Outdoor lighting is essential for home safety, security, and convenience — but manually turning lights on and off wastes time and energy. A Dusk to Dawn Sensor (also known as an Automatic On/Off Photocell Switch) solves this problem by automatically activating your lights at night and turning them off at sunrise. If you're upgrading your post-top fixtures, street lights, or garden lighting, the KastLite 3" Pole Photocell Sensor is one of the most reliable options on the market.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know — including features, benefits, installation tips, and why a UL-Listed photocell sensor is a smart investment for long-term outdoor lighting performance.
What Is a Dusk to Dawn Sensor?
A dusk to dawn sensor is a small but powerful device that detects natural light levels using a built-in CdS photocell. When the surrounding area becomes dark, the sensor automatically switches the light on, and when daylight returns, it turns the light off.
This makes it ideal for:
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Outdoor post-top lighting
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Driveway lights
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Street lamps
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Security lighting
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Landscape fixtures
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Commercial walkways
The result? Hands-free lighting control, reduced energy waste, and improved nighttime visibility.
KastLite Photocell Sensor: High-Capacity, High-Performance Light Control
If you're looking for a 120V UL Listed day/night sensor, KastLite’s photocell switch is engineered for durability and precision. Here’s what sets it apart:
1. High-Capacity Performance for Modern Lighting
This outdoor dusk to dawn sensor supports:
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Up to 1800 watts
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5A electronic ballast loads
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Ideal for HID lamps, LED retrofits, and post-top fixtures
The internal electronics are designed to prevent flickering, overload, and premature failure, making it a long-lasting upgrade for outdoor lighting systems.
2. Accurate, Consistent Auto Switching
Built with a CdS photocell, this sensor ensures:
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Reliable detection of real nighttime conditions
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No false triggers from car headlights, passing clouds, or ambient indoor light
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Steady, consistent performance for year-round use
Your lights turn on only when it’s truly dark, improving energy efficiency.
3. All-Weather Durability
Designed for harsh outdoor environments, this photocell sensor works in:
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Snow
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Rain
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High humidity
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Coastal areas
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Extreme temperatures from -40°F to +158°F
Its weatherproof construction ensures long-term reliability.
4. Easy 3" Pole Installation
This plug-and-play photocell fits:
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Standard 3" poles
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Install openings of 1.375"
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Includes a weather-sealing gasket, wiring caps, and stainless steel screws
With a classic 3-wire hookup, installers can replace old sensors in minutes.
5. UL-Listed for Safety
Being UL Listed means KastLite’s Dusk to Dawn Sensor meets strict safety and performance standards.
This ensures:
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Better electrical protection
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Longer product lifespan
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Peace of mind for residential and commercial application
Benefits of Using a Dusk to Dawn Photocell Sensor
Adding an automatic light sensor to your outdoor lighting system can help you:
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Save energy by preventing daytime operation
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Improve home and property security
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Reduce manual maintenance on lighting systems
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Increase bulb and fixture lifespan
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Keep pathways, driveways, and yards well-lit at night
For businesses, dusk-to-dawn sensors also reduce operating costs and ensure consistent visibility for customers and staff.
How to Install a Photocell Sensor on a 3" Pole
Installation is quick and beginner-friendly:
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Turn off power at the breaker.
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Remove the old photocell or blank cap.
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Fit the new sensor into the 1.375" opening.
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Match the 3 wires:
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Red → Load
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Black → Line
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White → Neutral
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Secure using the included gasket and stainless screws.
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Restore power and test.
Your outdoor light should automatically turn on at dusk.
A Dusk to Dawn Sensor is one of the smartest, easiest upgrades you can add to your outdoor lighting. With its high-capacity performance, accurate photocell detection, and weatherproof durability, the KastLite Automatic Photocell Switch is built for long-term reliability and energy-saving performance.
Whether you're replacing an old sensor or upgrading a new fixture, this UL-Listed, waterproof, 3" pole-ready sensor is designed to deliver dependable, automatic lighting—no hassle, no wasted energy.