Photo Electric Switch

07-12-2012, 02:14 PM	#1
MNova Newbie   Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 2	Photo Electric Switch I'm trying to have an outdoor fountain automatically turn off when it gets dark out and back on at daylight. This is directly opposite of how my photoelectric(PE) switch operates my flagpole light. So... How do I get the typical PE switch to work in reverse?

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07-12-2012, 03:17 PM	#2
TarheelTerp MarginallyQualified   Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Winston-Salem NC Posts: 2,548	Photo Electric Switch Quote: Originally Posted by MNova So... How do I get the typical PE (NC) switch to work in reverse? I don't think you can. You'll need a different switch... either double throw or NO (vs standard NC).

07-12-2012, 04:10 PM	#3
andrew79 Master Electrician   Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Toronto Ontario Posts: 1,161	Photo Electric Switch I'm sure they probably make a low voltage inverter for signal wires but its probably ten times more expensive than a new cell. You could use a relay and wire it to the normally closed contact so when the cell goes off the relay opens the contact. __________________ Sarcasm is my friend I'm here to learn too, i do mostly commercial/industrial/new construction and this place is a great way to pick up tips on residential from some good electrical minds. Excuse the spelling, my phone has a mind of it's own. Last edited by andrew79; 07-12-2012 at 04:43 PM.

07-12-2012, 05:38 PM	#4
mpoulton Semi-Pro Electro-Geek   Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 2,158	Photo Electric Switch I'd use a relay with normally closed contacts.

07-12-2012, 07:34 PM	#5
stickboy1375 E2 Electrician     Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Litchfield, CT Posts: 3,069	Photo Electric Switch Use a relay, oh wait, that was suggested... I'd still use a relay.

07-12-2012, 08:16 PM	#6
Yoyizit It was a dark and stormy     Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NW of D.C. Posts: 5,954	Photo Electric Switch Hosfelt has suitable relays with 120v coils for cheap. The relay contacts have to be suitable for your load so post your fountain pump specs.