Garage lighting automation has been a fascinating project for me, combining various smart devices and rules to create a seamless experience. I recently implemented a system that automatically turns on the lights when any garage door or side door is opened, maintaining functionality even when the doors are closed. This setup ensures safety and convenience, especially during late-night visits to the freezer or tool storage areas.
The core of this system relies on Econolink tilt sensors for the garage doors and a Yale Zigbee lock with a Lowe’s sensor for the side door. Despite these devices being paired with different hubs, Hubitat’s mesh capabilities allow them to work together seamlessly. The automation is designed to keep the lights on for up to five minutes after the doors close, providing ample time for activities without unnecessary energy consumption.
For added flexibility, I incorporated a double-tap feature on a Zooz wall switch to disable the timed-off routine. This allows me to work in the garage without worrying about the lights turning off prematurely. A single tap on the same switch reactivates the timed-off feature, ensuring energy efficiency when needed.
To prevent any oversight, I set up a nightly cleanup routine that turns off the lights at 1 AM, resetting the automation for the next day. This failsafe ensures that the lights don’t remain on indefinitely, especially if I forget to turn them off manually.
This project was a great learning experience, showcasing how diverse smart devices can integrate to create a cohesive system. It also highlighted the importance of thorough testing and the value of community-shared solutions in troubleshooting and refining automation rules.