Review of GE 18258 Automatic Plug-In Light Control, Photocell On/Off

Customer Ratings:

Would do 5 stars if it had a ground hole as well ie this is only a two prong outlet. The third hold you see is not ground, that is the light sensor! Little deceiving with that picture, if you ask me...

Works well though for two prong only plugs.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

It's not made plain here, but this unit only works with incandescent lights -compact fluorescents will buzz and LEDs will not shut off completely. It is, thus, useless for what I wanted it for.

Best Deals for GE 18258 Automatic Plug-In Light Control, Photocell On/Off

First of all, the light sensor is so deep inside that the unit will function only facing the unobstructed window. I had to drill the hole wider to improve the sensitivity (don't take the device apart; there is no knobs to adjust anything).

Secondly, different widths for the openings for the prongs render some plugs incompatible with the devise as they block the sensor.

Thirdly, different widths of the prongs of the device will limit you positioning the device.

Solutions: I had to use extension cord with the devise at the end, and hide it pointing at the window (see picture). I also had to come up with the idea how to fix the whole thing so it wouldn't move.

One more thing: it does work with LEDs as long as wattage is adequate. One LED fixture I use is 5 Watts and it is compatible with the device. Another fixture is less then 1 Watt and it is not compatible (the device wouldn't turn the fixture off completely).

I would've given the unit 3 stars if it was $5.00.

Honest reviews on GE 18258 Automatic Plug-In Light Control, Photocell On/Off

OK... I think my expectations of this product may be more of a problem than the product... but unless you are using in a spot where the plug gets lots of daylight, this item thinks it is night all the time. Like I said, that may be more a reflection on me than the product. Think twice before buying. Are you going to use it someplace where it will be behind furniture? MISTAKE!

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for GE 18258 Automatic Plug-In Light Control, Photocell On/Off

The light shuts off only if the unit faces an unobstructed sunny window. The light stays on in a room that is bright enough not to need a room light.