As I embark on expanding my outdoor lighting setup, I’ve encountered a unique challenge that I’m eager to share and seek advice on. My goal is to extend my existing wired lights on the house to include new wall lights in the backyard without running additional cables—a task that seems straightforward but has proven quite tricky.
I’ve explored several options, from smart bulbs to clamp sensors, but each comes with its own set of drawbacks. Smart bulbs, for instance, take time to sync and don’t respond when the power is turned off. Clamp sensors are prohibitively expensive, and my DIY attempts with motion sensors and relays have hit roadblocks due to space constraints and reliability issues.
The core of my challenge lies in detecting the state of a physical light switch in SmartThings. I don’t need to control the lights via the app; I simply want to know when they’re on or off so I can trigger the new lights wirelessly. This seems like it should be a simple task, but I’m struggling to find a viable solution.
I’ve also reached out to Vesternet for insights, but they couldn’t provide a clear answer. If anyone has tackled a similar project or has suggestions, I’d be incredibly grateful! Let’s brainstorm together and see if we can crack this puzzle.
On a lighter note, it’s fascinating how a seemingly simple project can turn into such an intriguing challenge. I’m optimistic that with the right approach, I can achieve the outdoor lighting setup I’ve envisioned. Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions!