EK4236S

Does what it claims to do. Easy to install.

I bought this to use with the front entrance of our subdivision to control the LED large floods that light up the front at night. This is a very well-built photo cell and withstands the weather and works perfectly. Much better than the home building stores offer. I have it wired directly into the power breaker box and it gets the job done!

Our HOA recently replaced our old neighborhood lighting system with LEDs. Problem was they were staying on until 10 AM. We had an electrician look at the system and he put in 2 new K4221C switches and that seemed to help but a year later the lights were staying on until 10 AM again. Was going to replace them myself but while reading the reviews I found one that said the manufacturer said to use the EK4236S for LED lights. Ordered one for a test and realized that system only drew about 100 watts so was able to combine the two circuits into one. It's working well and the light go off promptly at dawn. Only problem I had was the instructions say not to mount with the wires up but that was how the old switches were mounted (at the bottom of the switch box). Decided they were worried about collecting water so filled the wire side with silicone and let it dry before I installed it. No problems so far. Took off one star for not warning about the orientation problem. in the product description.

Finally, a reliable photocell. Multiple TORK brand failures prompted the purchase of this Intermatic. Yes, it costs about 2-3x more, but so worth it. If you don't enjoy 25 foot ladder runs, spend a bit more and get this one. Works great for LED's as it is relay controlled not the older (cheaper) SCR (silicon controlled rectifier). As such, it appears to have no minimum load to operate.

We have LED pack lights on our shop that were staying on well into mid-morning. The sensor was an Intermatic K4221C. Saw another review that mentioned the K4221C is NOT for LED lights & sure enough, saw the same on Intermatic’s website. This sensor EK4236S is the perfect sensor for LED lights. It’s an exact replacement from a wiring perspective & now, can cover the eye & see the lights turn on, uncover & the lights go out. Never saw that with the old K4221C. If you have LEDs, get this sensor & never look back. Arrived timely & well packaged.

I can't speak for this one but I bought it to replace the same model that went bad after a year and couple of months of use. I hope this one lasts longer.

I installed this as a replacement for an almost identical failed sensor. The previous part lasted 7 years. It is on an LED area floodlight. Easy install and connection, particularly because I was replacing a similar part. I was impressed at the photocell sensitivity. Covering the eye with my thumb allowed enough light to enter the side of the lens that it did not function. Using a wide piece of electrical tape covered the eye fully and I was able to witness the switch function a few times correctly. There has been no interference from the floodlight to the sensor. I have monitored it for a week and am pleased. I hope it lasts longer than the original.

Not cheap, but high quality and versatile. Handles multiple lamp technologies, including LED. Keep the sensor out of direct sun and it should last a long time. My previous unit, which wasn’t LED compatible, lasted a decade or more.