Step-by-step for connecting Time Clock and Photocell with lighting contactor in series and parallel?

[readydave8]

The problem with putting the photocell after the time clock, is the lights will flash on, then off as the photocell is charged if it is not already dark.

Yup that's what I was trying to say thanks

I'm better at wiring stuff than explaining

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yup that's what I was trying to say thanks

I'm better at wiring stuff than explaining

Are you sure about that? I wouldn't be concerned but IMO, the photocell is detecting light or dark. Did you ever use a switch to turn on motion sensor switches which also have photocells. If you turn the lights on a night the light come on if it is dark out. I have never seen them come on and go off unless it is during the daylight hours.

 

[curt swartz]

Are you sure about that? I wouldn't be concerned but IMO, the photocell is detecting light or dark. Did you ever use a switch to turn on motion sensor switches which also have photocells. If you turn the lights on a night the light come on if it is dark out. I have never seen them come on and go off unless it is during the daylight hours.

A typical bi-metal switch photo cell is normally closed and opens when the internal heater is activated. When you first apply power the switch will be closed so if you connect after the time clock the lights will turn on until the heater opens the contacts.

 

[curt swartz]

I'm surprised so may people use photo cells now. These day Astronomical timers do the work of both. I couldn't even tell you the last time I installed a photo cell.

 

[hillbilly1]

I'm surprised so may people use photo cells now. These day Astronomical timers do the work of both. I couldn't even tell you the last time I installed a photo cell.

They even have GPS timers now. Been going to try one.

GPS Timers – World's ONLY fully automatic Astronomical Timer

gpstimers.com

 

[Little Bill]

They even have GPS timers now. Been going to try one.

GPS Timers – World's ONLY fully automatic Astronomical Timer

gpstimers.com

The owner is a member here but seldom posts. He is a mod at electricianstalk.com

 

[readydave8]

Are you sure about that?

Yes

 

[Little Bill]

Are you sure about that? I wouldn't be concerned but IMO, the photocell is detecting light or dark. Did you ever use a switch to turn on motion sensor switches which also have photocells. If you turn the lights on a night the light come on if it is dark out. I have never seen them come on and go off unless it is during the daylight hours.

Motion lights with photocells will turn on when first powered up, whether it's light or dark out. Once they are on, they adjust themselves to determine if it is light or dark.
What readydave8 is saying is if you power the photocell from the time clock, it will be off every time the clock times out. Then when the clock turns the PC back on, it will come on briefly and turn back off when it senses light.
So the photocell needs to have constant power to avoid the on/off action that happens when first powered.