Outdoor Light Sensor (Close Contact)?

[heffneil]

Does anyone know of a close contact outdoor light sensor so on rainy days I could automate lights in the house when it is dark out but shouldn't be? 
 
Thanks!
 
Neil
 

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Before answering, what automation methodology do you currently use for those lights, or are you needing that as well as the sensor?

 

[LarrylLix]

X10 and Insteon motion sensors both include light detectors. I use 9 - X10 units and 3 Insteon units and when 5, or more, of them say it's dark I enable lights to activate when the MSs see motion.

 

[heffneil]

Sorry I want to use this as an input on my Omnipro II hence the desire for closed contact.  I will program around it.  I would like to operate a multitude of scenes within HLC to have lighting when dark but not when the flag "Dark" is true.
 
Thanks!
 
Neil

 

[heffneil]

Sorry I want to use this as an input on my Omnipro II hence the desire for closed contact.  I will program around it.  I would like to operate a multitude of scenes within HLC to have lighting when dark but not when the flag "Dark" is true.
 
Thanks!
 
Neil

 

[heffneil]

Sorry I want to use this as an input on my Omnipro II hence the desire for closed contact.  I will program around it.  I would like to operate a multitude of scenes within HLC to have lighting when dark but not when the flag "Dark" is true.
 
Thanks!
 
Neil

 

[Desert_AIP]

Do you want a single waterproof unit?
 
Or can you put the guts inside a protective enclosure?
for something like this.
http://www.amazon.com/Photoelectric-Switch-Sensor-Module-50mmx25mm/dp/B00BLZ93T2/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1410295300&sr=8-14&keywords=Light+Sensor+Switch

 

[Del91574]

If you have a basement or utility area with a window, weatherproof isn't needed.
 
When we install Cartell units tied to the lights they come with a photocell that is installed in a piece of lexan that is stuck to the window using clear VHB tape.

 

[heffneil]

Cartell has a photocell option?  Just curious?  I agree I would prefer not to put it outside?  No real utility or basement I am in FL with no basement and all of the windows are fairly decorative
 
Neil

 

[Del91574]

Yep, always have and the units I've dealt with still have it, the only change they've made is to the annunciators.
 
http://cartell.com//_media/uploads/images/products/large/cartell-photocells.jpg

 

[heffneil]

Is that an LB with a hole in it and clear caulk?  Holy smokes thats ugly! I Wouldn't do that on my projects.
 
I might have found something but I am shocked someone like GRI hasn't created a simple closed contact photocell

 

[Del91574]

Depends on how many conductors.
 
Can't comment about the external photocell, never used them, it's just as easy in 99% of the installs I've done to get it into a window...in a garage, basement, whatever.

 

[heffneil]

Which one do you use for inside?

 

[Del91574]

The lexan block. Self adhesive, terminal block on the back.