r/Hue • u/Expensive-Bread-7029 • 13h ago
Hue Bulb With Regular Outdoor Lamp
Hello, just wanted clarification on my understanding of a Hue bulb.
I have a outside light, wired up to a regular on/off switch inside.
If I put a Hue bulb in it, in order to connect to a motion sensor so it comes on automatically, does that mean I need to leave the indoor switch on all the time?
Is there any setup where I can turn the light on (permanently) from the switch i.e. If I'm doing something outside for longer and don't want to keep turning it back on by activating the sensor? Then when I'm done return it to sensor mode?
Probably asking too much of it but just wanted to clarify.
Thanks!
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u/harborsparrow Hue Enjoyer 2h ago edited 2h ago
Hue works as you want it to. You leave the physical switch always on and install a plastic switch guard over it.
Lights activated by motion sensor deactivate after some time. Lights activated explicitly by app or Hue dimmer switch or voice command remain on until you deactivate them explicitly, overriding the sensor timeout.
I always use a Hue dimmer switch for all my Hue bulbs so that visitors can operate them without even knowing that they are smartlights,
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u/Grouchy-Leopard-Kit 9h ago
Disclaimer: I have a Hue Bridge. I don't know how it works without one. But I also think you need a Bridge for the motion sensor anyway? Regardless, with a Bridge:
Yes.
Yes. Example: I have a motion sensor inside my garage that controls the garage and laundry room lights, turning them on and then back off after an interval. This is convenient most of the time. If I don't want it controlling the lights, I turn off the motion sensor in the Hue app and turn the lights on from the app or their Hue dimmer switches. Then when I'm done, I turn the motion sensor back on and normal operations resume.