We will tell you in detail how to set up light controls in the Aqara smart home - so that technology makes life a little more comfortable, rather than complicated.
However, the first experience of setting up a smart home can seem daunting. The fact is that we no longer notice how many small “instructions” we carry out around the house every day. Robots can handle instructions better, you just need to train them:
Light control devices
The smart home center receives signals from sensors and carries out user instructions. We will need to connect many devices.
Loading a WiFi router with this task would mean greatly degrading the quality of the connection on the main devices - laptops, smartphones. Instead of connecting each light bulb to a router, all smart devices connect to the Smart Home Center using a special Zigbee protocol. Only the Center itself needs access to the router and the Internet - to communicate with a smartphone.
The center provides smart home integration into HomeKit so that lights can be controlled from the Home app for MacOS and iOS or using Siri.
The center is itself a smart lamp, with a darkness detector, color and brightness settings. If you place it in the corridor, you will get a convenient night light: when the main light goes out, the center itself will turn on the backlight.
The Aqara smart lamp is an LED light bulb with an e27 socket. You cannot adjust the color on the lamp, but you can adjust the brightness and color temperature.
Warm colors are recommended for the bedroom and living room - rooms where you want to relax. In nature, the light of the sun at sunset (1850K) is considered warm.
Cool color is suitable for the bathroom, office, kitchen - for places where you want to see objects in all details, and expect concentration from yourself. In nature, this is the light of the midday sun (5500 - 6000K)
Smart lamps allow you not to select different lamps for different tasks, but to control the lighting depending on the time of day and your activity. In the bedroom in the morning, standing in front of the mirror, you don't want to miss the stain on your shirt - and for that you need clear, cool light. It’s nice to go to the kitchen for a glass of water before going to bed - if you are greeted with a diffused warm glow and not an office lamp that hits your eyes.
The lamp can be controlled through the Aqara application for Android or iOS, the Home application for Mac OS and iOS, or through the Siri voice assistant
This will make light control more comfortable:
- You can control the lamp from anywhere. No need to go to the switch to turn off the light. In the office, use the app to turn off a light bulb forgotten at home. When approaching your dacha, give the Siri command to turn on the porch light - you won’t trip on the steps or look for the keyhole and switch in the dark.
- Thanks to flexible settings, one lamp can replace several ordinary light bulbs - when needed, it will provide either bright light or soft lighting.
In terms of its economic characteristics, the lamp is similar to other LED lamps - low energy consumption (up to 9 watts), long service life (25,000 hours). In practice, a smart light bulb consumes even less energy:
- Smart light bulbs turn off on their own and do not burn in vain.
- Smart light bulbs do not always operate at full brightness, but only when needed. In the evenings, dim light will often be more appropriate, and the lamp in this mode consumes less energy.
The lamp can be controlled not only through the application. It is convenient to automate the main functions of the lamp so as not to think about control at all. For this you will need sensors.
Aqara motion sensor is the main link in light control. With its help, the smart home will understand when it is time to turn on the lights and when it is time to turn them off.
The maximum detection range is 7 meters, viewing angle is 170 degrees. The optimal place for sensors is on the cabinet or under the ceiling, from where they will have access to the most complete picture.
The disadvantage of this arrangement is that the sensor will also react to animals. To reduce the number of false alarms, you will have to sacrifice the field of view of the sensor and place it at human height. To ensure coverage of all rooms in this arrangement, a pair of sensors may be needed: for example, in an office, one sensor will monitor the passage, and the other will monitor the table.
There is a smarter solution to this problem - a properly configured script. We'll talk about it below.
The sensor works properly at temperatures from -10℃ to +40℃ - it is not always suitable for controlling light on the street or in rooms without heating.
In addition to motion data, the sensor also transmits information about room illumination - this can be used for particularly fine-tuning.
Door opening sensor. In some cases, a motion sensor is redundant for light control. For example, when you open a closet, the open door itself is a sufficient signal that the light in the closet should be on.
The sensor is designed like popular alarm systems: two magnets are attached side by side, one on the door, the other on the door frame. When a door or window is opened, contact between the two elements is lost; when closed, it is restored. Both events can be used to automate lighting.
Aqara smart switches. It’s not possible to completely get rid of switches in a smart home, but their use can be made more comfortable.
