Will CFL Lamps Work With Dusk To Dawn Fixtures
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Why Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps Will Not Work © By: Dave Rongey |
Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I recently had new outdoor light fixtures and lamps installed.
- They are 150 degree New England Carriage lamps.
- We did not have the motion sensor or dust to dawn features activated just on/off switch.
- I’ve gone through about $100 in CFLs this month alone.
- The bulbs flicker or grow brighter and dimmer though I don’t have any dimmer or motion features activated then they burn out.
- At this rate, not saving much. Should I go back to incandescent
This electrical question came from: Paula, a Homeowner from Albuquerque, New Mexico USA.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Paula.
Why Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps Will Not Work
- CFL Lamps Do Not Dim
- Unless otherwise stated, most CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamps do not have the capability to dim.
- So Yes, buy all means – go back to using standard incandescent bulbs!
- Incandescent Light Bulbs for Dusk to Dawn Light Fixtures
- Dusk to dawn light fixtures work best with incandescent light bulbs.
- Manual for Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture
- For best results, be sure to read the instructions or see the outside of the box where it states which lamps are recommended.
More about Wiring Outdoor Lights
-
Types of Outdoor Garden Lighting
- There are many types and styles of outdoor lighting. Consider these different types of light fixtures when planning your outdoor home lighting project.
-
Installing Motion Detector Light Fixtures
- Installing motion detector lighting fixtures provide security and energy savings and they can easily replace an existing exterior wall fixture.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Hi George,
Begin your troubleshooting by replacing the CFL lamps with conventional incandescent or halogen light bulbs as specified in the owners manual. The CFL lamps may be the problem. Also make sure the fixture settings are not in the TEST mode, as this will make the fixture go on and off at all times.
I hope this helps,
Dave
I just got this outdoor post lantern and the dust to dawn light will not go off. The light stays on if place the CFL bulbs in it. What could be the problem that causes the light to stay on all day and night?
Hi Jay,
If the problem is with the photocell seeing the light, then switching from CFL lamps to LED will not solve that problem. The photocell should have a hood over a portion of it to prevent the light from the bulb from interfering with the sensor. Another thing to understand is that this type of photocell adapter needs a neutral connection of the circuit for the photocell circuitry to function.This connection is commonly provided through the filament of a standard incandescent lamp, whereas the CFL lamp has its own type of design and circuitry requirements that are not compatible with this type of photocell adapter, so this is causing the CFL lamp to flicker.
You could try an LED lamp, or a energy saver type of incandescent light bulb.
Dave
Hi there, I have acquired several sockets with photocells to get my lights on and off without worry about turning the switch off. I got CFL lamps installed in every socket but as soon as the daylight goes down the CFL start flickering. I was wondering if the photocell is getting the light of the lamp then detects light and switches off, then detects darkness and restart the light, a infinite loop.
I was really disappointed spending almost 150 bucks so my question is instead of CFL lamps. Can I use led lamps?
Jay
Hi Robert,
CFL lamps should not be installed in Dusk-to-Dawn light fixtures because of the lower light level that the light fixture adjusts to.
CFL lamps should not be used with motion detector fixtures either because of the number of times the light may be turned on and off, which is what will shorten the life of a fluorescent lamp.
I agree. LED lights need to come down in price, when they do, lets make sure they are compatible with these same features as well.
So Robert, in the mean time, you may want to consider installing a moderate watt light bulb that is rated for 130 volts, not 120 volts. The 130 volt lamps will last longer due to a heavier filament. These light bulbs are also called Rough Service Lamps.
Dave
I have installed seven dusk to dawn fixtures. Our electrical bill has gone way up.
I tried a cfl bulb in one light fixture it flickered on start up, and burnt out in about five days. Is there a cfl bulb out there that will work in my outdoor dusk to dawn lights. Our electric rates shot up an extra $100.00 dollars. The LED bulbs need to come down if price.
Thank You