How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem
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How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem with a new lamp: The Most Common Problems with a CFL Dusk to Dawn Fluorescent Light and How to Fix Them.
© By: Dave Rongey
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Guide to Outdoor Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture Problems and How to Fix Them
Electrical Question: I have an outside light fixture that has an insert to make it operate for the dusk to dawn feature.
- Can I use the energy saver spiral bulbs in them and have the dusk to dawn feature work?
- I was told the bulbs had to be the dimable ones in order for that to work. Is that true?
- I tried a bulb that was not dimable and all the light did was flicker all night.
Received from Pat a Homeowner in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Pat.
How to Fix a Dusk to Dawn Lighting Problem with a CFL Lamp
Application: Outdoor Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture Repair.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring or installing an insert.
The Most Common Problems with a CFL Dusk to Dawn Fluorescent Light and How to Fix Them
- The Dust to Dawn Light Feature
- Dusk to dawn lights typically create two levels of light, a dim or low level of light when no motion is detected and the full amount of light when motion is detected.
- Incompatible Lamp Type
- Some energy saver spiral bulbs,also known as CFL lamps, are not designed to dim, and this is the condition of the first low level of light.
- Some CFL type lamps do not operate well outdoor, especially in colder temperatures which can cause flickering, and flickering can shorten the life of a CFL light bulb.
- Standard or non-compatible CFL lamps should be replaced with lamps that are compatible with the dimmer feature.
- Incompatible Dusk to dawn Insert
- Be sure that the insert or adapter is compatible with the light fixture.
- The insert should have an unobstructed area that will allow the built in photo cell and motion sensor to operate properly.
- For best performance a new dusk to dawn outdoor light fixture could be installed using compatible lamps.
See More about Wiring Outdoor Lighting Fixtures
Outdoor Lighting
Light Up Your Home for Beauty Safety and Security:
This is a Comprehensive Guide to Outdoor Lighting. Answers your questions about different types of outdoor lights such as Motion Detectors, Wall Mounted Lights and Low-Voltage Landscape Lighting.
Wiring a Motion Light and Security Camera
Electrician Explains How to Wire a Motion Light with a Security Camera.
Motion Detectors
How to Install Motion Detectors for Outdoor Lighting, Driveway Lighting and Security Lighting.
Outdoor Motion Fixtures
How to Install Outdoor Motion Fixtures and security Light Fixtures.
The following may also be helpful for you:
A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right
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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
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Electrical Parts to Help You Wire it Right
Residential Electrical Parts and Accessories
Light Switches
120volt Outlets
Circuit Breakers
Electrician Tools
Voltage Testers
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