Automation is needed where the desired result is obvious: if you go into the bathroom, the light should come on. But if you are lying in bed, at what point should the light turn off? Here you will need switches.
Only now you don’t need to go to turn on the light at the other end of the room - the wireless switch is located where it’s convenient for you. Often, one smart switch is enough - the Aqara one-button switch can perform three different actions (single press, double press, long press). Switch with two buttons - 9 actions. There is also a futuristic cube switch that looks more like part of the interior.
There are also wired smart switches: they combine the functionality of smart switches and the ability to automate smart sockets. If there are already a lot of light bulbs in the house and you can’t replace them all with smart lamps at once, wired switches will allow you to set up automatic light control without replacing a dozen light bulbs and chandeliers.
But to do this, you need to understand how smart home scenarios work.
Simple scripts
The motion sensor communicates with the Aqara Gateway smart home center, now we can use its data in scenarios.
A scenario is a logical chain of instructions for smart devices: if condition X occurs, perform action Y.
The motion sensor allows you to use the following conditions in scenarios:
- Movement detected.
- Motion is detected and room illumination is below X lx level.
- Motion has been detected and the lighting in the room is above level X.
- No movement detected during time X.
The simplest light automation begins with two scenarios:
If motion is detected, turn on the lights
If there is no movement for 15 minutes, turn off the light.
This will be quite enough for a bathroom, toilet or corridor. For an office or bedroom you will need more subtle settings.
How to connect a pass-through switch
Pass-through switches are used at the beginning and end of the electrical circuit, and a crossover switch is used in the middle of the line. There are other solutions, but less often.
The advantage of control circuits based on pass-through switches: simplicity and reliability. Flaws:
- it is impossible to automate the lighting control system;
- you cannot change the scheme after some time;
- cable consumption is high.
Sometimes a control scheme is implemented for 2 groups of lighting fixtures from N-places on 2-key pass-through elements. However, such a scheme is cumbersome and inconvenient in everyday life. Such switches do not have a fixed “On” or “Off” position.
Connection diagram for pass-through switch Source yandex.ru
Scenarios tied to time of day
In the bedroom, such simple scenarios will lead to difficulties. For example, if there are animals in the house, the sensor will react to them and turn on the light in the middle of the night.
The problem can be circumvented by disabling script execution at night - other false positives will not cause any inconvenience. In the HomeKit application, there is a setting for the time at which the script is valid. In the Aqara application, we will need to create a separate script: it will disable the tracking of the sensor in the bedroom at night and return it in the morning:
Scripts control not only individual devices, but also other scripts - they activate or disable them. This is the key to building flexible instructions.
During vacation, using the time of day in scenarios, you can “simulate presence”: you are not at home, but the lights in the apartment will continue to turn on in the evenings and turn off at night - as if someone was in the apartment every day. This will deter some thieves:
Top 10 best motion sensors for turning on lights in 2022 according to KP
Legrand 48 946
Legrand 48 946. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The device can be installed both indoors and outdoors. Both wall and ceiling mounting are possible. The sensor is equipped with a function to automatically turn on and off the light when it detects a moving object in its coverage area. It has an adjustable time setting during which the light will be on: from 10 s to 10 min. It is possible to connect halogen and LED lamps. The sensor has a maximum viewing angle and a degree of moisture protection.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Rated voltage: | 230 V |
| Protection class: | IP55 |
| We commute. power: | 1000 W |
| The principle of operation of the motion sensor: | passive infrared (PIR) |
| Installation height: | 2.5 m |
| Max. frontal range: | 8 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 8 m |
| Scan Angle: | 360 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
High moisture resistance, large scanning angle
High price
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IEK LDD 10−010−1100−001
IEK LDD 10−010−1100−001.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The sensor automatically turns on the load when it detects moving objects within its range. The viewing angle is 180 degrees, the operating range is 10 m. This allows you to cover a fairly large area. The device is temperature resistant and is used mainly outdoors. Can be mounted both on the wall and on the ceiling. The body is made of fire-resistant plastic. However, the sensor power is small and is designed for 1-2 light sources.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Material: | plastic |
| Maximum power: | 0.45 W |
| Device width: | 63 mm |
| Device height: | 94 mm |
| Device depth: | 86 mm |
