WiFi controlled soffit lights

[Lchanvey]

Hi everyone,

I have recently bought my first house, my DIY skills are limited but willing to give most things a go. I have quite a long driveway but no lighting at the front of the house. When I bought the house I got the house re-wired. The electrician ran a cable so I could get soffit lights installed on the front of the house, sadly he did not have time to do it. What I’m wondering is if there is a way to make the lighting circuit app controlled. I want to be able to turn the lights on when I’m leaving work etc so when I return the front of the house is light. Would also be nice to have the ability to put them on a timer. I can’t seem to find what I’m looking for online. Any suggestions?

TIA

 

[Murdochcat]

Why Wi-Fi controlled?

 

[Lchanvey]

So that I can switch the lights on remotely. I.e. when I’m leaving work.

 

[Murdochcat]

Wouldn’t you do better with a sensor?

 

[Lchanvey]

I suppose I could. But with the length of my driveway, I’m not sure it would detect you and would I then lose the ability just to have them on for the full evening for example?

 

[flameport]

I’m not sure it would detect you

A sensor that activates the lights when it's dark.

Not one that responds to moving objects.

 

[pete01]

Or timer

 

[Lchanvey]

Ah right, I see. A sensor would probably make the most sense. I take it one can just be wired into the lighting circuit?

 

[Murdochcat]

Yes. Probably need more information about what you have got

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If you take a look at 'Alexa', that can be set to turn them on a dusk, plus, or minus however many minutes you like. Turn them off at dawn, or a preset time, can be turned on and off remotely via the Alexa app, or a PIR, or when it detects you getting close to home, via your phones GPS.

It is very easy to set up, or adjust it. You just need the simple, cheap device, to connect to your wifi, to do all of that.

 

[Lchanvey]

I know Alexa has smart plugs for this purpose, I.e. making a lamp “smart”. But any idea how you would connect it to a lighting circuit?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I know Alexa has smart plugs for this purpose, I.e. making a lamp “smart”. But any idea how you would connect it to a lighting circuit?

Look up an Alexa compatible, smart switch, or - if you connect the lighting cable to a 13amp plug, you could use a smart plug adaptor, plugged into a socket.

 

[Lchanvey]

Oh yes, I think that’s what I’m after. Thanks for you help.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So that I can switch the lights on remotely. I.e. when I’m leaving work.

Surely that is somewhat unnecessary - unless, I suppose, you happen to work across the road.

 

[Lchanvey]

I’m not sure what part is unnecessary. I work shifts often coming home in the middle of the night. Driveway and side of house is very dark. Don’t want to leave the lights on for 10 hours when I’m at work. Don’t always get home at the same time. What’s your suggestion?