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HomeKit Program dimmer level based on time of day

TonyC28

TonyC28

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Aug 15, 2009
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Is there a way to get a dimmer (Lutron Caseta in my case) to set to a certain dim level based on the time of day when the light is turned on at the switch? I'm trying to get a bathroom light to only turn on to 30% if it's during the night. I can get an automation to do it:
When light is turned on between 12:00am and 5:00am set light level to 30%.
The problem with that is the light turns on at 100% for a second or two and then down to 30%. Essentially it seems like I'm trying to get the dimmer switch to act as a separate trigger.
 
you could do it using the shortcuts app, and triggering that via siri

or a homekit button + the eve app, (eve app works for all homekit devices, even without eve in your system)
the eve app will allow you to add conditionals to triggers, so you can say "when button pushed, if daytime ..."

you won't be able to directly use the switch, or use homekit/siri to control the light directly, since that command will always happen first, and homekit will follow after a couple seconds.
 
You should be able to accomplish that with an automation in the home app.

1. Select "when an accessory is controlled
2. select your Lutron then next and chose "turns on" & change the "time" to your preferred time "specific times"
3. Next choose the light(s) and be sure to adjust the light to on and also select the % dimmed

I think that does what you are asking?

Edit: waw74 is right, I don't think that will work. A motion sensor would solve the problem though, I use a few that do just what you want and the lights come on to 30%. Aqara motion sensors are pretty good and reasonably priced and work with HomeKit
 
Last edited:
srl7741 said:
You should be able to accomplish that with an automation in the home app.

1. Select "when an accessory is controlled
2. select your Lutron then next and chose "turns on" & change the "time" to your preferred time "specific times"
3. Next choose the light(s) and be sure to adjust the light to on and also select the % dimmed

I think that does what you are asking?

Edit: waw74 is right, I don't think that will work. A motion sensor would solve the problem though, I use a few that do just what you want and the lights come on to 30%. Aqara motion sensors are pretty good and reasonably priced and work with HomeKit
Click to expand...
My OCD can’t get over how the lights initially come on at 100%. I’ve been meaning to give Aqara a try so I think this is my chance.
 
srl7741 said:
You should be able to accomplish that with an automation in the home app.

1. Select "when an accessory is controlled
2. select your Lutron then next and chose "turns on" & change the "time" to your preferred time "specific times"
3. Next choose the light(s) and be sure to adjust the light to on and also select the % dimmed

I think that does what you are asking?

Edit: waw74 is right, I don't think that will work. A motion sensor would solve the problem though, I use a few that do just what you want and the lights come on to 30%. Aqara motion sensors are pretty good and reasonably priced and work with HomeKit
Click to expand...
My aqara stuff just arrived. I’m trying to get the settings right. It seems like the motion trigger only uses the first motion to trigger and then starts the clock to turn it off based on the time I choose. But if motion continues it still turns the light off at the selected time. Is that how it’s supposed to work?
 
TonyC28 said:
Is that how it’s supposed to work?
Click to expand...
Yes, you can create another automation setting the opposite actions if it's needed. Instead of when "motion" is detected use "no motion" is detected etc. Between those two you should be able to achieve what you want.
 
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