| Protection class: | IP44 |
| Scan Angle: | 180 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Low price, easy settings and installation, good sensitivity
Small adjustment knobs, low power
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ORBIS OB134312
ORBIS OB134312.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The ORBIS OB134312 infrared sensor is used to control lighting outdoors and indoors. As soon as a moving object appears in its field of action, the device turns on the light. The sensor is externally mounted using a screw mount and fits perfectly into modern design. Due to its small size it is not noticeable. IP55 moisture protection class allows you to use the device outdoors. However, the scanning angle is small: when placed outdoors, it is better to use several sensors if you plan to scan a large area.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Device width: | 72 mm |
| Device height: | 80 mm |
| Device depth: | 100 mm |
| Material: | plastic |
| Protection class: | IP55 |
| Adjusting the response threshold based on illumination: | There is |
| Max. frontal range: | 12 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 8 m |
| Scan Angle: | 140 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Compact, fits into almost any design, has a high degree of moisture insulation, and is easy to install
Does not always respond to object movement, has a small viewing angle
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Home security systems
Home security systems are not one device, but a set of sensors and cameras
IEK IDD10−009−1100−001
IEK IDD10−009−1100−001.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The device is widely used in conjunction with automatic lighting and security systems. Applies a load when it detects movement in the field of action. Wide viewing angle and range allow you to cover a large area. The sensor is made of fire-resistant polycarbonate. Can be used indoors or outdoors. Service life: 5 years.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | on the wall / in the channel |
| Maximum power: | 1100 W |
| Device width: | 95 mm |
| Device height: | 80 mm |
| Protection class: | IP44 |
| Scan Angle: | 180 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Inexpensive, works both indoors and outdoors, easy to install, interesting design
Plastic is not of the best quality, does not always work, adjustment is inconvenient
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Legrand 48945
Legrand 48945. Photo: market.yandex.ru
An infrared sensor is used to control lighting. The device turns on the light when a moving object appears in its field of action. When used in large rooms, it is advisable to use several sensors, since the scanning angle of the model is small. The device is wall mounted and easy to install. Stylish appearance will fit into any interior.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Rated voltage: | 230 V |
| Material: | plastic |
| Protection class: | IP42 |
| Power: | 1000 W |
| The principle of operation of the motion sensor: | passive infrared (PIR) |
| Installation height: | 2.5 m |
| Max. frontal range: | 8 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 8 m |
| Scan Angle: | 140 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Easy installation, stylish appearance
Long response time, needs to be disassembled to set up
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REV 28 509 0
REV 28 509 0. Photo: REV 28 509 0
The motion sensor is installed in residential premises, entrances of residential buildings, as well as in the corridors of public buildings. Reacts to the movement of an object within a radius of 6 meters, including lighting. The sensor distinguishes the time of day: in the “Sun” mode the device operates around the clock, and in the “Moon” mode only under a certain illumination (complete darkness). Operating temperature from -20 to +40 degrees. The device is attached to the ceiling, thanks to which the detection area expands. The low level of moisture protection does not allow the device to be used outdoors.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Material: | plastic |
| Device width: | 115 mm |
| Device height: | 24.3 mm |
| Device depth: | 115 mm |
| Protection class: | IP20 |
| Max. frontal range: | 6 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 6 m |
| Scan Angle: | 360 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Wide detection area
Not protected from moisture, false alarms are possible
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IEK LDD11-024-1100-001
IEK LDD11-024-1100-001.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The infrared sensor IEK LDD11-024-1100-001 is designed to control lighting in industrial premises and public areas. The device automatically turns the light on and off when it detects a moving object in its field of action. The time during which the light will be on is adjustable from 5 to 480 s. The sensor body is made of non-flammable polycarbonate, which makes its use the safest. It is recommended to install the device at a height of 2-2.4 m. The scanning angle is 360 degrees, which allows you to cover more area. The service life declared by the manufacturer is 7 years. Warranty period - 1 year.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Mounting type: | screw |
| Device width: | 115 mm |
| Device height: | 115 mm |
| Device depth: | 58.8 mm |
| Protection class: | IP3X |
