because of it's location. I had to find a smaller bulb.

 

Thanks for the info on the photo cell. Some interesting points were brought up that I didn't consider. Especially ensuring the fixture gets enough light to turn off and the height.