Lamp Post Photocell: How to swap out a new one
 

I'm pretty sure my electric eye has gone bad. The only part showing is the the eye on the pole. The box that has the guts is in an attached box inside the pole. What are the steps to put in a new one?

Thanks

Here is a video that will show you how to do it. I would suggest that you take a photo of the sensor and go to ACE Hardware or Lowes to get the correct replacement sensor. Also, make sure that you find the breaker that turns off the lamppost before starting the project.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Orj2vAckYYo

There are 2 other items that will cause the lamp post light to fail, this GFCI has tripped, or the bulb has failed. Depending on the age of the house, the GFCI could be a GFCI receptacle in the garage, or GFCI circuit breaker. As for the bulb(s) i have seen these fail after close by lightning strikes.

The sensor replacement is fairly easy, with the biggest problem getting the new sensor back in the hole after all of the wires are connected. I suggest you take a ladder out to the post to set the lamp assembly on as you work on the wiring.
And of course, turn off the power before doing any work.

We had to replace it when we bought our house. Went to Lowes told a salesguy we needed to replace the sensor and lived in the villages and he found the part.

Since I prefer to not mess with electrical stuff had the handyman we started using do it and took about 2 minutes perhaps less.

Personally, I would allow more than 2 minutes.

The steps are as follows if you are not sure what to do and have not worked with electrical problems call a licensed electrician and have them do the work You'll burn your house down.

I got tire of replacing mine I just put photo cell bulb in for 3 bucks, now the bulb know when to come on and off. All of my photo cell pole failures was in the on position.

I agree safety first

It is on circuit breaker and not hot wired. But, agree have to have some knowledge of wiring. if not whoever can’t follow simple instructions or connect same color wires, or know how to cut power, and check make sure it off. Call someone.

2 mins? I bet it too longer. I usually don’t bet unless it’s sure thing.

Sure he just didn’t screw in photo cell light bulb?

Yes as I have had to replace the bulb a few times since.

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When photcells fail, they fail in the on position, meaning the light won't go off during the daytime. Simple fix is to by a bulb with a built in photocell, leave the old post photocell in place, and go on with your life. Couldn't be easier.

I did the same. That bulb works great and lasts a loooooooong time.

Our circuit is not GFCI protected. It's on a regular breaker along with the doorbell.