"Country light" photosensor question

Illiniwek · Jun 27, 2003

\"Country light\" photosensor question

I've got one of those sodium/gas/whatever lights on a telephone pole next to the house, and it seems to be on way too often -- including in the middle of the day. I climbed up a rickety old ladder to take a look at the photosensor, and I didn't see a way to adjust the sensitivity and it didn't appear to be broken or obstructed or anything.

Before I risk life and limb to climb up there again, is it likely that the whole light broken, or will replacing the photosensor (which pops off the top of the lamp) make the light turn on at dusk instead of at noon?

Thanks! (Can you tell I'm not a fan of heights when you add a ladder, stiff breeze, and electricity? /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif)

Bird · Jun 27, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

Those little sensors are pretty easy to replace. I had 3 of those lights and in 8 years, I had replaced the sensors on all three.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 27, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

Most of those have a small shutter on the side that you can use to cover part of the sensor to make it come on earlier but really no adjustment you can do to make it not come on during the day. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I agree that if it's not obstructed you probably need to replace the photocell. Seeing how you're not fond of heights /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif that may be your best option. I don't believe that the entire light is shot, most of the time when that's the case it will cycle on and off at night not during the daylight.

TresCrows · Jun 27, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

I think you should get your .22 and shoot the whole thing out /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I hate lights. I like the dark and seeing the stars. J

Mark_in_NH · Jun 27, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

Years of electrical work and similar service calls, for exactly what you have described, tells me to replace the sensor.
If it's a standard Sodium Vapor fixture, the sensors can be found in most hardware store and most definatly in Home Depots, Lowes, Electrical supply houses.
It has been some years since I changed one, but as I recall it is a simple 3 prong, twist lock, on/off device.

StoneHeartFarm · Jun 29, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

First off, pitch the rickety ladder and buy, rent or borrow a better one. You'll be glad you did.

Steve

Illiniwek · Jun 30, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

Will go to Lowe's today to pick up a new cell (and maybe a ladder). Thanks for your advice!

Mike_Dumond · Jun 30, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

One little thing I thought I might mention. Make sure the sensor is turned toward the south, or southwest. Turned toward the setting sun will ensure it doesn't come on too early. Had one set up on a house once, the sensor was pointing under the eves, toward a particularly dark spot. Used to come on on overcast days.

Inspector507 · Jun 30, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

Photocells should always point to the North. If it is the twist-lock variety, there are 3 screws on the flange that the photocell mounts to. Loosen up all 3 screws and rotate the flange until it points to North, or as near as you can.
Direct sunlight in a photocell will ruin it in no time.

Gary_in_Indiana · Jun 30, 2003

Re: \"Country light\" photosensor question

<font color="blue"> Photocells should always point to the North. </font>

That's what the directions on mine say. The only thing I wondered about was the fact I was mounting it on the south wall of a white metal building. As I think about it, the light will be on a white transluscent panel. Will that still work?