SUNCO Dusk To Dawn User Guide
- June 7, 2024
- SUNCO
Table of Contents
SUNCO Dusk To Dawn
Sunco Lighting Dusk to Dawn LED lights include a sensor to detect light levels at night. The Dusk to Dawn sensor turns on the LED when no light is detected at night then turns the LED off again when light is detected. Just power it on for the sensor to detect light levels and illuminate the night. All D2D light bulbs are designed for outdoor use only.
INFRARED AND RADAR PHOTOCELLS
INFRARED PHOTOCELL
Infrared photocells sensors are set off by either the heat from incandescent
lights or sunlight, not visible, ambient light.
Temperature can slightly affect sensor behavior. Our bulbs contain components
to help combat that. However, hot and cold temperatures may modify when a
light turns on:
- When the sensor is warmer, it may turn on a bit earlier.
- When the sensor is cold, it may turn on a bit later.
RADAR PHOTOCELL
Radar photocells (like the Sunco PAR D2D Bulbs and Wall Packs) are triggered by sunlight or ambient lighting in the Visible Spectrum. They may turn off if other light sources are detected.
VISUAL TIPS
The
Dusk to Dawn sensor cannot detect whether it is light or dark when the light
fixture is closed.
Even an open light fixture cannot
function when hidden behind a tree or shrub. Here, the light is on during the
day, because sunlight is not reaching it.
If a Dusk to Dawn LED is installed too
close to another switched on light, the sensor may be fooled into thinking the
light detected is daylight.
In an open fixture, the sensor will
detect light through the clear glass panes and turn on at night. Sunco D2D
lights turn on/off automatically and do not require a timer to activate. Avoid
using them with a timer on the same circuit.
At night, the left D2D LED cannot
turn on as there is no power. In contrast, the D2D on the right has power and
the sensor can function properly.
FOR BEST RESULTS
Use at Night
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Bulbs and fixtures with Dusk to Dawn technology only work at night.
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Use Outside
| Dusk to Dawn sensors are designed to be used outside to detect light levels of the sun.
• A commercial exception: Use Dusk to Dawn bulbs in retail or shop window displays for automated lights
Avoid Reflections
| Dusk to Dawn sensors detect light. Make sure the sensor does not face reflective surfaces. Reflections can mimic sunlight. Avoid placing sensor near windows, glossy walls, and shiny floors.
Other Light Sources
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Dusk to Dawn LEDs cannot tell the difference between sun rays and a bright light, they just look for light levels. If a bright light is detected, the light will not turn illuminate.
Spacing Dusk to Dawn
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To avoid interference, space your Dusk do Dawn (D2D) LEDs: at least 1.5ft (0.5m) apart.
• PAR D2Ds at least 1.5ft (0.5m) apart
• B11 D2D Filament LEDs at least 1.5ft (0.5m) apart
Leave the Switch On
| All Sunco Lighting Dusk to Dawn LEDs require power to operate. Turn on the light switch after you screw in the Dusk to Dawn LED bulb. The built in sensor will then turn on the LED when light is absent and off when light reappears.
No Timer Needed
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Dusk to Dawn LEDs will automatically turn on when no light is detected by the sensor and turn off when light returns. They are not compatible with dimmers or timers.
Recessed Cans
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Use dull trim inserts or cans that are not reflective inside the recessed can. This will avoid strobing/flashing issues.
Covering and Blocking
| If the (visible) sensor is covered or blocked, it cannot function correctly to detect light levels. Either it won’t turn on or it will stay on 24/7.
Includes:
• a solid light fixture where the housing blocks the sensor
• a shrub, bush, or tree
• the frosted or darkened glass pane of a light fixture
• placing fixture inside an alcove where sun cannot reach
• the sensor facing away from potential light sources
Choose Open Fixtures for PARs
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PAR LED Bulbs with Dusk to Dawn should not be used in enclosed fixtures (even with clear glass panes) as the bulb could overheat or impact bulb lifespan.
Suggested applications for PARs:
• Dual spotlights (under a roofline or above a garage door or other doorway)
• Landscape or signage uplights
• Open wall sconce
• Recessed cans