Question on photo cell for Malibu landscape lights

[Christopher]

I bought a house last year with two sets of Malibu landscape lights
already set up. The systems have small transformers which are turned
on and off by timers and the low end plastic lights which are starting
to fall apart.

I plan to overhaul the system this summer by upgrading the lights with
the metal ones, and installing one larger capacity transformer so they
all switch on and off at the same time.

I've seen a photo cell control on the Malibu web site but not at Home
Depot. Does anyone know how it gets wired up, where to get it, or if
it is reliable enough to be worth tracking down?

I have considered getting a regular 110v photo cell, mounting it in a
weather proof box, and wiring the power cord for the transformer
through that box. The photo cell I'd use can easily handle the amps
drawn by the transformer and I'd just leave the pegs off the timer
wheel which usually activate the switch.

[TakeThisOut]

Your alternative plan will work fine. Low voltage photocontrol is sold as an
optional accessory, or is sometimes included in some kits. You might want to
first check out the higher-end kits which may include all you need, plus a
photocontrol, for less than the cost of overhauling the existing system
piecemeal.

Cosco and BJ's wholesale both sell some nice high-end copper and cast aluminum
kits.

Keep in mind the key to an attractive nighttime landscape is to highlight just
a few nice features, and one should NEVER be able to see the light source.

IMHO those cheap kits with the tiered lights look ridiculious, as do those
newer "stained glass" fixtures.

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TAKETHISOUT budysbackagain(@)THAT TOO a-oh-ell dot com

[Tony Hwang]

Hi,
I have one at my cabin. The tranny box which plugs into 120V has a built
in photo cell with sensitivity and delay adjustment(to prevent false
triggering by shadow or such). It works very well, lights come on when
sun goes down, when sun comes up they go out and stay out until evening.
Tony

[John Gilmer]

A three wire "photocell" should be able to switch the AC going into the
transformer. There are made with current power (or current) capability.
Get the highest power one you can find that works on 120 volts. You might
have to go to a specialty place that sells to the trade rather than Home
Deport but the higher power units will last longer.

[john...@us.epiuse.com]

I recommend you try something other than Malibu. I've been trying to resolve a problem with my brand new one and there is ZERO response from the company. Then I did a broader Google search and found that (A) lots of other folks are having various issues with Malibu products, and (B) they have an active bankruptcy filling. Probably explains why there customer support email address is down, no one answers the phone, etc.