How to Convert Your Outdoor Light Into a Sunset to Sunrise on Service

Are you tired of remembering to turn on and off your outside drive way or front door light every night and day. By installing a small photo electric switch the pain of remembering is done for you. You have to by the switch at a electronics store that sells only electronic stuff. The big box lumber stores do not carry the small size switched and only carry the larger size units. I took me about :30 min to install the switches onto two lamp that are attached to the house garage facing the drive way.

Tools Needed

Cordless drill
Drill bit to fit the barrel size of the switch
Pliers
Wire cutters
Electrical tape
4" plastic ty wraps
Nibbler
Ladder to reach the lamps

Steps One

TURN OFF ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE LAMP FIRST.

In this case I found that at the top of the lamp was the best place to put the small photo electric switch. Next I removed the glass casing and drill the hole at the top of the lamp.

Step Two:

Next mount the switch into the hole and tighten down to secure the switch. Be careful not to over tighten the brass nut as the plastic barrel will strip.

As you can see the wiring is shown in the picture as well as the model. I have had this one laying around for over five years and three years of use outside. The unit has been sturdy.

Step Three

This is optional if the case that holds the wiring is similar to what is shown. The base is a cup style and to get the wires I had to cut a slot for the wiring. You can drill a hole as well to give the wiring access to the power wires.

Step Four

I added 22 gauge solid core wire to extend the wires from the photo switch to the base compartment since over the years the wire got a bit shorter.

after adding the electrical tape M88 preferred, I added a ty wrap over the electrical tape to prevent it from coming undone due to weather conditions and causing a short.

Tuck the wire nuts in the enclosure. Dress the wire as shown with ty wraps

Step Five

Turn electric source on and test your connection.

Now close everything up .

Now you dont have to remember what time of year as the seasons change for you to have lights on at dusk.