Hey everyone, I wanted to share my recent experience setting up outdoor motion sensing lights in my Cleveland home. It’s been a fun project, but I ran into a few challenges along the way. I have three outdoor lights: two on either side of the garage door and one on the porch. They’re currently on a 3-way circuit, which means either switch can turn all the lights on or off. My wife wanted the lights to come on automatically when someone is outside, and she’d also like the ability to force them on if needed.
I started by researching motion sensing lights and came across some models that claim to allow manual override through switch sequences. However, I wasn’t sure if they’d work seamlessly with my existing setup. I also considered integrating everything with my 2gig panel, but I’m not entirely sure if that’s the best approach. Plus, with Cleveland’s cold winters, I need to make sure the motion sensors are reliable in harsh weather conditions.
I reached out to the community for advice and got some fantastic suggestions. One member recommended using a combination of motion sensors and smart switches, which would allow me to automate the lights while still maintaining manual control. Another user suggested checking if my existing switches could be replaced with smart versions that support both manual and automated operations.
After some research, I decided to go with a system that uses motion sensors paired with smart switches. This setup should give me the automation I want while keeping manual control accessible. I’m also looking into creating a rule in my smart home system to ensure the lights come on when motion is detected and stay off during the day.
I’m excited to get this project up and running, and I can’t wait to see how it improves my home’s security and convenience. If anyone has additional tips or recommendations, I’d love to hear them! Let’s keep the conversation going and help each other out with our smart home projects. 
