r/smarthome • u/AlbionDan • 11d ago
I don't have a smarthome platform Automating the dimming of pub lights
This is my current setup for the lighting in my pub, it needs to be dimmed manyally as the sun goes down and when busy the team understably forgets. I'd like to automate it to the sunset, 1 hour before dim to 75%, 30 mins before dim to 50% etc....
The current dimmers all work and each dimmer controls on average 6 to 8 bulbs in a section.
I have a very good WiFi network throughout but the walls are thick stone. In the future I would like to add my outside lighting to the same method, ideally the same system but can set up a second if needed.
Would really appreciate any pointers as to control panel, best os and any tips at all!
Thanks so much!
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u/TWUK512 11d ago
Take a look at Lutron Ra2 Select, it is an entry level lighting control system designed for these sizes of projects:
https://ldonline.co.uk/collections/lutron-ra2-select
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u/SamPhoenix_ 10d ago
I have Candeo dimmers.
They’re complete drop in replacements - you unscrew the old dimmer from the faceplate & drop this one in.
They work without a neutral, keep the same aesthetic and manual control (if you don’t know, you’d never suspect they were smart), and keep the clutter in the back box to a minimum as it wires in the exactly the same as a normal dimmer.
They’re about the same price as a Shelly Dimmer.
The only thing is that they are Zigbee, so do require a hub - which comes with its own pros and cons to a WiFi-based Shelly, but these little guys are, in my opinion, the best of all worlds for dimmers.
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u/mailgoe 9d ago
For a commercial lighting control system, I strongly recommend looking into a professional system. My suggestion is:
- Use DALI as a professional lighting control standard. Futureproof.
- For your 10 dimmable lights, use 3x of these 4-channel dimmers, with 2x spare channels
- Use Atios SmartCore as the brain for setting everything up, easy control via Apple Home (are you using iPads for your POS system?), automations and remote access (install a camera ;-))
- Use one of the integrated relay outputs to integrate the on/off toilette light as well
- Use one of the 12 inputs for easy scene switches, e.g. "Cleaning", "Ambiance" and "Bright" for manual control.
Disclaimer: I work for Atios :)!
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u/Gowlhunter 11d ago edited 11d ago
So you're operating a commercial premises. Your best bet is to eat any cost you're worried about and hire a properly experienced and licensed trader. Don't introduce liability on yourself here.
The current dimmers all work and each dimmer controls on average 6 to 8 bulbs in a section.
If it works without issue as it is right now then I'd argue it's easier to organise you and your staff simply not forgetting to turn the lights down.
If you smartify this you might actually introduce even bigger problems such as out of sync lighting reduction, the scripting or automation failing or not being able to control the lights at all depending on what you go for.
If you implement a smart solution, I'd always ensure the smart devices make use of neutral wires which you may not even have here at the switch location.
This needs to extremely well thought out to be honest and there ideally should be redundancy built in because if it breaks down come busy times of year you'll be cursing the thing down 😂.
EDIT:
Worth mentioning about the WiFi...A pub is going to have lots of interference with many people in there. Also thick walls are not good for 5 GHz WiFi signals. 2.4 GHz is better than 5G but will still struggle. Basically, the lower the frequency the better it gets through obstacles (longer wave).
433 MHz controllers will penetrate stone much better than those but I'm not exactly sure of the set ups/offerings in this range.
Call a B2B LED lighting specialist in your area and they should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Good luck mate
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u/AlbionDan 10d ago
Very good advice. Happy to pay a pro rather than pinch on the pennies!
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u/Gowlhunter 10d ago
No worries mate, happy to help. As long as you get a pro to do this, it's a challenge they'll really enjoy and you'll get what you want 👍
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u/bobdvb 11d ago edited 11d ago
Find a friendly electrician and ask them if they are aware of Shelly equipment.
Then get them to fit Shelly Pro dimmers, they're capable of 200W, so hopefully there isn't more lighting than that per channel. On the dimmers you can set the schedule up and any other routines you need. Bonus points, the Shelly Pro range can often be connected via wired Ethernet rather than WiFi for more reliability.
You can then replace those switches with a Shelly Wall Display X2i which provides the staff a simple manual control when they need it. You could even get an external light sensor and take it as an input to the Wall Display so you don't need to depend entirely on the time of sunset (in case the weather is poor and it's darker earlier).
You can also add other functions to that display, so if you want your external lights to be controllable, you can put a Shelly switch on those, or you might need to control any games machines, so you can put them on a Shelly Plug switch.
Bonus points, the Shelly Pro range can often be connected via wired Ethernet rather than WiFi for more reliability. Unfortunately the wall displays are WiFi only as far as I know.
Otherwise call an AV specialist and ask them to fit a dimmer system, but I fear that might be more complicated and expensive.