LED Wall Pack and Adding a Photocell

Quick Answer

An LED wall pack is an outdoor light fixture typically mounted on building walls for security and area lighting. As of 2026, wall packs like the Durado III deliver 148 lumens per watt with integrated dusk-to-dawn photocell control — allowing automatic on/off based on ambient light conditions. AC-powered photocells use traditional wiring where power enters the photocell and routes to the fixture. Some modern fixtures use DC-powered drivers or integrated photocell connections, which can simplify installation compared with a separate AC photocell.

Wall Pack Lights and Adding a Photocell to an LED Wall Pack

Dusk to Dawn Sensor installation on an LED Wall Pack outdoor light.

We always get asked about our LED Wall Packs. So we made a video! The video answers all of these common questions. Use the video to understand the parts inside a wall pack and the decisions that matter before wiring a photocell.

What is an LED Wall Pack light?
What are they?
What they look like inside
What are the components inside
What is a dusk to dawn sensor, also called a Photocell or daylight sensor
How does the daylight sensor work?
How long does the photocell take to turn on?
How do you install a photocell for new installs or maintenance
Other wall light tips

LED Wall Packs and Photocells Explained

LED Wall packs and photocells Explained - What are they how to add a photocell. In this Tech Video we show you what a wall pack is, how it works and spend some time on the photocell. LED wall pack...

Key Takeaway: Photocell sensors enable automatic dusk-to-dawn operation on LED wall packs. AC-powered photocells require separate wiring with power routing through the device (white to white, red to black). To bypass the photocell, connect power input directly to power output, removing the photocell from the system entirely.

Wiring diagram for AC Powered Photocells

To bypass: power into the photocell goes to power out, taking the photocell out of the system. White goes to white and red goes to black.

A wall pack, opened:

LED wall pack open showing interior components

NOTE - ABOVE IS FOR AC Powered photocells only.

The Durado III wall packs use an intelligent DC-powered driver to run the photocell. Same for Tucana 2 and 3, and Rotate 4.

They now look like this:

Durado 4 wall pack, same housing as the Durado III, open showing photocell and emergency battery backup

Key Takeaway: Modern LED wall pack fixtures like the Durado III, Tucana 2/3, and Rotate 4 use intelligent DC powered drivers that integrate the photocell directly into the fixture design. This can reduce separate wiring work and simplify dusk-to-dawn control compared with traditional AC-powered photocell systems.

Durado III LED Wall Pack Video: Photocell, Driver, and Fixture Features

Durado III LED Wall Pack Video: Photocell, Driver, and Fixture Features When is a wall pack worth getting excited about? - When it's the Durado 3! Unboxing and demo of t...

Wall Pack FAQs Answered! Contact us with any further questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LED wall pack light?

An LED wall pack is an outdoor light fixture typically mounted on building walls for security and area lighting. Wall packs are used to illuminate walkways, parking areas, building perimeters, and entryways. They provide efficient, durable illumination in a compact form factor designed for wall mounting on commercial and residential buildings.

How do you wire a photocell to an LED wall pack?

For AC powered photocells, connect power into the photocell, then power out connects to the fixture. White wires connect to white and red wires connect to black. To bypass the photocell entirely, connect power input directly to power output, removing the photocell from the system. Modern LED wall packs with integrated DC-powered photocell connections can reduce separate installation steps, but always follow the fixture wiring diagram.

What is the difference between AC and DC powered photocells?

Traditional LED wall packs use AC powered photocells with standard external wiring connections. Newer models like the Durado III, Tucana 2 and 3, and Rotate 4 use an intelligent DC powered driver to run the photocell, offering more integrated control and reducing separate photocell wiring work on compatible models. DC-powered systems can simplify installation when the fixture is designed for that setup.

About the Author

Dara Greaney

Dara Greaney is the President and founder of LED Light Expert. With over a decade of hands-on experience in commercial and industrial LED lighting, Dara has helped businesses across the country reduce energy costs and improve illumination through efficient LED solutions.

Editing by David Peguero.