I’ve been exploring ways to enhance my home’s security using smart lighting, and I’d love to share my experiences and tips with the community. 
Recently, I set up a motion-activated light system in my backyard using a combination of Govee LED strips and a Shelly Plus 1PM switch. The idea was to have lights trigger when motion is detected, providing a deterrent against potential intruders. However, I encountered a few hurdles along the way.
One challenge was ensuring consistent connectivity. Initially, I tried pairing the Govee strips directly with my phone, but they kept disconnecting. After some research, I discovered that using a central hub like the Shelly Plus 1PM made a significant difference in maintaining stable connections. This setup allowed me to integrate the lights seamlessly into my existing smart home ecosystem.
Another consideration was energy efficiency. I was concerned about the standby power consumption of the Shelly Plus 1PM, especially since it’s always on. However, after monitoring it for a few weeks, I found that the 1.5W standby consumption was manageable, especially given the peace of mind it provides. Plus, the ability to control these lights remotely via my smartphone has been a huge convenience.
I’d love to hear from others who have implemented similar security measures. What tips or tricks have you found effective? Are there specific devices or configurations that you’d recommend for optimizing both security and energy efficiency? Let’s discuss and share our experiences! 
