I recently embarked on a project to automate the lighting system in my three-story home, and I must say, it’s been an enlightening experience! The goal was to create a seamless lighting routine that adapts to daily life, especially during the night. I’ve installed motion sensors on each landing to ensure safety without compromising on energy efficiency.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
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Motion Sensors and Night Lights: I’ve set up motion sensors on each landing to automatically turn on a dimmed light (10%) when movement is detected after sunset. This has been a game-changer for late-night trips upstairs or downstairs. However, there’s a small hiccup: if the lights are already on manually, the motion sensor still dims them, which isn’t ideal. I’m still tweaking the logic to ignore manual overrides.
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SmartThings Advanced Lighting Routine: I’ve been using the SmartThings advanced lighting routine to manage this setup. It’s powerful but requires careful configuration. I’ve found that setting specific time windows and ensuring the routine only activates during nighttime has helped reduce unintended behavior.
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Tips for Others: If you’re planning a similar setup, I’d recommend:
- Testing motion sensors in different areas to understand their range and sensitivity.
- Using dimmer settings to balance energy efficiency and visibility.
- Regularly reviewing and updating routines to adapt to changing needs.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve tackled similar projects or have tips to avoid the loop issue I’m facing. Let’s collaborate to make smart lighting even smarter! 
