Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Need Outdoor Security Light Advice

I have two outdoor security lights that I really like, but they have both failed to light within the past year. One won't light now, and I'd like to repair it. I suspect the light sensor is bad, but don't know how to test it. When I opened up the units wiring box it has the light sensor wired into a small electronic circuit board -- something I don't have the experience to test.

The units are made by Regent. They are 65 watt florescent lights that put out 500 watts of light output. The reason I like them is they are economical, provide all the light I need, and I like the color of the light.

Anyway, when the first one failed about a year ago Cooper Lighting sent me a new unit as it was under warranty. But, the warranty has now expired; so, the one that failed this time is not covered. I hate to chunck it out and go buy a new one -- seems like such a waste. But, that's what it looks like I'll have to do unless someone can help me repair the existing one.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

By outdoor security lights, I picture halide lamps or quarts halogen on an arm lighting up a large area around it. If this is correct have you checked/changed the photocell on top of the unit? Have you changed the bulbs? (they can be expensive)

I haven't changed the photocell (light sensor) on top because I don't know where to find one. As I said, I feel fairly confident that it's the problem.

When I took the unit apart I found that the photocell has two lead wires running from it to a circuit board. If I could find a replacement I could easily cut the leads near the circuit board and solder them to the two wires on the replacement. But, I don't know where to find a replacement photocell that will work in this unit: will any photocell work, or doesn't it have to be the same type as in the unit? When I asked the manufacturer a year ago about buying parts for the unit they said they don't sell the parts.

As info, the unit is a Regent model DL65FPCW. Here's a link to Regent's web site showing the unit: http://www.regentlighting.com/common/brands.cfm?pg=Detail&brand=Regent&category=Dusk%20to%20Dawn%3A%20%20Fluorescent&id=11909

Check the numbers on the photocell and google them. You should come up with a replacement. But, yes, it should match what you have already.

they said they don't sell the parts.

These are disposable fixtures, a couple of years or more.
Spend the $30 and get a new one. Canabilze the one you have, lamps etc.

Well, it's working again.

I went to Lowe's and bought another unit just like the ones I already have. When I got ready to put it up I decided to put a spare florescent light bulb in the unit as a final test -- and it came on. So, all the time I spent fooling around with the light sensor was a waste of time. In reflecting back, the first thing I did when the light didn't work was to try the spare florescent bulb. But, it didn't work; so, I figured it wasn't the bulb. But, I must have forgot to cover up the light sensor when I tested the bulb. Another one of those "gotcha" mistakes that I would swear I don't make. :-)

Glad I'm not alone!!!


#1 embarrasing moment.... Telling a customer he needs a new light..after changing the lamp..... He got his own.... turns out I replaced a bad one with a bad one. We laughed..I blushed.. Still my customer..