dusk to dawn questions

[lksdrinker]

I have the idea of adding a dusk to dawn photosensor on an exterior light setup. However, I'm thinking that leaving those on for the entire night is wasteful so what I think I'd like is for the lights to turn on a dusk and stay on for say 5 hours. This will likely change with the seasons as during the summer I'd probably only want them to stay on for 3 or 4 hours after dusk.

I want to install this via one of the 1/2" threaded knockouts on an exterior box and am having trouble finding something that might accomplish this.
The closest I can find so far is essentially an extension cord with a photosensor/timer inline.

I guess I could simply swap out the switch for a timer style switch but I'd rather avoid doing that and would like to install this on the exterior box where the light is located.

Any suggestions or am I looking for something that doesn't really exist?

 

[sublimate]

I think most of the RAB motion sensors have this feature, I know the STL does:

The STL360 provides an alternative to normal motion-activated lighting. The
EVENING TIMER can keep lights on continuously - without motion - for 1 to
8 hours after dusk. This is great for evening activities requiring continuous
light. During vacations the EVENING TIMER provides a “lived-in” look by
simulating an occupant turning lights on at dusk, and then off at bedtime.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VDTBLK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Note you can buy the full light with the sensor for only a few dollars more than just the sensor.

 

[lilredex]

I used one like this..

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Designers-Edge-Dusk-to-Dawn-Button-Type-Photo-Cell-L-4701/202765281

It was installed right in the fixture leg and has been going strong for over twenty years. I let it go dusk to dawn (CFL).

 

[lksdrinker]

I think most of the RAB motion sensors have this feature, I know the STL does:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VDTBLK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Note you can buy the full light with the sensor for only a few dollars more than just the sensor.

Interesting and a bit pricey. I also dont see anything in the description that references the timer feature you quoted?

I used one like this..

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Designers-Edge-Dusk-to-Dawn-Button-Type-Photo-Cell-L-4701/202765281

It was installed right in the fixture leg and has been going strong for over twenty years. I let it go dusk to dawn (CFL).

I like the look of that, but again dont see anything that references the timer feature I'm looking for. And it looks like HD doesnt still carry this.

 

[lilredex]

There is no timer, it is a very common hardware item, HD was the first one that came up. Before you invest a lot in a timer, run the numbers, with a CFL it is only a couple of $$/yr. to run it all the time. That's what I chose to do and it did not mean looking for a second job.

I did have to blank off half of the eye though, as it was too sensitive and continually cycled the light, because of its position.

 

[Ray916MN]

Are you aware of "solar" or "sunrise sunset" switch timers?

You program them with your geographic location and they automatically adjust to the seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset, as well as daylight savings time. Most are 7 day programmable too. Set and forget simple.

 

[sublimate]

Interesting and a bit pricey. I also dont see anything in the description that references the timer feature you quoted?

http://www.rabweb.com/specSheet.php?product=STL360
http://www.rabweb.com/downloads/instructions/stl360.pdf

 

[maynard9089]

Are you aware of "solar" or "sunrise sunset" switch timers?

You program them with your geographic location and they automatically adjust to the seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset, as well as daylight savings time. Most are 7 day programmable too. Set and forget simple.

Just added this to our building a month ago and love it. Automatically changed with daylight savings, comes on at dusk and mine is set to go off at 11pm.

 

[toplessHO]

If you use LEDs you might want to rethink turning them off at night since they are so cheap to run.

 

[maynard9089]

We just got our first electric bill with the "solar" timer and 3 soffit lights rated at 13w each. Lights are on nightly for about 6 hours. In 11 days they used a total of 3kwh for a total of $.17. The bill was $8.75 after all fees. Lots of fees and taxes. We only have them turn off at 11pm to be good neighbors.

 

[lksdrinker]

Are you aware of "solar" or "sunrise sunset" switch timers?

You program them with your geographic location and they automatically adjust to the seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset, as well as daylight savings time. Most are 7 day programmable too. Set and forget simple.

No, but this sounds exactly like what I'm looking for!

http://www.rabweb.com/specSheet.php?product=STL360
http://www.rabweb.com/downloads/instructions/stl360.pdf

Awesome, thanks!

If you use LEDs you might want to rethink turning them off at night since they are so cheap to run.

Its not necessarily the cost; but there is just really no need for my exterior light to be on all night. I'd be happy for it to be on from dark until about midnight or so.

We just got our first electric bill with the "solar" timer and 3 soffit lights rated at 13w each. Lights are on nightly for about 6 hours. In 11 days they used a total of 3kwh for a total of $.17. The bill was $8.75 after all fees. Lots of fees and taxes. We only have them turn off at 11pm to be good neighbors.

Good to know!