Why do lights in yard only work occasionally (solar sensored...but not solar powered).

Question

I have two lights in the front yard, one is a street light and the other is on the ground that lights up my house. They only kick on when it gets dark (solar sensored?) and they turn on at the same time, so I think they are somehow connected...sometimes they work (turn on) and sometimes they dont. They won't turn on for like 5 days, then all the sudden they will work the next night...then they may be off again then work for another couple days. It's driving me NUTS that these lights don't work everynight. Any reason why they don't always work and sometimes they do?

Answer 1

all lights are on a switch. locate the switch  and make sure it is on and stays on. if the switch is off and the photo cell turns the lights on they will not turn on.

Answer 2

They are probably on a timer....Look for some type of a box outside....It needs to reset.....

Answer 3

Your lights must be on a photocell light sensor.

it is usually a device added on your light system or pole.

It has a small glass window that allows the light or lack of light to the light sensitive part of the cell/relay. The cells go bad /but also moisture, and sweat or fog on the glass changes what it sees. A lot of these cells are replaceable. Some slip and turn lock in.

If they are on a timer it would be off and on on regular intervals  but not different periods a say unless the gears  or motor is stripped.

I suspect you need a new photo/cell relay