How to check the status of security lights?

[barrywilson]

I want to check the status of a security light I.e is it in on/off/auto.  Currently when using in condition check for automation I only get normal and error which means I can't combine it with sensors else where.  

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @barrywilson. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about security lights.

If you could share a little more information about the products you're using with our helpful members, I trust it will assist them with providing solutions. What security light and what program app are you using?

Let me mention @CSParnell, as I'm sure he'll be eager to assist once we hear some more details.

Mitchell
 

[barrywilson]

I am using "Arlec 20W Grid Connect Smart Security Light With Movement Activated Sensor" and "Arlec Grid Connect Smart Home Sensor Kit" along with grid connect software.  I am trying to combine and make them work together ie extend the range using more motion sensors.  If I set the security light to on manully through the app not auto I want it to stay on without other sensors causing it to time off.  I know there is a conditional check when setting up automated tasks but it will not give me the mode of the security light so I can't conditionally combine them.  Other solutions motioned in posts have access to modes on or off,  the security light does not expose the mode it is in

[barrywilson]

Arlec 20W Grid Connect Smart Security Light With Movement Activated Sensor do no expose events about sensor so cannot trigger any automated tasks.  Cannot even read current sensor status to be combined with other conditions making it useless to extend its capabilities with other devices. 

 

There is a free PIR sensor on board why can't it be used or combined to make complex tasks

[MitchellMc]

Hi @barrywilson,

I've contacted Arlec, and they believe an automation can be created when the light is triggered. They're happy to assist you and can set a light up at their end to walk you through the process. The Arlec technical assistance team can be reached on Ph. 1300267168

If you continue to have issues, please let us know.

Mitchell

[barrywilson]

Ok thanks I have called them but no answer as yet getting call back.  I can't see how it is done.  Do you have any instructions on how as more then likely won't get call back.  Thank you

[barrywilson]

Spoke to Arlec Australia and this is not supported which is not very good.  Only option I have figured out is to add another sensor and use that to control a group of security lights switching between modes.

[MitchellMc]

Many thanks for your feedback that it would be beneficial to allow multiple sensors to operate a single security light @barrywilson. The team at Arlec are continually working to improve the features of their Grid Connect products, so I trust they will appreciate you taking the time to contact them.

Please let me know if you need assistance returning the products you can't use.

Mitchell

[barrywilson]

Ok thanks appreciated

[CSParnell]

@barrywilson could this not be done through a trigger scene rather than an Automation?

I'm a little lost on the Automation path sorry of what you are trying to achieve can you step it out below so I can have a play and see if I can get it close to what you are looking for?

Cheers Carl