Question

Regarding power outages I set an automation to turn off all bulbs if three particular bulbs have a dimmer setting of 100% simultaneously. I've read about the "canary" script the checks if a designated bulb is on all others will shut off. What have you all done about power outages turning all the lights on? I'm aware of new hardware with remember last state option but would like to know what can be done with my Zigbee Cree bulbs I already have. Thanks for your help.  

Answer 1

I saw somebody say once that they put a lamp with a smart bulb somewhere out of the way that never gets used. Then if that bulb is on turn off everything.  

Comments

I heard about that concept and based my automation off of it. I figured I would do the same but with two bulbs in two different rooms that are almost never on at the same time. When a power outage happens it resets to 100% . So I set an automation that if the designated bulbs are both on at the same time at 100% it turns off all bulbs. Even the ones that trigger the automation and it works but lag time is a minor issue. However this is way better than having to go around the house at 3am turning off all the lights.  

Answer 2

I use the Canary method, actually have a bulb called PowerCanary. It is on constant power with no switch, so it is turned off via ST. It is never used, so if it IS ever on (ais on, not turns on) that means there was a power outage. I can then trigger appropriate actions based on mode (i. e. away means turn everything to our away settings, if Home it just notifies me and I can take care of it). Its a very basic piston and has worked flawlessly over about 6 power outages or so. Not fancy, but works.  

Comments

Really can use any trigger you want, I use an unused/dedicated bulb. The OP is looking for an unlikely combination, same idea with a different trigger. As long as the trigger is set by a power outage - should work fine.