# A “Dawn to Dusk” sensor? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 1, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250 "2026-01-01T17:45:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/1 "2026-01-01T17:45:55Z")
We have an outdoor fountain we keep running during the day but shut off at night. My wife asked me to set up a timer on the power outlet, but a light sensor that turns on the power when it is light out makes more sense to me. Problem is, every sensor I can find online shuts off the power during daylight and turns it on when it gets dark. Is anybody aware of a product that does the reverse or, at least, has a switch that makes it dawn to dusk instead of dusk to dawn? ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/2 "2026-01-01T17:57:16Z")
Something like this? [DEWENWILS Dawn to Dusk Outdoor Timer, 125V/ 15A Plug in Sensor Outlet Timer Switch, 100FT Range Remote Control with 2 Grounded Electrical Outlets](https://dewenwils.com/products/dewenwils-dawn-to-dusk-outdoor-timer-waterproof-125v-15a-plug-in-sensor-outlet-timer-switch-100ft-range-remote-control-with-2-grounded-electrical-outlets-for-pool-pumps-fountain-hodt12e?srsltid=AfmBOorJKW9tXF20Nw-%5C_CRu0STH0yGdwACfRlwgkRX8VzuQMMHFTPpKn) It has a timer mode and also a Dawn-to-Dusk mode. Specifically for fountains. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/3 "2026-01-01T18:05:06Z")
Thanks! That’s exactly what I’m looking for but it seems to be sold out everywhere it’s available online. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/4 "2026-01-01T18:12:29Z")
This one seems to have a day only option. > **[BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Intermittent Timer, Interval Timer - Day,...](https://www.amazon.com/BN-LINK-Period-Repeat-Intermittent-Interval/dp/B0184CG9K0)** > > BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Intermittent Timer, Interval Timer - Day, Night, or 24 Hour Operation, Photocell Light Sensor Dusk to Dawn for Hydroponics Aquaponics Aeroponics - Amazon.com ETA: The video shows how to set it to day only. It does seem to specify plugging into an indoor outlet so probably has to be protected from the elements. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/5 "2026-01-01T18:21:04Z")
Newer models. > **[BN-LINK Timer Outlet Short Period Repeat Cycle Intermittent Digital Timer,...](https://www.amazon.com/BN-LINK-Outlet-Intermittent-Digital-Interval/dp/B096CNZZXW)** > > BN-LINK Timer Outlet Short Period Repeat Cycle Intermittent Digital Timer, Interval Timer - Day, Night, or 24 Hour Operation, Programmable Plug-in Timer for Appliances Electrical Outlets 15A/1875W - Amazon.com > **[Amazon.com : DEWENWILS Repeat Cycle Digital Timer, Interval Timer Outlet,...](https://www.amazon.com/DEWENWILS-Photocell-Hydroponics-Aquaponics-Aeroponics/dp/B0FDL177YS)** > > Amazon.com : DEWENWILS Repeat Cycle Digital Timer, Interval Timer Outlet, Infinite/Day/Night Cycles, Photocell Light Sensor for Hydroponics Aquaponics Aeroponics, Pump, Fan, Water Heater, Indoor Use,1625W/125V/13A : Tools & Home Improvement ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/6 "2026-01-01T18:21:16Z")
Thanks for the ETA. As soon as I watched the video showing how to set it, I put it in my shopping cart. I forgot to make sure it was made for outdoor use. I’m really surprised such a device isn’t more widely available. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/7 "2026-01-01T18:22:18Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > I’m really surprised such a device isn’t more widely available. Yeah. A lot of people only seem to have those outdoor blow-up decorations on during the day. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/8 "2026-01-01T18:38:05Z")
Here we go, I think. > **[Amazon.com : Techbee 1 s to 999 h Short/Long On-Off Interval Repeat Cycle Timer...](https://www.amazon.com/Techbee-Outdoor-Waterproof-Infinite-Countdown/dp/B09BZ8LQFB)** > > Amazon.com : Techbee 1 s to 999 h Short/Long On-Off Interval Repeat Cycle Timer Plug Outlet with Countdown and Light Sensor, Waterproof for Outdoor (15A 1HP) : Tools & Home Improvement ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/9 "2026-01-01T18:40:56Z")
That’s the ticket! Thanks for your help, @Folly ---
**Author:** ![JWT\_Kottekoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ec8ea/32.png) [@JWT\_Kottekoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JWT_Kottekoe)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2026, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/10 "2026-01-01T22:45:50Z")
You can buy one of the inexpensive smart plugs that can be controlled via WiFi by the “Cync” app. You put your Zip code into the app, then specify how many minutes before or after sunset or sunrise. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2026, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/11 "2026-01-02T01:32:32Z")
I realize the question is about a simple gadget that will do one thing well, so this response might not be for the OP but instead for others who might want to go deep. If you feel the urge to automate more things like that and have a geeky side, think about a proper home automation setup. I use the open source Home Assistant running on a little computer screwed onto one of the joists in my basement. It gives me all kinds of flexibility. Currently I have automations that do, among many other things: - Close the deck awning an hour after sunset daily - Open the blinds in the bedroom 2 hours after sunrise and close them at sunset - Give an alert if a window or door is open after sunset - Tell me if the sump pump has been running for more than 2 minutes straight, then shut it off automatically (failsafe for hung float) - Show me a graph of sump pump operation over days or weeks (by measuring power over time) - A ton of other things using hidden buttons around the house. This kind of setup requires some geek time and a mild investment in little battery-powered gadgets like switches, door/window sensors, and switched power plugs. The software runs on a Raspberry Pi, though mine is running on a more durable device. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2026, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/12 "2026-01-02T10:57:05Z")
Apologies for the mild hijack, but I though this was about Salam Hayek! 😍 [Salma Hayek’s Breathtaking Snake Dance | From Dusk Till Dawn | CLIP](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WICfa8Fjaj4) ---
**Author:** ![MikeS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MikeS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeS)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2026, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/13 "2026-01-06T12:16:12Z")
To be fair, most people only have those decorations out for a month or so. Sunrise & sunset don’t change significantly over the course of a month, so a timer would work well enough. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-dawn-to-dusk-sensor/1026250/14 "2026-01-06T15:31:10Z")
I sense a new product opportunity… [![](https://i.imgur.com/rob5BCE.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/rob5BCE.jpeg)