| Max. power: | 1 W |
| Installation height: | 4 m |
| Max. frontal range: | 6 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 6 m |
| Scan Angle: | 360 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Wide viewing angle, flame retardant, long service life, operates at low temperatures
Some copies have broken switches, are poorly protected from external interference, and sometimes do not turn on immediately
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REV 15 283 5
REV 15 283 5. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The device is the best option for installation in entrances, summer cottages, industrial premises and bathrooms. The sensor automatically turns on the light when it detects heat sources. A high degree of protection allows the device to be used both indoors and outdoors. The lighting turns off automatically after a specified time, which allows you to significantly save energy. The universal black color will fit into any design and will not attract undue attention.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | open |
| Material: | plastic |
| Device width: | 98 mm |
| Device height: | 60 mm |
| Device depth: | 87 mm |
| Protection class: | IP44 |
| Max. frontal range: | 12 m |
| Scan Angle: | 110 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Budget-friendly, easy to install, stylish design
Large size, inconvenient setup
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Leakage protection systems
It is important to protect not only your budget, but also your nerves in time
IEK DD 035
IEK DD 035. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The device is a built-in type, that is, it is mounted instead of a standard switch. The sensor automatically turns on the lighting when it enters the viewing radius of a moving object. You can also set a sound signal. Withstands temperatures from -25 to +40 degrees. The viewing range is 一 12 m. This sensor can only be installed indoors.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | hidden |
| Material: | plastic |
| Device width: | 80 mm |
| Device height: | 80 mm |
| Device depth: | 57 mm |
| Wire connection type: | screw |
| Protection class: | IP20 |
| Installation orientation: | horizontal |
| Max. frontal range: | 12 m |
| Scan Angle: | 140 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Takes up little space, easy to install
Does not work with LED lamps, can only be installed indoors
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EKFMS-19B
EKFMS-19B.
Photo: market.yandex.ru The built-in sensor is suitable for use in offices, homes and industrial premises. The device reacts to movement. When a living object enters the sensor field, the sensor turns on the lighting. After some time, the light turns off, which allows you to significantly save energy. For ease of setup, the connection diagram is indicated directly on the product body. The moisture protection class is low, so the sensor can only be used indoors.
Main characteristics:
| Installation: | hidden |
| Material: | plastic |
| Installation height: | 1.4 m |
| Protection class: | IP20 |
| Max. frontal range: | 6 m |
| Max. range to the side: | 6 m |
| Scan Angle: | 120 ° |
Advantages and disadvantages
Adjustable tilt level and direction, convenient connection
Weak fastening of wires, not suitable for standard socket box
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Manage a group of devices through the application
You can control individual lamps in the Aqara app. But what if we want to turn off all the lights in the apartment with one click? To do this, we will need to use “scenes” - groups of instructions. For example, we have two light sources: an Aqara smart lamp and a regular lamp connected to an outlet.
How to connect a three-key switch
Connecting a 3-key switch is done in exactly the same way as one and 2-key switches. The difference is in the number of contacts of the outgoing groups: 1, 2 or 3. One supply cable is connected to the input terminal of the switch, and the wire of the lamps is connected to the “output” contacts. The neutral conductors of all lighting devices are combined into one circuit and connected to the “zero” in the box.
Connection diagram for 3-key switch Source vodakanazer.ru
We combine automatic scripts and manual control
The script cannot always be tied to time - we are not robots and do not go to bed by the clock. For a smart home to make life easier rather than inconvenient, it must know when automation becomes unnecessary.
For example, if you turn off the lights in the bedroom using a smart switch, the scenario that turns on the lights using a motion sensor should also turn off.
Now, if you turn off the light yourself, it will not turn on because of the sensor - until the morning, when another script starts the automation of turning on the light again.
We connect the lighting in the house with a master switch: diagram
To implement such projects, you will need modular contactors for the master switch, for example, ABB ESB 20-20.
The letters and numbers in the name have a specific meaning. The marking symbols mean:
- АBB – name of the organization, manufacturer of the device.
- ESB – circuit breaker series, has a household purpose.
- 20 – current value calculated for the contact element, in A.
- 20-20 – independently closed block contacts with a rated current of 20 A.
Before the pulse arrives, the contact elements are constantly in the open state.
