Info Leonlite

20-06-2023

HOW TO EASILY ADD A PHOTOCELL TO YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS

HOW TO EASILY ADD A PHOTOCELL TO YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS

Tech advancements have catapulted LED lights on a wild ride of evolution for top-tier performance. From the living room to the back patio, LEDs have stepped up their game big time, packing in slick features to make them the MVPs of lighting. Take the photocell in LED outdoor lights, for instance - a prime example of harnessing efficiency like a boss.

So, what’s the deal with this nifty gadget? It’s an add-on in LEDs that automates your lights, curbing wasteful energy consumption by giving outdoor lights the cue to take five when they’re not needed. Let's dive into the juicy details of photocell fixtures and the insider tips on hooking them up to your outdoor lights.

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Table Of Content

Photocell: The Lowdown
Why Rock Photocells?
How's a Photocell Flexing Its Muscles?
Why You Should be Team Photocell
A Step-By-Step Guide to Amp Up Your Outdoor Lights

Photocell: The Lowdown

Photocell is the secret sauce in outdoor lights like parking lot luminaires, LED floodlights, and pole lights. It's like the brain that senses daybreak and nightfall, flipping the switch on or off. Nobody needs lights stealing the sun’s thunder, so the photocell makes sure they stay off during the day.

Why Rock Photocells?

If you’ve ever seen LED floodlights or parking lot lights napping during the day, then snapping to attention when night falls, that’s the photocell working its magic. These dusk-to-dawn warriors sense natural light and figure there’s no need for artificial glam when the sun's already rocking the stage. The result? Energy-savvy LED outdoor lights that cut back on power bills.

But hold up - lights with photocells aren’t just night owls. They’ve got the smarts to turn on during the day too, especially if Mother Nature's feeling moody with overcast or stormy skies. The sensor might get a bit mixed up when there’s not enough light to convince it that it’s daytime, so it keeps the lights ready to roll just in case.

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How's a Photocell Flexing Its Muscles?

Alright, let’s break down what a photocell is packing. This little powerhouse is made up of metal and other materials, and the star player here is the sensor. It's like the atmosphere's own private detective, calling the shots on when the lights should hit the stage.

So, as we talked about, the sensor's on the lookout for daylight. If it’s gloomy and stuff’s hard to see, it gets the lights up and running. But, sometimes, it gets a little confused, like when it doesn’t realize there’s enough sunshine and fires up the lights anyway. It's a common hiccup. Think of it as the photocell needing some sunglasses. It’s super sensitive, so having the right shade to protect it is key for keeping it in the game longer.

And don’t worry, rain or shine, the photocell’s got your back. Just make sure it’s rocking a raincoat (like a rain cover or plastic bag) to keep it from getting soaked.

Why You Should be Team Photocell

Hooking up outdoor lights with photocells, like parking lot lights, LED floodlights, pole lights, or wall packs, is like drafting an all-star team. They play smarter, not harder. Your lights will last longer, only coming out to play when the natural light’s on break. Let’s check out the scorecard for photocells in outdoor lights:

Energy Efficiency MVP:
They’re not out there wasting energy, which saves you some green.
Low Maintenance:
Cutting down their hours means less upkeep.
Wallet-Friendly:
They’re a cost-effective addition to your lighting game.
No Extra Wiring Hassles:
They jump right into the action without a bunch of setup.
Eco-Warriors:
Keeping energy use down is a win for Mother Earth.
Security Pros:
They’re clutch for making sure things are lit when you need them for safety.
So, adding a photocell to your outdoor lighting squad? That’s a slam dunk.

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Rockin' the Photocell: A Step-By-Step Guide to Amp Up Your Outdoor Lights

Ready to level up your outdoor lighting with a photocell? Grab your tools and let's roll!
Power Down:
First things first, turn off the main power circuit breaker. It's usually hangin’ out next to the weatherproof box outside. If you're not sure how to find it or flick it off, don’t hesitate to call in a pro.
Lights Out:
Unscrew those existing outdoor lights. Keep a grip on ‘em so they don’t take a nosedive. Stash those screws somewhere safe and set the fixture on solid ground.
Know Your Gear:
Outdoor lights usually roll with either a conduit or a junction box. Figure out which one you’re working with as it might switch up the playbook a bit.
Tools & Photocell Ready:
Get your https://leonlitecommercial.com/collections/area-lights and all the tools you’ll need within reach.
Cable-Trimming Time:
Mark a 4-inch spot from the wire ends. Use pliers to gently strip the insulation cable – don't snip those wires inside! You’ll end up with one black and one white wire, plus two more insulated cables.
Strip & Separate:
Strip about half an inch off all wire ends. Now you're rockin’ with one black, one white, and three copper wires.
Connect the Dots:
Twist those wire ends together and hook ‘em up to your junction box or conduit connectors. Match the colors and if things get slippery, bring in the pliers for backup.
Wall Time:
Grab that black wire, attach a large nut, and pop it into the conduit or junction box. If you’re team conduit, duct tape is your friend. With a junction box, push the wires to the back and crank them down tight with pliers.
Photocell Mounting: Secure the photocell device to the conduit or junction box. Double-check those wires are in it for the long haul, and adjust if necessary.
Photocell & Cables:
Strip an inch off the white wire, then twist it with the photocell’s cable. It's all good if you have two white wires left – you’ve got the rest connected.
Lock & Load:
Wrap electrical tape around the twisted wires. Then, bust out nuts or duct tape to make sure everything's snug.
Hang Tight:
Use pliers to attach the device to the junction box. You can use the outdoor light’s mounting brackets to secure the photocell. Make it nice and tight.
Spot Check:
Before you call it a day, fire up those lights and make sure the photocell's working like a charm. The lights should take a nap when they sense natural light. If something’s off, check the wire connections and make any necessary tweaks. Once you’re golden, get those outdoor lights back in place and locked down.

VI. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Congrats! You’ve just brought your outdoor lighting into the big leagues with a photocell! 🎸🔧

Ready to get your hands on top-notch lighting gear with photocells? Look no further than Leonlite Commercial! Our state-of-the-art floodlights are perfect for parking lots and wide areas, while our landscape floodlights will add that “wow” factor to your outdoor space. What's the cherry on top? Our products come with an unbeatable 5-year warranty, giving you peace of mind.

But wait, there's more! Ditch the shipping fees because at Leonlite, orders over $25 are shipped to your doorstep for free.

Still not convinced? Here’s the deal - Leonlite is a proud California-based brand that's killing it on Amazon, with a track record of stellar sales. Our products are not just lights; they are an investment in quality and innovation.

Don't miss your chance to illuminate your outdoors with the best in the business. Get on over to Leonlite Commercial and experience brilliance like never before.