I would like to turn on mood lighting automatically when I’m taking a shower, what’s the best way to detect that?

  • I’ve considered humidity sensors, but that will take a while to kick in and not immediately when the shower starts.
  • I’ve also considered a water leak sensor but those are not meant to be trigger every day for a long time like 10-15 minutes. That would kill the battery, right?
  • Smart valves can kind of work, but it feels like overkill because I don’t care about the valve functionality.

I would prefer the solution to be battery powered (don’t want to be messing with too many cables around a shower), but I can’t seem to find one.

  • JustEnoughDucks@slrpnk.netEnglish
    2·
    23 hours ago

    OK, assuming your switch is also smart

    Option 1: long-press/double function turns on both light and fan, that triggers an “I am going to shower” 5 minute delay where a humidity sensor senses when it is over and keeps the fan on until humidity is stabilized with the rest of the house.

    Option 2: get a smart flow meter instead of a smart valve. Then you have useful statistics for shower water usage in addition to an instantaneous status. This has the side effect of the mood lighting turning on “late”

    Option 3: get one or make an esphome + LD2410S on battery or plugged in close by, nobody goes in the shower for more than like 10 seconds without showering

    Option 4: Time of Flight sensor outside of the shower pointing in to tell when the door/curtain is closed. If the ToF sensor is (for example) between 1.1m and 1.2m, the door/curtain is closed

    • batshit@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      22 hours ago

      Thanks for the many suggestions

      Option 1: long-press/double function turns on both light and fan

      Main lights are automated (I also have a presence sensor in the bathroom). Fan is automated 5 minutes after a person leaves the bathroom after staying for more than 5 minutes. That said, I do have smart switches and I can add the long press functionality. But that’s less automation, I will keep it as a fallback option if I can’t find a true automated solution.

      Option 2: get a smart flow meter instead of a smart valve.

      I would love to get one, but all Zigbee ones are out of stock. If you have any recommendations, I’ll be grateful

      Option 3:

      I have a presence sensor already, and I spend time near the shower area. Whether I’m cleaning or just soaking in the bathtub. So that can’t work.