Issue with template in binary sensor (I always see default values)

Configuration
1

Hi,
i’m trying to use the “value_template” on a binary sensor (Nest thermostat) but i cannot see the custom value set by me.
In my configuration.yaml i’ve added this:

binary_sensor: !include_dir_merge_list binary_sensor

After this, in the folder “binary_sensor”, i’ve created a new yaml file with these lines:

- platform: template
  sensors:
    nest_thermostat_state:
      friendly_name: 'State'
      entity_id:
        - binary_sensor.entryway_thermostat_online
      value_template: >-
        {%- if is_state("binary_sensor.entryway_thermostat_online", "on") -%}
          Online
        {%- else -%}
          Offline
        {%- endif %}

Unfortunately, in my custom binary sensor binary_sensor.nest_thermostat_state I see the default values “on” and “off”. Why I cannot see the values “Online” or “Offline”?

Can you help me please? What i’m doing wrong?

2

Try single quotes in the value template:

{%- if is_state('binary_sensor.entryway_thermostat_online', 'on') -%}

3

Thanks for reply!
I tried to use single quotes in the value template but same result…

4

I’m using a similar scheme to rename some devices I track, but my formatting is a little different from yours:

-  platform: template
   sensors:
     epsonprinter:
       value_template: "{% if is_state('device_tracker.epson3e7694fiosrouterhome', 'home') %}on{% else %}off{% endif %}"

I don’t think you need the entity_id: lines.

5

This is my new code as suggest by you…but same result…I don’t understand!

- platform: template
  sensors:
    nest_thermostat_state:
      friendly_name: 'State'
      value_template: "{% if is_state('binary_sensor.entryway_thermostat_online', 'on') %}Online{% else %}Offline{% endif %}"

6

It could be how you did the include. What happens if you copy the value template and paste it into the template tester in the dev panel?

7

I tried to paste the template in the template tester and it’s works! The same condition return “Offline” in this case…

Senza nome.jpg1077×374 43.8 KB

I tried with double quotes and single quotes…in the template tester it works but in my yaml doesn’t works!

8

Check to make sure your using the right include method then. I have a lot of trouble with figuring out which method is which myself.

9

I’ve added the template within the configuration.yaml but the result is the same…

binary_sensor:
  - platform: template
    sensors:
      nest_thermostat_state:
        friendly_name: 'State'
        value_template: "{% if is_state('binary_sensor.entryway_thermostat_online', 'on') %}Online{% else %}Offline{% endif %}"

It seems a bug…i don’t understand! I’m following the guide Template Binary Sensor but it seems doesn’t works very well…

10

If you are trying to change the output of the entity it would just be a template sensor.

or try using the elif… I think there was a post about using them both…

  mc_garage_state:
    value_template: '{% if is_state("binary_sensor.garage_controller", "on") %}Open{% elif states.binary_sensor.garage_controller, "off" %}Closed{% else %}Check Connection{% endif %}'
11

You’re right…with template sensor should works…but i want use “sensor_class” and other features provided by template binary sensor…why i can’t use it? I’m sad

I just tried with elif…but same result! :frowning:

12

Son of a!! Lol

Why do you want to use sensor_class:?

13

I would like use sensor_class because i want the icons provided by hass (better management of on/off states).
And I like the order!! :smiley:

But if there are not ant solutions…i will proceed with classic sensor templates…

14

Cool! You can change the icon using customize: though.

15

can i manage the yellow icons with customize and sensor template?

16

To be honest you should never have to look at your phone, tablet, or PC.

Best of Luck!

17

You can choose a single custom icon. That icon will change to yellow to indicate the on state.