Romex to stranded for a NEMA 5-15 plug

[Tomko]

My question is whether I can wire nut solid romex to stranded to achieve a NEMA 5-15 plug? Here is my scenario:

I have a lamp post on my lawn. It is controlled by a photocell that is supplied by romex. This romex has a junction box in my garage where it connects with the household circuit breaker panel.

After four years flawless service, the photocell is now stuck in the on mode. It will no longer turn off when daylight returns.

The nature of the lamp post installation makes it very difficult to replace the faulty photocell.

I am looking for an alternative.

What I’d like to do is use a programmable timer to control the lamp post.

I’d like to connect the lamp post’s romex to a severed extension cord. Then plug that extension cord into a timer, plugged into a GFCI receptacle, that will then control the lamp post.

I would make the solid/stranded connection using wire nuts, inside a proper junction box, secured to the inside garage wall.

Would this approach pass code?

 

[PCustoms]

Lots to unpack there....

I'll start with I hope the wire to the lamp post is UF-B, and not NM-B (what most people call Romex).

Aside from that, I would get a hardwired timer and forget the extension cord BS.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Another option may be to put a photocell in a more accessible location. (Though usually they are accessible for ease of installation)

 

[mike93lx]

Install an LED bulb and forget about the power usage.

Also hope that this isn't really romex

 

[wyliesdiesels]

have a pic of the "romex"?

extension cords and cordage are not permitted for permanent use. Even if it wasnt, its just cringe to use it for such a thing

where is the photocell located? have a pic?

 

[BillK]

Is the photocell on the lamp post ? I have replaced mine at least twice in the45 years we have lived here and it is not a big deal.

 

[dave*99]

There are many bulbs available with a photocell built in.

 

[dave*99]

My question is whether I can wire nut solid romex to stranded to achieve a NEMA 5-15 plug? Here is my scenario:

I have a lamp post on my lawn. It is controlled by a photocell that is supplied by romex. This romex has a junction box in my garage where it connects with the household circuit breaker panel.

After four years flawless service, the photocell is now stuck in the on mode. It will no longer turn off when daylight returns.

The nature of the lamp post installation makes it very difficult to replace the faulty photocell.

I am looking for an alternative.

What I’d like to do is use a programmable timer to control the lamp post.

I’d like to connect the lamp post’s romex to a severed extension cord. Then plug that extension cord into a timer, plugged into a GFCI receptacle, that will then control the lamp post.

I would make the solid/stranded connection using wire nuts, inside a proper junction box, secured to the inside garage wall.

Would this approach pass code?

How about a hard wired timer in the junction box you mentioned?

 

[PCustoms]

How about a hard wired timer in the junction box you mentioned?

Great idea!

Aside from that, I would get a hardwired timer and forget the extension cord BS.

 

[ripperd]

Lots to unpack there....

I'll start with I hope the wire to the lamp post is UF-B, and not NM-B (what most people call Romex).

Aside from that, I would get a hardwired timer and forget the extension cord BS.

Yup. Pop a box next to your breaker panel and wire the circuit through one of these:

GE 7-Day Programmable Indoor/Outdoor In-Wall Digital Timer 32787 - The Home Depot

Add convenience and customization to your home with the selection of this GE 24-Programmable Indoor Outdoor InWall Digital Timer.

www.homedepot.com

 

[dave*99]

A smart switch can also be used for control. The timer functions will then be available on an app. They can be programmed for sunset, sunrise, time of day, or a combination. I find the app is easier to see/use than the in wall units I installed in the past. This unit is WiFi. There are other communications options depending on your needs.

 

[Specracer]

I replaced all our photocells at our shop with astronomic timer switches. This way they turn on at "sunset" and off at sunrise any time of the year. They even have memory, such that they stay on time when there is a power disruption.

Amazon.com

 

[dscheidt]

I replaced all our photocells at our shop with astronomic timer switches. This way they turn on at "sunset" and off at sunrise any time of the year. They even have memory, such that they stay on time when there is a power disruption.

Amazon.com

We have a number of these sorts of switches, each from a different brand. They've all worked pretty well, once they're set up. Programming them is a pain, but you only need to do it once. None of them keep time terribly well, though, for something plugged into reliable AC power, so they don't come on or go off at the same time. Doesn't matter to us, but some people might be bothered. I installed two to control the outlets we plug christmas lights into, which is so much better than having to go outside to plug them in, or rely on a **** remote or a stupid app. Also, they can be used as a normal timer with fixed on/off times, or to turn off N hours after dark, or at midnight (or whenever). Programming any of them is a pain, though.

 

[ehcsrop]

I like and have many of the LED bulbs with the photo eye in the house near windows and on the patio. They seem to last a long time. I don't write this stuff down but they don't need replacement often. I'd say 5 years average as a guess. Some longer.

Another idea I have used if the wiring is in question is to get a low voltage transformer from a landscape lighting set and buy an E26 12v lamp (bulb) for the post. It gives off suitable light and there are different wattages available if you search around. The low voltage power supply normally has a timer and some have a photo cell "on" feature combined with a timer set off. Some are dusk to dawn.

I don't have any line voltage lights outside anywhere except those fixtures on the house exterior walls. All post mounted or pendant are on LV. The nice thing about using LV is that you can combine LV landscape lighting on the same circuit. Say a post lamp with some shrub lighting below or nearby.

Sure beats running 120v all over the yard. And there are LV motion detector lights if that is something you would like. I find these at yard sales on the cheap.

 

[Skooterj]

All my smart outlets and smart switches and smart bulbs have the ability to turn on/off at a certain time, certain day or Sunset/Sunrise. The App for each has this setting. I have my driveway lights turn on 30 minutes before Sunset, then off at 1 AM. Then on before I leave for work. Then back off 30 minutes after Sunrise. I haven't hit the switch in years. It is great.