Photocell lights are activated by the changing of natural light, which means that they automatically shift with daylight changes and adjust when the nights are longer or shorter. Similarly, these lights detect natural light and turn off when morning comes. Photocell technology is used to identify when dusk has fallen, which prompts the lights to turn on. Some dusk to dawn lights use a photocell as a source of their power. You can also schedule them to turn on when you return home and then turn off again when you aren’t using them. For example, you can schedule the lights to come on when you go to work in the morning and then turn off when it’s light.

Time-controlled lights are useful for those who want to be fully in control of their lights and energy consumption. These lights can be adjusted at any time to suit your needs and the time of year. Time-controlled lights are very flexible and can be programmed by you, which means you can choose what time you want them to come on and turn off. They operate in slightly different ways but can all be set up with ease and adjusted to your preferences. There are four main categories of dusk to dawn outdoor lights, including time-controlled, smart/connected, photocell, and motion-activated lights. How Many Different Types of Dusk to Dawn Lights Are There? However, unlike traditional outdoor lighting, dusk to dawn lighting doesn’t need to be manually turned on or off. These lights can be placed anywhere in and around your garden or driveway. That’s where dusk to dawn lights can help.īut what does dusk to dawn mean? As the name suggests, these outdoor lights are placed in your garden or yard and operate after the sun has set and switch off once it rises again in the morning.

When it comes to lighting this means that people want outdoor lights that work for them and offer more options than the traditional lights that you need to switch on and off.

The survey found that many families want flexibility and practicality from their outdoor spaces. What Are Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Lights?Īccording to a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects, the three most popular outdoor design elements in 2018 were fire pits/fireplaces (66%), lighting (64.5%), and seating/dining areas (64%). Landscape lighting can brighten up your garden, stop you from stumbling around in the dark, and make your outdoor space as smart as your home – but what are dusk to dawn outdoor lights and how do they work?ĭiscover our ultimate guide on outdoor lights and find the answers you need to decide whether dusk to dawn lights are right for you and your garden.

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