Optimal Order for Installing Photo Cell and Timer on Parking Pole Light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the optimal installation order of a photo cell and an analog timer for a parking pole light. Participants explore the benefits and drawbacks of each device in relation to energy savings and operational efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests installing the timer first to save energy by setting it according to sunrise and sunset, while the photo cell would eliminate the need to reset the timer for seasonal changes.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of a timer if the photo cell is designed to turn the light on at dark and off when it is light, indicating confusion about the energy savings the timer would provide.
  • A participant agrees with the previous point, expressing uncertainty about the need for both devices and speculating that the timer might be intended to turn off the light at a specific time, despite the general expectation for parking lot lights to remain on at night.
  • One participant argues that the photo cell is more advantageous as it automatically adjusts lighting based on ambient conditions, suggesting that the timer is more suitable for residential settings.
  • Another participant humorously remarks that the proposed setup seems like a government decision to save energy by turning off the lights after office hours.
  • A later reply reflects on the discussion, indicating that the participant initially overthought the situation and appreciates the insights shared by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and functionality of the timer versus the photo cell, with no consensus reached on the optimal installation order or the need for both devices.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight assumptions regarding the operational context of the parking lot lights and the specific energy-saving goals, but these remain unresolved.

MCE425
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:Scenario: you have a parking pole light, photo cell and analog timer. Which order would be more beneficial when installing the photo cell and timer to the light? Photo cell first or timer first?

I chose timer first because of the benefit of energy saving. I figured you set the timer at when ever you have sunrise and sunset. Now the benefit of having the photo cell would be that you would'nt have to reset the timer due to season change and daylight savings. Can anybody see a benefit of installing the photo cell first?

I would think this is a pretty simple question but maybe I'm missing something and would love to get your 2 cents on this question.
 
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Since you say the point is to turn the light on when it gets dark and off when it is light out and you have a photocell, I'm kind of at a loss as to why you would want a timer at all.

The only purpose I can see in having both photocell and timer is if you want the light to turn on at dark and then shut off after a while and before it gets light out again.

Edit: Just what energy saving is the timer supposed to provide?
 
Your exactly right. I don't see the need for a photo cell but the plan calls for photo cell and timer. I'm trying to figure out why they would call for both device. The only reason I could imagine is that they want to turn off the light at a certain time at night as ( No Time) stated. But shouldn't the lights always be on in a parking lot. Parking is for a post office but I have never seen a federal buildings parking lot let alone any parking lot with lights off after hours.
 
For the stated purpose I would think the photocell would be better.
The photocell will automatically adjust the lighting times as needed.
Including weather conditions where ambient lighting can be greatly reduced.

The timer idea seems better suited for residential purposes where you want the light on when you get home, but there is no need to run them all night.
 
Sounds like something the government would do. Turn the lights on at dusk with the photocell then after the office closes, lights off with the timer; saving energy for the rest of the night.
 
dlgoff said:
Sounds like something the government would do. Turn the lights on at dusk with the photocell then after the office closes, lights off with the timer; saving energy for the rest of the night.

I guess it was that simple. I just made it bigger than it was. Thanks for your replies.
 

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