Dusk to Dawn Light Will Not Turn Off

[Davey4000]

I guess this is my day for electrical questions. I installed a 400W metal halide wall pack light yesterday. It did not come with a photocell for dusk to dawn operation so I added one. I just screwed the photocell into one of the ports on top of the housing.

I completed the work outside while it was still light and finished the wiring inside after dark. When finished I flipped the breaker and the light came on so I assumed everything was working properly.

The problem is the light did not go off when it got daylight this morning. Is this a defective photo switch? I think tomorrow I’ll shine a flashlight into it and see if it will turn off.

Perhaps my photocell needs to be relocated, but I don’t really see that as a problem. It gets plenty of exposure. Has anyone experienced a similar problem?

 

[1969]

Not to question the obvious, are you sure it is wired properly? If so, it's unlikely that the photo cell is bad.BTW...... do you remember how you wired it........ colors?

 

[Davey4000]

Yes, hot wire from power source (black) to black wire of the photocell; neutral from power source (white) to white wire of photocell and light; red wire from photocell to 120V wire of light (not black, but stamped 120V).

Oh, and green ground wire to green wire of light.

 

[1969]

I don't have a PC in hand, but from my memory I believe that is correct. Can you shine a light directly into the eye of the PC , and keep it there for a minute or so? Obviously, by doing so if it is working properly, the light has to go out. Other than that, I guess a new PC.

 

[Cuda]

Again not to be a smart *** but are you certain the voltage rating of the photo cell is right?
Is it an Intermatic brand? I have had a few of those be bad out of the box over the years. I like Tork much more.
How you have described the wiring is correct though.

 

[Davey4000]

It came from Home Depot or Lowe's. Can't remember which. I gave about $14 for it. It's an Utilitech part number 006311 manufactured by Bright Image Corporation, Hillside, IL.

Specs: 1800W maximum, 110-130 VAC/1000VA Ballast.

It won't be a problem to shine a light into it. My scaffolding is still up.

 

[Davey4000]

Well, it didn't shut off this morning either. It's a bright sunny day. I held a flashlight on the photocell for about 3 minutes, still stays on. I suppose I'll take the photocell off and try it on something else just to make sure it's working.

 

[Aceman]

Don't waste your time trying it on something else, just replace it. It's a dud, it happens.

 

[abnorm]

Did ya remove the foil sticker covering the photocell eye ?