FAQs

---

My driveway lamp seems to burn all the time. Why is that happening?

Several reasons are possible. If your photocell’s “eye” is dirty or if foliage is blocking light to it, it will not turn off as early in the morning as you would expect. Also it might turn on during cloudy weather and earlier in the evening than you expected. The answer is to find your photocell’s location and clean the eye port with a cloth, and also keep the foliage from blocking light. Recommend you use a cleaning solution that does not have abrasives or leaves residue on the lens. Another cause can be a failing photocell. Typically, photocells will fail in the “On” position. The answer to this problem is to buy a new photocell from Home Depot or Lowes and change it out. The cost is around $15 for the sensor. Remember that jobber grade photocells will not last as long as a replacement. The replacements typically have a 5-year warranty. You will find another alternative in the April 2008 Roseheart Newsletter on page 4. Home Depot stocks a Screw-In Light Control that can accomplish the same thing that the light sensors at the sides of our homes when power is constant in the yard light pole. The cost is less than $10.00. You then install it below yard light bulb. The photo sensor causes the light bulb to be on in darkness and turn off during daylight. Also as of fall 2009, Home Depot now carries a CFL Post Light that has its own photocell.

Return to FAQ Listing