I created a simple lighting rule for 2 different locations where both included restrictions to only activate between Sunset and Sunrise. One rule is triggered by motion and the other triggered by a contact sensor.
It has been working as expected, except today I noticed the restrictions seem not to be working like I thought they would. The lights are being activated even though its actually not between sunset and sunrise. It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon on a very cloudy and dismal day.
It makes me wonder if "illuminance" has any bearing on Sunset or Sunrise and whether I should base restrictions on an illuminance value instead...
How is Sunset and Sunrise determined when using simple lighting rules?
Sunset and sunrise are their own things. I know that there were issues with a bug in the past with that. First thing I would check is if your timezone and location is correct in your hub. Although unlikely, it could've gotten changed. I have rules based on illuminance and they work well, but it's trying to find that sweet spot that gets the light right that's the pain. Sometimes it's just a little too dark or too light and you wish that the light had turned on. It's not an exact science. I'd address the sunset and sunrise issue. If it continues, after checking your location and timezone, I'd submit something to support. IMHO
Thanks.... Time zone and location are correct. Whats odd is that it's been perfect until today, when the day is very cloudy. At least now I'm aware of the issue.
Well, some would say yes. Some no. There isn't a rule. I don't believe in rebooting too often because it takes a while for everything to get talking again. I only reboot if it's absolutely needed.
Some people are doing that but it is not recommended unless you have very good cause to do so. Let's try and see what the issue is with your Simple Lighting app first. Can you post a screenshot of the app?
I haven't tried to reboot yet... This is one of the simple lighting rules (Motion). I have another tied to a contact sensor on a gate. Today both were operating well before sunset. Never done that before that I know of. Of course, we haven't had cloudy weather during the afternoon in months.
It has NOTHING to do with cloudy weather!!! You need to stop saying that. The rule is based on the time that sunset happens and the time that sunrise happens. The hub does not automatically update that based on the weather. it is set well in advance of the actual event occurring. You can look on the hub to see what those times are. Go to setting, then location. Make sure your hub is located where it is supposed to be and your timezone is set correctly.
Sunrise and sunset time are not weather dependent. The earth rotates on it's axis at the same speed whether or not you have clouds overhead.
In addition, sunset and sunrise times are determined by the hub 24 hours before they happen. Tomorrow's sunset time is set immediately after today's sunset...and similarly for sunrise. So, unless the hub knew it was going to be cloudy 24 hours in advance, it couldn't do what you are saying it did.
Got it. I'm sure it was a fluke. ...but for the sake of argument, I have one of those nice Hue Outdoor Motion Sensors reporting. It could very well respond to cloud density. Not sure how coding works but I'm sure it could have been written into routine without you or anyone else knowing. Just saying...
Your rule is using Sunrise and Sunset.....not illuminence. If you set it up to use lums, it will use lums. But that still will not change the sunset and sunrise times.
