I wanted to share a fun and practical DIY project I recently completed in my home. It’s all about creating a smart bathroom occupancy indicator using a door sensor and some clever automation. Here’s how it went down!
The Goal: I wanted a way to indicate when the bathroom was occupied without installing any external hardware on the door. My apartment doesn’t allow for traditional doorbell cameras, so I had to get creative.
The Solution: I decided to use a Tuya Smart Life door sensor and some colored LED lights. The idea was simple: when the bathroom door is locked, a color-coded light in the hallway would signal whether the bathroom was occupied.
The Setup: I started by modifying a Tuya door sensor. I removed the magnet and replaced it with a microswitch connected via a longer cable. This microswitch was installed in the door frame near the lock mechanism. The sensor itself was positioned above the door for optimal detection.
In the hallway, I installed two LED bulbs in a dual-fixture lamp—one colored and one white. The white bulb serves as the regular hallway light, while the colored bulb acts as the occupancy indicator. Using the Tuya Smart Life app and Home Assistant, I set up an automation: when the door is locked (indicating occupation), the colored bulb lights up. When unlocked, it turns off.
The Result: This project was a huge success! It’s discrete, doesn’t require any invasive installations, and provides clear visual feedback. Plus, it was surprisingly affordable—just a few dollars for the microswitch and some cable.
Why I Love It: This setup not only solves a practical problem but also adds a touch of smart home integration without being too flashy. It’s perfect for those who want functionality without compromising on aesthetics.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective smart home project, I highly recommend giving this a try. It’s a great way to dip your toes into DIY smart home automation!
Any other creative uses for door sensors and colored lights? I’d love to hear your ideas!