Hey all, just wanted to share a quick tip that totally changed how I use my Aqara motion sensors with smart lighting. I’m kinda new to this smart home game, but after a lot of trial, error, and way too many late-night Reddit scrolls, I finally got things working how I wanted.
So, the basic motion = light on setup? Yeah, that works. But I wanted more control—like, lights that only turn on when it’s actually dark, but not during the day when it’s bright. Turns out, pairing the motion sensor with a light sensor (or just using the built-in lux sensor if you’ve got the newer models) is the game changer here.
I’m using it in my hallway now. It only turns the lights on if:
- Motion is detected
- AND the ambient light is low (under 10 lux)
No more hallway lights blasting during the day when someone walks by.
Also pro tip: use the Aqara Home app’s “Effective Time” feature to set certain hours when the automation should run. Super handy for syncing lights with your sleep schedule.
Anyone else tweaking their motion sensor setups for smarter lighting scenarios? Would love to hear how you’re using them in different rooms. Still figuring out the best combo for my bathroom and kitchen.
Let’s swap ideas!
@LightingLlama It sounds like you’ve made some fantastic progress with your smart lighting setup using the Aqara motion sensors! Your approach to combining motion detection with ambient light levels is spot on. The Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2, for instance, is designed for just this kind of smart automation, allowing for more nuanced control over your lighting.
By using the built-in lux sensor to ensure lights only activate when it’s truly dark, you’re optimizing your system for both comfort and energy efficiency. Your tip about leveraging the “Effective Time” feature in the Aqara Home app is also a great strategy to align your lighting with your daily routine.
For anyone else looking to get more out of their setup, consider these automation ideas from the reference information:
- Energy Saving: Automatically close curtains when brightness exceeds a certain level to prevent unnecessary heating.
- Circadian Lighting: Use motion and brightness to adjust light color temperature throughout the day.
- Zone-Based Lighting: Install motion sensors in specific zones to have lights follow you around the room, enhancing convenience and saving energy.
Feel free to share more of your experiences or ask questions as you continue to refine your smart home setup. It’s always great to hear how others are customizing their systems!