DEWENWILS HOWL06J Dusk to Dawn Outdoor Wall Light: features and specs

The DEWENWILS HOWL06J is a 17.7-inch outdoor wall light with a built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor. It switches on at night and off in daylight, so the porch light doesn't depend on someone remembering the switch. It has a matte black body, gold-toned edges and a hammered glass shade.

How the dusk-to-dawn sensor works

A photocell is a light sensor. When the light level falls at dusk, it turns the lamp on, and when daylight returns, it switches the lamp off. DEWENWILS says the sensor is built in, so no extra control unit is needed. This suits entrances, garages and driveways where you want light every evening. Sensors generally work best when they aren't lit by the lamp itself or by other nearby lights, so placement matters; the manual covers it.

Look and glass

The finish is matte black with gold-toned edges, and the shade is hammered water-ripple glass. DEWENWILS says the glass casts a ripple pattern on the wall. The glass is pre-assembled, so there is no shade to fit yourself.

Construction and weather resistance

The body is thickened die-cast aluminum with a coating DEWENWILS says won't fade or flake, plus a solid glass shade. The brand describes it as sturdy in all weather and resistant to rust and corrosion, with a sealed design that keeps out moisture and insects. The listing also states the fixture is ETL listed. ETL is a safety-testing mark commonly seen on North American electrical products.

Bulb and socket

The socket is E26, the standard medium base in North America, and takes bulbs of up to 60 watts: LED, CFL, incandescent or halogen. Bulbs are sold separately. DEWENWILS suggests a vintage Edison-style bulb to complement the ripple glass. Remember that the sensor switches the lamp for the whole night, so an LED bulb is a typical choice for long run times.

Size and installation

The fixture measures about 8.1 x 6.3 x 17.7 inches (20.5 x 16 x 45 cm) and weighs 4.2 lb (about 1.9 kg). It is hardwired, which means it connects to your house wiring, and the accessories needed are supplied. The listing mentions porches, front doors, patios, entryways, garage sides, balconies, doorways, driveways and walkways. Switch off power at the breaker first, follow local codes and the manual, and use a licensed electrician if needed.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners who want an automatic entrance or garage light in a vintage style, without adding a separate sensor or timer.

What to check before you buy

• Size: a 17.7-inch fixture needs wall space beside the door or garage.
• Bulb: you supply an E26 bulb of 60W or less.
• Wiring: check your junction box, wire connections and the need for an electrician.
• Sensor placement: keep it clear of other lights that could confuse it.
• Switch control: consider how a wall switch interacts with a sensor fixture, as the manual describes.
• Upkeep: check how to clean the glass and change the bulb.

The short version

• A 17.7-inch hardwired outdoor wall light, model HOWL06J, in matte black with gold-toned edges.
• Built-in dusk-to-dawn photocell for automatic on and off.
• Die-cast aluminum, sealed design, ETL listed.
• E26 socket for bulbs up to 60W, not included.

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