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Installation & Wiring, Photocells, Motion Sensor Lighting, TSI Prime Lighting, Brass Fixtures, Cast Aluminum Fixtures.

Installation and Wiring
Q: I lost my installation guide. Can I download an installation guide from your web site?
A: Yes. Click here to get a listing of downloadable installation guides.

Q: My motion sensor lantern has two black wires and one white wire. My outlet only has one black wire and one white wire. How do I wire my lantern? (This also applies to some “Dusk to Dawn” lanterns)
A: Twist the white lantern wire with the white outlet wire. Next, twist the two black lantern wires together, and then twist these two wires together with the black outlet wire. Follow the installation guide for the rest of the assembly.

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Photocells
Q: What is a photocell and how does it work?
A: Photocells, PC's, or Dusk-to-Dawn lanterns, as they are often called, are activated at dusk and turn off at dawn. This allows consumers to light their home automatically without turning lights off in the morning or leaving lights on when they are not home. For more information about how photocells work, go to howstuffworks.com.

Q: I installed my “Dusk to Dawn” lantern according to the instructions, why won’t it work at night?
A: Make sure that there are no lights or reflective surfaces that are causing light to hit the photocell of the lantern. If the photocell detects any light, it won’t light up the bulb.

Q: My “Dusk to Dawn” lantern no longer turns off at dawn. How can I fix this?
A: The photocell has most likely burned out. Go to our “contact us” page or call 800-548-3788 to order a replacement photocell.

Q: My “Dusk to Dawn” lantern has two black wires and one white wire. My outlet only has one black wire and one white wire. How do I wire my lantern?
A: Twist the white lantern wire with the white outlet wire. Next, twist the two black lantern wires together, and then twist these two wires together with the black outlet wire. Follow the installation guide for the rest of the assembly.

Q: Can I use fluorescent or energy saver bulbs in my “Dusk to Dawn” lantern?
A: No, fluorescent or energy saver bulbs generally do not work properly when placed in a lantern with a photocell.

Q: Can I use bug lights in my “Dusk to Dawn” lantern?
A: Yes, as long the bug light is at least 60W and does not exceed the recommended wattage for the lantern.

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Motion Sensor Lighting
Q: How do Motion Sensor lanterns work?
A: These lanterns have a built in PIR (Passive Infra-Red) motion sensor. The way that PIR works is by detecting changes in temperature within the range of the sensor. (more) For additional information about how the PIR works go to howstuffworks.com.

Q: What might cause “false triggering” of my motion sensor lantern?
A: It is important that the sensor is not pointed towards heat sources or shiny or reflective surfaces. This may cause false triggering of the motion sensor. You may also want to adjust the motion sensitivity control. If passing cars or other objects set off the sensor, adjust the sensitivity controls for a shorter range that the sensor can detect. For optimal performance, the lantern should be placed 6 to 8.5 feet above ground level. (more)

Q: Why does my motion sensor lantern only work at night?
A: All PRIME motion sensor lanterns have a built in photocell to determine daytime from nighttime.

Q: My motion sensor lantern has two black wires and one white wire. The outlet only has one black wire and one white wire. How do I wire my lantern?
A: Twist the white lantern wire with the white outlet wire. Next, twist the two black lantern wires together, then twist these two wires together with the black outlet wire. Follow the installation guide for the rest of the assembly.

Q: What can I do to protect the motion sensor?
A: The biggest factor that causes PC and PIR failure is power surges from electrical storms. Although PRIME has added a 6000 volt surge protector, it is still recommended that you turn off the lantern during an electrical storm. It is also important that the lantern be turned off, when installing a new bulb. (more)

Q: Why should I buy a PRIME motion sensor lantern as opposed to one from the competition?
A: PRIME offers some of the highest quality security lighting available today in its price range. Easy to use time delay and sensitivity controls, built in surge protectors, and color coordinated sensors are just a few of the things TSI PRIME has added to ensure quality security lighting.

Q: My motion sensor lantern stays on all the time. How do I reset the lantern so that it only turns on when motion is detected?
A: Most likely the manual override function of your light was enabled (this is done by turning the light switch off then back on). To return to Auto Mode, flip the light switch off and on 2 times.

