đź’ˇ Sensor Light - Motion Sensor - Door Sensor - Sun Elevation - LUX Value - Scenes - Time - Light Control - Device Tracker - Night Lights

Blueprints Exchange
, , , ,
895

FAQ - Bypass 101

What Is the Bypass Option?

The Bypass Option allows you to manually control your automation and override its normal behavior. By switching on the bypass, you disable the automation’s automatic actions and take full control over your lights. This feature is useful when you need to temporarily stop automations from running or want to override their settings based on specific needs.

You have three input options:

  1. Turn Lights ON: This will turn your lights on, regardless of the automation’s current state.
  2. Turn Lights OFF: This will turn your lights off, disabling the automation’s control over them.
  3. Keep the Lights’ Current State (Pause): This option ensures that the lights remain in their current state (whether they are on or off) and the automation is paused.

You can have more than one bypass and choose any input option based on your preference. However, ensure that you DON’T use the same bypass entity in more than one option. Each option must have a separate entity.

Why Not to Use The Same Light Switch Entity as a Bypass?

Using the same light switch that your automation controls (Turns ON and OFF) as a bypass will cause conflicts. When the automation triggers, it turns the light ON, which also enables the bypass and disables the automation. This creates a feedback loop, rendering the automation unreliable and ineffective.

To avoid this, always use a separate, independent entity, such as a virtual helper or a dedicated physical switch as the bypass. This approach ensures your automations function seamlessly without interference.

If you’d like to use the same light switch, I have another blueprint that allows you to do so. It’s called :stop_button: Manual Control Status Tracker , be sure to check it out!

Why Call It “Bypass”?

The term “bypass” is intuitive and widely understood, making it accessible to users. Unlike technical terms like “Helper” or “Input Boolean,” “bypass” communicates its function clearly. It can refer to any entity with an ON/OFF state, such as binary sensors, helpers, or a switch.

How to Set Up a Bypass Without a Physical Switch

1. Create a Bypass Helper

  • Navigate to Settings > Devices & Services > Helpers.
  • Click the Helpers tab, then click + CREATE HELPER and select Toggle.
  • Name the helper (e.g., “Sensor Light Bypass”) and click Save.

2. Configure the Bypass in Automation

  • Go to your automation settings.
  • In the Bypass Options (Optional) section, select the desired bypass option(s).
  • In the Bypass Switch field, search for and select your helper (e.g., “Sensor Light Bypass”).
  • Click Save to apply the changes.

3. Add the Bypass to Your Dashboard

  • Open your dashboard and click Edit Dashboard.
  • Click + ADD CARD, then select Button or Entities.
  • Search for your helper in the Entity field (e.g., “Sensor Light Bypass”).
  • Click Save to add the card, then click DONE.

You now have a Sensor Light Bypass switch on your dashboard to manually manage the automation.

Can I Use a Physical Switch?

Yes, you can use a physical switch as long as it’s not the light switch used in the automation. Instead, it should be an independent switch that reports its state to Home Assistant.

Option 1: Use a Physical Switch

  1. Go to your automation settings.
  2. In the Bypass Options (Optional) section, select the desired bypass option(s).
  3. In the Bypass Switch field, search for your physical switch entity and add it.
  4. Click Save to apply the changes.

Option 2: Use a Virtual Switch

  • If no physical switch is available, create a virtual bypass switch (see instructions above).

Bypass - Time Delay

This option is used in two bypass scenarios:

  1. When the lights are already ON and the bypass is enabled to turn them OFF.
  2. When the bypass is turned OFF, the trigger sensor is OFF, and the lights are still ON.

In both scenarios, the automation will turn the lights OFF after the set time delay.

The Bypass Auto OFF Option

The Bypass Auto OFF option allows the bypass to automatically turn OFF after a set time delay. You can choose which bypass option you want to apply the auto OFF feature to:

  1. Turn lights ON
  2. Turn lights OFF
  3. Keep the lights’ current state (pause)

Once selected, set the Bypass Auto OFF time delay. The time delay will start from the last time the bypass was turned ON, automatically turning it off after the specified time.

Unified Light Control with a Single Bypass Switch

A single bypass switch can manage multiple linked automations simultaneously. Simply add the same bypass to each automation you want to control. Then, decide what action the bypass will take when turned ON:

  • Turn lights ON
  • Turn lights OFF
  • Keep the lights’ current state (pause)

This feature is especially useful when you need to override all automations at once. Common scenarios include:

  • Cleaning mode: Turn all lights ON to ensure visibility.
  • Hosting friends: Turn all lights ON for a party.
  • House alarm: Turn all lights ON for security purposes. Light your whole house inside and out. This ensures better visibility for your security cameras to capture crucial details.
  • Sleep mode: Turn all lights OFF when preparing for bed.

If you’re using the Auto-OFF feature, make sure it’s enabled in only one automation for the shared bypass switch. This prevents multiple automations from trying to turn OFF the bypass simultaneously, ensuring smooth operation.

Integrating the Bypass with Other Automations

Some of my blueprints are designed to work seamlessly with the bypass feature through an Automation Link. This allows you to extend your automations, giving you more control and flexibility while ensuring they work together effectively.

:infinity: Sensor Light Add-On

Use this blueprint to create a movie mode by linking the bypass. For more detailed information, click here.

:shower: Bathroom Humidity Exhaust Fan

This automation can use the bypass to keep the lights on during a shower. For more information and a complete setup guide, click here .

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of the power of the bypass feature. Now it is up to you how you would like to use it and integrate it into your smart home setup.

Enjoy

Blacky :grinning:

Back to FAQ: Click Here

Back to “The Settings & Best Practice Guidelines” Click Here

4 Likes