Motion Activated Light Strips: My Automated Lights Set Up

Want your lights to turn on when you step out of bed? There are several ways to set that up using SmartThings, Hue motion sensors, or an inexpensive alternative. In this video, I go over my own motion activated lights set up and give a few tips on automating your lights.

Whether you are looking for in-depth automation or more affordable lights, I'll share a few options across the board for automating your home's lighting.

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MY SET UP & GEAR
See the list of everything I use in my smart home and other favorites:

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Writer/Editor/Director: Reed Kleinman
Producer: Alysa Kleinman

Disclaimer: Smart Home Solver was previously sent LIFX Z for an unbiased review. All other lights and sensors were purchased with our money. As always, our opinions are 100% our own and not influenced.

[leozendo]

Make a haunted house where blenders and washing machines turn on automatically as you walk by.

[EnriqueSanderYanes]

Nice setup!
I'm getting started with my smart home setup and your videos have helped me a lot.
I suggest you to avoid using any blueish lights at night, they might affect your sleep pattern, warm lights at night are much better not only for your sleep, but for your health

[elishmuel]

since I started watching your videos last week, I got a Nanoleaf Canvas, philips bulb + light strip + sensor + outlet, a Lifx strip and an amazon echo show. Everything I know so far is thanks to you! There are other guys out there doing the same thing but I found your channel to be the best in terms of information, entertainment, video quality and yes, humor!

[Max]

I use Home Assistant instead of Smart Things. It has a bit of a learning curve, but it’s SO POWERFUL!! It can literally automate anything!

[dannylopez]

Man I can’t wait till I make enough money to afford a house like that ...beautiful home man I’m happy for you and the lights make it awesome

[spielundzeug]

You can use the Hue Motion Sensor to control all HomeKit devices.

[Work_G]

When you start led things up you cant stop :D

[angeldew]

5 years ago? I'm behind on tech apparently, this is so awesome lol I bet it's even better now. This is perfect for my elderly mom.

[Drt]

I am a light geek monster; i LOVE your page.

[AKC-]

Really love your videos. The effort you make to explain in detail really helps. Thank you and keep up the great work! From Malaysia!

[silentslipperz]

I like how your shirt matches the color of your wall in your room. 10/10 would watch again.

[dragonson]

I have a Hue motion sensor on my basement stairs, turns the light on when I head upstairs and comes on when back door opens when we come home late

[willywonkabrah]

I am visually impaired and would like your recommendation on the brightest motion sensor able light strips.

[qim_]

Didn’t expect that big a smile. Scared me and made me happy that you’re happy lol

[ModernDayTech]

Great tips and ideas Reed! Glad you got that ban lifted. lol

[wester]

I have the Sylvania light strips under my cabinets and work perfectly. Fixing to add them to the back of the TV I think. Great videos. Thanks.

[SmartHomeSolver]

Where else should I add light strips? Automating them is just too much fun...

[shawng]

If you need some cheaper options and want stuff instantly. My local walmart has started to bring in more stuff. If you dont mine a remote the MONSTER brand kits I've bought work great. Those bulbs are twice as bright as the merkury brand wifi ones they have. I love the $9 white extension power cords. 10 feet I'm pretty sure. Add in a few smart outlets and you are set. They start up full bright white. So they are like 80% of a regular white led

[jbaudet]

Hey Reed thanks for all you do. Just one thing that I think I have not heard on you tube. For those that use the Hue system there is an option to bridge two motion sensors in cases like mine where you have two floors and want the light to come on when you go downstairs however the problem is that is the sensor does not detect motion you need to come back upstairs and wave at the sensor. The only way so far I found to eliminate this is to buy another hue motion sensor and pair them or bridge them, once they are bridged the light will go off only when both sensor dont detect any motion, obviously you want to turn the lights through a routine. It works pretty well. IF you have any other idea let us know. Thanks again

[indycog]

I’d like to see how power is provided to all these lights. Are there cables running down cabinet walls for the kitchen and bathroom lights?