How to set a "flag" for another automation to use

Configuration
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I’m fairly new to Home Assistant, but I think learning of how to do this next bit would push my thoughts further.

So far what I’ve done is setup 2 push buttons that control my Dust Collector and a Dust Filtration. Works great.

Now I’m thinking that since I have 3 unused plugs that have power monitor, I’ve got a thought to use plug (Sander Plug) one to see when power is being used (plug would be on all the time). When power is on, it will have an automation that would turn on another plug (Dust Deputy Plug). The Sander Plug will then turn on the plug for the Dust Deputy Plug. Of that automation, it will also turn on the plug for the Dust Filtration. When the Sander Plug see no more power usage, it would turn of the Dust Deputy Plug after 5-10 seconds. However, I don’t want the Dust Filtration plug to turn off, I’d like it to be running for 10-15 minutes. My thought is there a way to make a “FLAG” that would be set to true when the Sander Plug is activated?

Thanks, Michael

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You can use either an Input Boolean/Toggle Helper or a Template Binary Sensor Helper as a “flag”. When starting out, most users opt for the Toggle Helper. One drawback of the toggle is that you have to automate turning it off and on. The template sensor handles that in it’s own… when the state of the power sensor goes over a defined value it turns on and when it drops it turns off.

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As stated above, there are several ways you could do this… so my recommendation is to find the way that seems most intuitive to you. For me, the Template process seems complicated - but others love it! I prefer creating an Input Boolean (Toggle) helper for things like this. But again - go with whichever method seems most logical and understandable to you!