Home Automation

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Discussion about general home automation ideas and projects, home automation protocols like Z-wave, Zigbee, Matter, etc, and home automation software and hubs like HomeSeer, Home Assistant, OpenHAB, Homey.

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Advice for making entryway light motion sensing? 3-way switch and two ceiling fixtures. (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 weeks ago by pageflight@lemmy.world to c/homeautomation@lemmy.world

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I'd like to make our front entryway lights motion sensing. However the wiring is a little complicated. And I'd like the lights to be operable normally if the automation doesn't work for some reason.

There are three light switches: one by the front door, one up the staircase at the landing, and one at the back of the entryway at another interior door. My favorite switch is the CloudFree motion sense switch, running Tasmota, but I don't see it or a similar switch available for three-way wiring.

There are two light fixtures: One hanging lamp, and one track light. The bulb in the hanging lamp is hidden, so although I could swap it out with something smart, it wouldn't be easy to just put a motion sensing bulb in there. And the bulbs in the track light are some small/unusual base, not something I can upgrade.

How would you automate the lights? Grateful for any ideas!

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[–] fhqwgads@possumpat.io 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Do you need more automation than regular 3 way motion switches you can get at the hardware store? They're relatively cheap and cover a surprising amount of needs without having to rely on anything other than the switch.

[–] pageflight@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Yes -- should've described that aspect. The shape of the entryway means that none of the existing switches has a good view of all the area I'd like a motion sensor to trigger on. Otherwise that would be the way to go!

[–] fhqwgads@possumpat.io 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Ok, that makes sense. In general for switches I recommend the Caseta ones from Lutron. They also make a motion sensor, which would mean you wouldn't need a hub if you don't already have one. Downside is they're much more expensive than other switches, upside is they work so much better it's worth the price difference.

[–] pageflight@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Maybe I'll give them a go for my next automation! Thanks for the recommendation.

I do have a hub — using HomeAssistant with AppDaemon.

[–] fhqwgads@possumpat.io 3 points 2 weeks ago

If that's the case then yeah, probably not the best option. They need their own hub and run on weird 433mhz band radios.