Hi all.
I am chasing a power adapter/socket that is light activated (on/off at dusk/dawn etc).
Have googled a bit but cant seem to find anything appropriate.
Seems to me like it would be a reasonably useful device so I have to assume they are available from somewhere.
Anyone know of such a wonderous object ?
Light Activated Power Point Adapter ?
rakeem on 04/12/2018 - 21:35
Comments
Quick delete this post and get the idea patented.
Definitely an amazing idea but I’m sure most people just use timers.
Below was the 2nd item when I googled "smart switch" https://www.binglee.com.au/tp-link-hs100-smart-wi-fi-plug
SCHEDULE
Schedule the Smart Plug to automatically power electronics on and off as needed, like setting lights to come on at dusk or turn off at sunrise.
That's based on time, not light
Realistically what op wants wouldn't make sense. Sensor lights (for our kids rooms) turn off when any light is on the sensor… Which means when you turn a room light on, they shut off.
I can't think of many instances where an actual PowerPoint is necessary.
Yeah, I realised after I posted. It's a work around though maybe?
Although I know I can't use IFTTT to turn on/off my yeelight based on real sunrise/sunset as it checks weather apps.
Eg https://ifttt.com/applets/PVkgiLYy-automatically-turn-your-l…
(to John Kimble…I was sure I hit "reply??) If the sun rose and set at a constant time……
And at least one use….unattended lights (or whatever) go on only when the ambient light level indicates they are needed?
I got one years ago when I first got solar to turn things in during the day but unfortunately it only works when it gets dark…
I picked it up from the local hardware store
They exist, google "PIR socket".
Powerpoint: https://www.ecosavers.nl/wp-content/uploads/PIR-socket_switc…
Light fitting: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41uaCsRaMNL….The more astute among us will have noticed a problem with these, in that they're not exactly Australian-friendly. The light sockets occasionally show up a BC-22.
The light fitting ones also come with the radar sensors, not necessarily a good thing.
Not too hard in the scheme of things is to make your own, simplest is to re-purpose an old or cheap sensor light or buy the module: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PIR-Infrared-Automatic-Motio…
Might not be the best looking thing.
There are nicer looking modules intended to fit in ceilings etc.
these pir sensors are for motion detection aren't they ?
not really after a DIY solution coz I aint that handy (and lazy too).
nice to see a constructive post though, thanks :Dthese pir sensors are for motion detection aren't they ?
Yeah they are… brain fade from me.
What you want is called a 'sunset switch' or a 'dusk to dawn switch', usually just light activated but occasionally with a timer (either to not trigger if it's a bit cloudy, or only stay on for a few hours after sunset).
I have seen ones that are a socket adaptor, but not for a while.
(For those wondering, imagine this: https://www.babybunting.com.au/dream-baby-automatic-night-li… that you can plug stuff into.)
Everything else seems to be just the sensor you need to wire up, like the PIR ones. eg bunnings sell this: https://www.bunnings.com.au/hpm-12v-dusk-to-dawn-sensor_p437…, for low voltage stuff. This: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016-New-Outdoor-Photocell-l… for mains.
I think the trend is controlling lights from your 'smart home', so I don't like changes of them coming back.
Not a difficult thing to make in the scheme of things if you can find someone a little less lazy and handier than yourself.
yeah so i want a power adapter that i can plug another device into so that it will switch on/off depending on ambient light levels.
as an example plug in a bug zapper and and only power it on after dark.
smart switches and timers aren't always a viable solution as there maybe situations where no network or wifi are available, plus these would be a much lower tech level so presumambly cheaper maybe even more robust to use outdoors etc.You don't need a Light Activated Power Adapter.
All you need is a google home or alexa control power adapter. Then use IFTTT to turn on or turn off based on sunset or sunrise time.
I used Wemo to do this while ago.Light activated not going to fix your issue when someone turn on a house light.
w t f ?????? do people not read ?
funny how they know what I need more than i dosmart switches and timers aren't always a viable solution as there maybe situations where no network or wifi are available
@ D C thanks for your comments that were actually helpful
What exactly are you trying to do? Why do you want one?