Product Overview

The Total Light TL-PHOTOCELL is a dusk-to-dawn light sensor designed to automate a compatible low-voltage landscape-lighting system. Mounted directly to a compatible Total Light transformer, the photocell monitors the surrounding ambient light level and allows the connected lighting system to turn on as daylight fades. When natural light returns in the morning, the photocell turns the system off.

This simple control method is useful for homeowners, contractors and property managers who want outdoor lighting to follow changing sunrise and sunset times without resetting a fixed clock throughout the year. Because the photocell responds to actual light conditions, operation naturally adjusts as seasonal daylight hours change.

For additional scheduling control, the photocell can be paired with the Total Light TL-MECHTIMER Plug-In Mechanical Timer. The photocell provides the dusk-to-dawn light response, while the timer can be used as part of a more customized operating schedule. Before installation, confirm that the transformer is designed to accept the photocell and that the sensor can be positioned where it receives representative outdoor light. Avoid locations where fixture light, porch lights, vehicle headlights or heavy shade could interfere with accurate dusk and dawn detection.

Key Features

• Automatically responds to changing ambient light levels
• Turns a compatible landscape-lighting system on after dark
• Turns the system off when daylight returns
• Adjusts naturally as seasonal sunrise and sunset times change
• Mounts directly to a compatible Total Light transformer
• Can be paired with the Total Light mechanical timer for additional scheduling control

Common Uses

• Automating residential landscape lighting
• Controlling path, accent, deck and architectural lighting systems
• Reducing manual transformer switching
• Adding dusk-to-dawn operation to compatible Total Light transformers
• Combining light-based control with a separate mechanical timer

Technical Specifications

• Control Type: Ambient-light photocell
• Operation: On after dark; off when daylight returns
• Installation: Transformer-mounted
• Compatibility: Compatible Total Light transformers
• UPC: 810016890294

Compatibility and System Planning

The TL-PHOTOCELL is intended for compatible Total Light transformers. Review the available Total Light low-voltage transformers and confirm that the selected transformer includes the appropriate photocell connection before ordering. The photocell controls when the transformer operates; it does not increase transformer capacity or change the connected lighting load.

Installation and Placement Notes

• Disconnect power before accessing or modifying the transformer.
• Install the photocell only in the connection provided by a compatible transformer.
• Position the sensor where it can detect representative outdoor daylight.
• Avoid direct exposure to the landscape fixtures being controlled.
• Avoid locations affected by porch lights, streetlights or vehicle headlights.
• Test the system after installation to confirm proper dusk and dawn response.
• Follow the transformer instructions and applicable electrical requirements.

What Is Included

• One Total Light TL-PHOTOCELL

What Is Not Included

• Low-voltage transformer
• Mechanical timer
• Landscape-lighting fixtures, lamps, cable or connectors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the TL-PHOTOCELL do?

It detects ambient outdoor light and controls a compatible transformer so the lighting system turns on after dark and off when daylight returns.

Does the photocell need to be reprogrammed as the seasons change?

No clock programming is required for basic dusk-to-dawn operation. The photocell responds to the actual surrounding light level as sunrise and sunset times change.

Can it be used with a mechanical timer?

Yes. It can be paired with the Total Light TL-MECHTIMER when a project needs both light-based control and a more customized operating schedule.

Will it fit every landscape-lighting transformer?

No. Confirm that the transformer is a compatible Total Light model with the appropriate photocell connection before installation.

Why Choose Total Light?

The TL-PHOTOCELL provides a straightforward way to add dusk-to-dawn automation to compatible Total Light transformer systems while preserving the option to pair it with a separate timer for additional control.