Dusk to Dawn Lighting?

[MLimpert]

I have a couple of lights on the outside of my detached garage that I like to leave on at night after a break in last fall. I would like to get a timer or photocell setup to control them so I don't have to go out and unlock the garage to turn them off each morning before work.



Here is my dilemma... I have been running CFL flouresecent bulbs because they cost so much less to use. None of the timers or photocells I have seen have been rated for a CFL. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could do this somewhat economically?



The ademco alarm system I installed has the ability to control lighting based on a schedule, but it looks like it would be kind of a pain to set up, and I'm not sure if their controls can work with CFLs either.



Any ideas?

 

[ACoyle]

What is the model number of you Ademco system?

Is it self installed?

You can probably use either a timer, the alarm system or a photocell to pick a relay that you can get from Granger. The relay contacts can switch the lights. Relays should not be too expensive. Also, this limits the load on the timer, alarm or photocell.

AC

 

[MLimpert]

The security system is a vista 20p that I put in myself. It looks like an add on powerline control would allow me to use x10 brand devices with it, but I'm thinking it might not be cost effective.



What kind of relay were you thinking? I can buy from Grainger through work, so that wouldn't be a problem.

 

[gregdoerfler]

I dont see why you would need any special timer or photo eye to control cfl's, they use standard photo eyes on hps wall pack lights.

 

[MLimpert]

I suppose I could try one to see what happens. I imagine the worst that could happen is I could ruin a bulb or something. All of the packages seem to state incandecent loads only, and most seem to specifically say no CFLs. I had an intermatic timer switch I bought to replace the regular light switch that controls them. I got it out of the box and ready to install and I saw the warning and took it back.

 

[big jake 1]

I dont know what type of lamps or fixtures you are using, but my standard CFLs and porch light fixtures with the night time sensors (CRS) what they are called have been working fine for both Mom and me in two separate homes for years





big jake



THE FORD GUYOo. Oo. Oo.

 

[WKruger]

You can use CFL's up until the temp gets below 40. Then your going to have to use flood lamps.

 

[gregdoerfler]

the wall switch/timer may not work because it uses the filament of the bulb to complete the circuit for the timer power?

 

[MLimpert]

the wall switch/timer may not work because it uses the filament of the bulb to complete the circuit for the timer power?

Ahh. . That makes sense.



The maintenance guy at work today had a good idea to just get a big mechanical time switch and hook it up just outside the breaker panel before the switch and just leave the light switch on all the time. I think I'm going to pick up a Grainger 2E021 and see if I can make it work.



Thanks for all your help!

 

[ACoyle]

You need a relay with a coil voltage to match what the alarm system provedes. I'm pretty sure that is 12V, but, check me on the alarm schematic. The relay should have the same coil voltage. The contacts of the relay should be rated for the current draw that you will be switching. Probably the cheapest setup is SPST normally open, but, you can use DPDT and just use the normally open contacts. Enclose the relay to prevent shocl hazard.



AC

 

[JLEONARD]

I know a couple of guys who use CFLs in their regular automatic outside light fixtures. One said it's been over a year and he hasn't had an issue.