Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.
What Customers Are Saying
The Woods Mini Lamppost Photocell has received mixed reviews. Some customers found it to be compact, easy to install, and functioning as expected to turn lights on and off. However, many reported issues with the product, including it failing within a short period, not turning on or off properly, and being overly or not sensitive enough to light changes. The quality and design also seem to have changed over time, with the newer versions being less reliable than the older models.
Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.Cheap junk
Would Not RecommendBought it 9/8/17 and installed same day. Noticed I had no landscape/flag light(s) on 10/25/17. Will buy something more long lasting. It had replaced a photocell I had in storage for over 10 years before I finally installed it - and that lasted for close to 15 years. It was one that looked like a shotgun shell and had to be outside the outlet box. Will look for one of those again.
Failed within 90 Days
Would Not RecommendPurchased one of these to switch two driveway lights on/off. The lights are two LEDs both consumed a total of 20 Watts, so the photocell was not abused with only 20 Watts as it is rated for much more than 20. The device failed within 90 days. Lowes, you guys need to pull this item, too many failures.
Don't work
Would Not RecommendI've purchased a couple of these and they don't work properly. Lights stay on all day or blink. Try another brand.
These work fine
Would RecommendI installed 3 of these on outdoor lights a few years ago. They work great. The directions are very poor. I had to wire it differently in a house built in 1954. I was trying to figure out if the photocell sensitivity is adjustable?
It works
Would RecommendBought 3 for 3 older lights without any sensors. Installed and all worked good. would do again
Photocell burns out
Would Not RecommendPut several in outside lights but 2 out of three burned out in less than a year. Controlling led bulbs which draw very little current. As an EE these things are poorly designed and do not last.
Highly recommend
Would RecommendI have 5 of these! They all work perfectly .... 1 year and going strong.
Never worked
Would Not RecommendIt failed to turn off at all daytime conditions. I thought i wired it incorrectly. I then used every wiring permutation to demonstrate that the switch was broken. Don't waste your money on this product.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact our consumer support team at # 1800-561-4321 and they would be happy to assist you. Thank you.From Wire-in Light Sensor Verified Purchaser
Excellent Product
Would RecommendI have used 2 of these switches to replace OEM switches after they failed. They are easy to install and work like or better than the original product installed by the OEM. I have replaced 2 of the outside lamps on our housè with this product with complete success.
Good stuff
Would RecommendSuper simple install. Does exactly what it supposed to do. it turns the light on when it's starting to get dark, it's off by the time I get out the door in the morning. What more can I ask for?
No Worky
Would Not RecommendWish I had read the reviews first, but I just went to Lowes to look for the smallest form factor that would fit inside an existing light. It is wired correctly, but does not operate. Installed during daylight. Once wired up, I flipped the switch. The light came on even though it was day time (and we are not in the shade). After about 15 seconds, the light goes off. Figured it must come on for a few seconds when the light switch is thrown, but after the sensor detected daylight, it shu...
Unreliable -- 0 - for 2 -- Works One Time
Would Not RecommendWired one into existing light. Following installation light came on at dusk, but did not work again after first night. Inspected wiring, found no problem. Straight wired light and it worked fine. Returned item to Lowe's for replacement. Same results with second device. Will return this one for refund and search for a more reliable product.
Works perfect
Would RecommendRetrofitted my garage light with and it works like it's supposed to.
Small photoswitch
Would RecommendWorks great. I have used two for outside lighting applications. BR SURE TO MOUNT WITH WIRING FACING DOWN TO KEEP WATER FROM ENTERING.
DOA
Would Not RecommendThe small size is great. It would fit almost anywhere. But, the one I bought didn't work. It powered the fixture up, but wouldn't shut it down under daylight or direct flashlight. I read the reviews and saw other DOAs, so instead of trying another I spent $1 more for a competitors similar product on the same shelf.
Lights on at dusk and off at dawn
Would RecommendI installed 4 of these devices which work with CFL and LED lights and all seem to work as advertised. My previous photoelectric cell device was only for incandescent bulbs and I had problems with flickering and premature failing of LED bulbs. Now both front porches and two back decks are illuminated at night automatically.
Uncertain reliability
Would RecommendI wrote a previous review stating that it's "garbage" however the one that lasted several days before malfunctioning has started working once again. Because it's cheap and works well, when it's working, I think it's worth trying out. It's also one of the smallest I've seen which is good for retrofitting.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Please contact our customer service team at 1-800-561-4321 and we will assist you. Thank you.From Wire-in Light Sensor Verified Purchaser