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Electrical Wire and Cable


Will CFL Lamps Work With Dusk To Dawn Fixtures


Why Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps Will Not Work



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Dusk To Dawn Light Fixtures and CFL Lamps
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I recently had new outdoor light fixtures and lamps installed.

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

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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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

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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

6 Responses to “Will CFL Lamps Work With Dusk To Dawn Fixtures”
  1. Robert Travalentr says:

    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

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    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

  3. Jay Alcook says:

    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

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    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

  5. George says:

    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?

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    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