Dusk to Dawn and the convenience of Photocells and Timers

Photocells and Timers are two main options for controlling the power of outdoor lighting. Both automatic outdoor lights options save energy by automatically turning lights on at dusk and back off at dawn or at a designated time if lights are on a timer. Manual control of outdoor landscape lighting is not practical and would be more of a nuisance if having to switching the lights on and off were the only option. However, photocells and timers have distinct benefits and disadvantages. You choose what is best for you based upon your lifestyle and objectives.

Photocells

The simplest automatic outdoor lights method is a photocell. Photocells are electrical devices that communicate with the transformer. The transformer is an electrical component that takes the main voltage electricity of the house and changes it into a much lower voltage. Photocells use a switching system to block or provide power to the transformer based on the amount of ambient light. Ambient light is the amount of natural light or available light. Photocells sense the ambient light in the environment and communicate with the system to power on when the sun sets. Conversely, the dawn of daylight will switch the power off. Photocells do not require manual control. This can be a disadvantage if you are looking for control from inside your home or an advantage when there is no one inside your home to turn the lights on. When photocells are used alone, the only option is for the lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn since the outside level of light controls when the lights come on Security is enhanced since lights will be on at home when arriving after dark even when your home is vacant.

Timers

Another option for most homeowners is the installation of a timer. This option allows better control and may save bulb life and electricity. However, with the advent of LED bulbs this may be a non issue since LED bulbs has an extensive life and are energy efficient.  The timer can be programmed to turn on lights as darkness falls and switch the lights off at a designated time or whatever schedule is desired. Timers are available in both twenty-four hour and seven day versions.

Using photocells and timers together is a popular method where all night lighting is not desired. The photocell can control when the lights come on but the timer can turn off lights before the photocell senses daylight. Additionally, since lighting can be adjusted to operate differently for different days of the week, potential would be burglars cannot make assumptions about your home being occupied or vacant based on lights turning on and off at a set time.

Regardless of whether you choose a photocell , a timer or a combination of both, with a well thought out design and quality installation, you should enjoy your outdoor lighting for years to come. Please call us if you need help adjusting timer and/or photocell controls or upgrading to new astronomic timer.