Photocell wiring

[cjlovejoy]

I have just replaced a couple of lights on the front of someone's house. They are controlled by a photocell sensor on the other side of the house. However, they are lit continuously & the photocell has no effect. There is a 4 core (1.5) cable going from the photocell to a junction box in the loft. There it meets the T&E from the lights & power cable. The lives, neutrals & earth are all connected. Obviously this leaves the yellow cable from the 4 core on its own. Any ideas on how this should be connected as I'm sure this is why the photocell is being bypassed. Would really appreciate any help. Cheers.

 

[Knobhead]

I take it you're not an electrician.

 

[Plonker 3]

I have just replaced a couple of lights on the front of someone's house. They are controlled by a photocell sensor on the other side of the house. However, they are lit continuously & the photocell has no effect. There is a 4 core (1.5) cable going from the photocell to a junction box in the loft. There it meets the T&E from the lights & power cable. The lives, neutrals & earth are all connected. Obviously this leaves the yellow cable from the 4 core on its own. Any ideas on how this should be connected as I'm sure this is why the photocell is being bypassed. Would really appreciate any help. Cheers.

Is there not a fuse board fitted? :shout:

 

[cjlovejoy]

Thanks for the reply's. just qualified a few months back. it's off a 6a MCB in the CU. just wondering where the yellow wire goes?

 

[cogsey133]

This is very basic and a wiring diagram can be found in about 20 milli-seconds on google

 

[cjlovejoy]

Ok, thanks

 

[Guest123]

The spare yellow core sounds like the switched line return from the photocell which should be connected to the switched line to the lights.

 

[cogsey133]

All the photocells i have installed have only needed a 3 core not 4 as you are only switching the live side hence you have a live switched live and neutral going to the cell. Think about that now then ask the correct questions. i.e why is the cell not switching!

 

[Guest123]

I assume he means a 3 core & earth pvc,pvc type cable, hence the yellow core.

 

[cogsey133]

Playing devils advocate with the the op Lenny as he will undoubtedly come across more difficult problems than this in his hopefully long career. As i stated a simply wiring diagram can be found really easily which should help the op. When he comes back with a possible cause/ solution then i will only be too glad to tell him what he needs to do.

PS i would sleeve the switched return so it isn't yellow!

 

[Johnuk]

me thinks you just mixed up the wiring myself

 

[ackbarthestar]

So we have a 3-core cable feeding the PC ? that would suggest there is a JB or outside light switch with a neutral somewhere.

Otherwise a 2-core in and 2-core out would be sufficient.

First step, would be to isolate and check for JBs/switches and look at the wiring/terminations.

However, there is a much simpler way. Ask yourself what is the photocell and how does it work

 

[cjlovejoy]

All sorted & working correctly now. Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated

 

[ackbarthestar]

All sorted & working correctly now. Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated

So how did you solve the problem?

Good to talk it though, so that you remember it....

 

[cjlovejoy]

I connected the switched live from the photocell with the live going to the light. I found it wired as stated in the first post so it will never have worked in the fist place, I guess this is what threw me in the first place! Thanks again

 

[ackbarthestar]

Next step then, wiring CH heating systems. They are good fun for problem solving......