Replace Photocell For Outdoor Light Post

Replace Photocell For Outdoor Light Post: A Step-by-Step Guide

Outdoor light posts are an essential part of any home's exterior lighting system, illuminating pathways, driveways, and other areas for safety and security. Photocells are key components of these light posts, as they automatically turn the lights on at dusk and off at dawn. Replacing a photocell is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the replacement process, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

Replacement photocell compatible with your light post
Screwdriver
Wire strippers
Electrical tape
Safety glasses
Gloves

Step 2: Turn Off the Power

To ensure safety, turn off the power to the light post at the circuit breaker or fuse box before beginning any work.

Step 3: Remove the Old Photocell

Locate the photocell housing on the light post. It is typically mounted on the side or top of the fixture. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws securing the housing in place.

Once the housing is open, you will see the photocell and its wires. Use the wire strippers to carefully remove the wire nuts or electrical tape connecting the wires to the photocell.

Gently pull the old photocell out of the housing.

Step 4: Install the New Photocell

Take the new photocell and insert it into the housing. Ensure that the wires coming from the photocell are facing the same direction as the wires from the light fixture.

Connect the wires from the new photocell to the wires from the light fixture using wire nuts or electrical tape.

Secure the housing back onto the light post using the screws you removed earlier.