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    pc_nv's Avatar
    pc_nv Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 2, 2012, 03:54 PM
    Photocell light control
    I have one circuit that controls outside lights where the light poles have electric photocells and porch type lights have their own built in electric eyes...
    No problems so far...
    However, I just replaced a post electric photcell and it has a NOTE that says DO NOT USE ON CIRCUIT THAT HAS ANOTHER ALECTRIC EYE ON IT????
    What is up with that... a person may not even know if a circuit has another photocell on it... (dumb I know but true... ) but the...
    QUESTION IS: WHY IS THIS EVEN A CONCERN??
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Apr 2, 2012, 04:09 PM
    Not sure if there is a code on that, if their was, it may be because a circuit you test has no power, then a cloud goes over or darkness falls, that wire is now energized, most would not think of being on 2 photocells.
    If they don't electrically work in series, it may be to the low load of the photocell?

    You could wire 2 in Parallel, so if Either sees dark, the light will go on.
    pc_nv's Avatar
    pc_nv Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 2, 2012, 05:01 PM
    Everything seems to be working fine.
    The question is WHY or WHAT happens IF you have more than one electric photo cell on one circuit??

    I have seen this WARNING before but do not understand the risk and I have had more than one on the same ciruit for years??

    My latest phot cell is a WESTEK Outdoor/Exterior Post Eye Light Control... on that back of the package it says:
    NOTE: Do not use this control with another control on the same circuit!

    I do because it has been this way since I bought the house and want to know WHY and WHAT ARE THE RISKS??

    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #4

    Apr 2, 2012, 05:39 PM
    If it works, it should be fine unless otherwise noted.
    Personally I don't see a problem, unless the lower resistance/voltage at each photocell has been known to cause a fire or something?
    hfcarson's Avatar
    hfcarson Posts: 1,003, Reputation: 49
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    #5

    Apr 3, 2012, 09:35 AM
    The only possible issue is NEC 110.3(B) Which requires products and
    Devices to be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturers
    Instructions...
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