Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a quick tip that might be helpful for those looking to automate their lighting based on luminance and specific days. I recently set this up for my wife, and it’s been working perfectly!
The Goal:
My wife wanted the ability to manually turn on a floor lamp in the living room if she felt it wasn’t bright enough, while also having it automatically turn on during the early morning hours if the room was too dim.
The Setup:
- Smart Plug: I used a SmartThings Wall Plug, which is plugged into a switched outlet. This allows manual control via a physical switch.
- Multi-Sensor: I utilized a MultiSensor6 to monitor the luminance levels in the room.
- Automation Rules: I created a rule that checks the luminance levels and the current day of the week.
How It Works:
- Manual Control: If the physical switch is turned on, the smart plug changes to a ‘Manual’ mode, overriding the automatic settings.
- Automatic Control: On Tuesdays, if the luminance drops below 20 lux at 6:15 AM, the lamp turns on. It stays on until 8:30 AM, ensuring the room is well-lit during those specific hours.
Steps to Replicate:
- Install the Smart Plug and Multi-Sensor: Ensure the plug is connected to your SmartThings hub and the sensor is properly placed.
- Create the Rule: Use the SmartThings app to set up a rule that checks the day and luminance levels.
- Set Manual Override: Configure the rule to detect when the physical switch is toggled, switching to ‘Manual’ mode.
Why This Works:
This setup provides flexibility and convenience. It respects manual input while ensuring the room is adequately lit during specific times, especially when natural light is scarce.
If anyone has questions or needs help setting this up, feel free to ask! I’d be happy to guide you through the process.
Happy automating!
Best,
[Your Name]