Q: After my lantern was installed, I tried to turn it on and it blew the circuit breaker. What is wrong?
A: The fixture was not installed properly. Be sure to follow the installation guide exactly when installing any lighting fixture. Incorrect installation of a motion sensor light can burn out the motion sensor.

Q: Can I use fluorescent or energy saver bulbs in my motion sensor lantern?
A: No. A motion sensor requires at least a 60W bulb to function properly. Although energy saver bulbs put out 60W of light or more, they use less than 60W of energy and will not allow the motion sensor to function properly.

Q: Can I use bug lights in my motion sensor lantern?
A: Yes, as long the bug light is at least 60W and does not exceed the recommended wattage for the lantern.

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TSI PRIME Lighting
Q: Does TSI PRIME have a “Special Order Program”?
A: Yes, for more information call 800-548-3788.

Q: What does TSI PRIME do to ensure the quality of their products?
A: TSI PRIME is constantly looking for ways to surpass industry standards. TSI PRIME strives to use better materials and finishes than its competitors in order to give customers a product that will last. (more)

Q: Is TSI PRIME a publicly traded company?
A: TSI is a subsidiary of Craftmade International. Craftmade International (CRFT) is listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

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Brass Fixtures
Q: How long will the finish last on a brass lantern?
A: Generally, depending on the variable types of weather which the fixture is subjected to, the finish should last up to two years before it begins to oxidize. This process could be quicker in harsher climates like Florida, where high humidity combined with sea salt prevails or in areas of extreme temperature changes due to snow and ice conditions. (more)

Q: What can I do to preserve the finish on my brass lantern?
A: Simply wipe the fixture weekly with a soft, dry cloth. DO NOT use any abrasive or brass cleaning materials. (more)

Q: What is the difference between a solid brass and cast aluminum lantern, other than the price?
A: Cast aluminum is generally a "maintenance free" fixture. It will stand up to harsher weather conditions longer than brass. It will not tarnish or rust.

Q: What are my alternatives to purchasing a polished brass lantern?
A: For those who are concerned about the durability of a brass lantern’s polished brass finish, it may be advisable to purchase a painted brass fixture with only brass accents showing. Another option is to purchase fixtures with a Antique Brass or Verde Green finish. These finishes are designed to represent polished brass at different levels of tarnishing and corrosion. (more)

Q: What are the advantages to purchasing a PRIME brass lantern compared to the competition?
A: PRIME has taken several measures to ensure the quality of its products. PRIME lanterns use a thicker gauge of brass than industry standards. PRIME also uses a protective coating on its brass lanterns that protects the lantern for nearly twice as long as other brass fixtures. (more)

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Cast Aluminum Fixtures
Q: What is the difference between a solid brass and cast aluminum lantern, other than the price?
A: Cast aluminum is generally a "maintenance free" fixture. It will stand up to harsher weather conditions longer than brass. It will not tarnish or rust! (more)

Q: What should I do to preserve the finish of my cast aluminum lantern?
A: PRIME cast aluminum lanterns use a durable powder coating which is very resistant to ultraviolet light and other harmful elements. It will not tarnish or rust. Although cast aluminum fixtures will not tarnish, it is still recommended that that you take a soft, dry or damp cloth and wipe down the lantern weekly to remove any dust or debris. Do not use any abrasives such as car wax, brass cleaner, polishes or other chemicals as this may damage the finish. (more)

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Q: Do I always have to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for maximum light bulb wattage?
A: Yes, Always follow the labeled maximum wattage which is found on the socket cover of your lamp. You should not exceed the maximum wattage suggested by the manufacturer as you subject yourself and your family to a possible fire hazard.

Q: I would like to use one of the innovative types of lighting available, but I don’t know what’s out there since there is such a wide variety of choices. Can you Clarify the types available for me?
A: There are many lighting types to choose from. The right kind of light bulb can help you achieve almost any kind of lighting mood. There are three basic types of lighting: Incandescent, Halogen, and Compact Fluorescent for your lighting needs.