I have a rule setup which detects motion using a sensor (sunset to sunrise only) and switches on the lights. After no motion detected for 5 minute it switches them off.
I have nothing setup for the day. so during the day I dont want to rely on the motion sensor. The rule should be "when somebody switches on the light and motion remains active keep the lights on. when no further motion is detected switch off the lights - same 5 minutes period"
The question is do I have to create a seperate rule, or can I incorporate it into the single rule that I already have?
You can toggle the Use Required Expression to have the rule execute ONLY during chosen Modes or between specific times. In the example below, I have a Den light motion triggered only during Eve & Night modes, or if the light on an outside sensor is dim:
Maybe also look at room lighting which is an app specifically made for this type of thing.
I had the example above set up in the Room Lighting app. That worked well enough, but I didn't like that the motion sensor would alway trigger and THEN immediately cancel if it was Day Mode (happens a lot). With the Rule Machine Required Expression, nothing triggers with motion unless it is not in Day mode. Less chatter.
For during the day if somebody switches on the light and no motion is detected after 5 minutes I want the lights to switch off. Can I incorporate that in the same rule as below, or must I create a seperate rule. Sorry to be pest but I am trying here to learn and did manage to get what I want with some help of course!!!
[chuckle] It would take me an hour or so to see if I could manage that logic. I'd suppose it's doable, but until another comes along with the answer:
In the meanwhile, I'd recommend writing a separate thing for that in Room Lighting. As you sort that out, the exercise will help with general familiarity of options (and some concepts that might not be quite intuitive). Later you may well figure how do do what you want incorporated in one Rule. You an play with Apps, pause 'em, delete 'em, etc.
I too will await a response from the more experienced. . . still have a lot to grok myself.
You could make it part of the same rule. You would need to move the required expression as an IF inside the actions. Add a trigger for a the light being turned on.
You could also just make another rule, probably easier. No real advantage one way over the other, IMO.
