Greenfield DPPS Weatherproof Dusk-to-Dawn Photosensor Review

Customer Ratings:

This photosensor was purchased to supplant a timer on a residential post lamp. It was easy to install by splicing into an outdoor electrical wire running from a house to a subterranean path underneath the landscape. Simple twist wire connectors enabled a simple but crude splice in the short length of the electrical wire that is above ground. However, I am not entirely confident the installation will be fully weather resistant. The plastic enclosure of the photo sensor is fully sealed and is very solid. However, it appears to be designed to fit into a weatherproof housing of another product as it is connected with basic stranded wires.

In order to avoid any electrical arcing during a rainstorm, I purchased the King Safety Products 62225 waterproof wire connectors (see review) but they turned out to be too large for the available wire lengths so I had to use conventional indoor wire connectors. It would be nice if the photosensor had screw wire terminals with waterproof seals to fully isolate all of the bare electrical connections instead of having wires.

Another gripe about this product is the minimal documentation. For example, the enclosed literature doesn't mention the time delay employed by the switch, which appears to be about three minutes. Additionally, it isn't clear exactly how the sensor should be positioned. In other words, there was no guidance on how much shade it could tolerate and still remain closed.

Despite the shortcomings, the Greenfield Dusk to Dawn photosensor is a great bargain. It is a superior alternative to electronic timers for controlling outdoor lighting as it doesn't require any adjustment as the seasons change. Given its low cost, easy installation, and rugged enclosure, I would recommend it despite the minimal documentation.

Pros

Works as advertised

Simple to install

Inexpensive

Cons

Minimal documentation

Not ideal for a fully exposed outdoor installation

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

You don't get a diagram but if you Google a schematic for a Motion Detector it's the same exact wiring.

My application was indoors.

______________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO WIRE A DUSK TO DAWN PHOTOSENSOR:

You only have to wire up three sets of wires (seven wires). You have a red, black, and white wire with this device. You have black and white on both your supply voltage(AC 120) and load wires(mark them as such, if necessary), and it doesn't matter which is which as AC alternates, hence the name.

Connect all the white wires together and cap the wires--already you are half done. Connect the black wire of the Photosensor to the black wire of the supply voltage wires. Connect the red wire of the Photosensor to the black wire of the load (usually a lamp).

______________________________________________________________________________

Simple. Don't forget there is a 5 min. delay so be patient. If you followed the above directions, it will work. I don't write reviews for gadgets that often but this seemed like the appropriate time. I hope it helps someone. If not, please comment...

Best Deals for Greenfield DPPS Weatherproof Dusk-to-Dawn Photosensor

I bench tested this switch upon receipt and it was not functioning. It is OEM packaged without any instructions. The only information is the wiring connections noted on the device. Replaced this device with a Intermatic K4221C 120-Volt Stem and Swivel Mount Photo Control from Amazon that came with good instructions and works like a charm.

I will say the Amazon return service works nicely.

Honest reviews on Greenfield DPPS Weatherproof Dusk-to-Dawn Photosensor

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME. This item failed within 6 weeks of installation. No instructions were included with the device, if I hadn't installed one years ago I would have had to hire an electrician to install it.

Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Greenfield DPPS Weatherproof Dusk-to-Dawn Photosensor

Received 2 photo cells one worked great the other not so great. Would not buy this brand again. Looking for another source, a bigger pain in the A to return than get somewhere else.