How dim is Philips hue lightbulb

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33coupe

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#271783 26-May-2020 21:11

Sorry for another hue thread, I did try and search.

I'm just thinking about installing Philips hue bulbs, motion sensor (and bridge), in hallway to act as a night light when someone needs to use the toilet etc.
I would want a real low glow so that no one else is woken.

Would this work, or bulbs too high/bright?

Thanks

gehenna

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#2492293 26-May-2020 21:22

Hue can go very low indeed. I have a Hue remote on the wall outside the downstairs bedrooms on either side of the bathroom. I've set it to press the on button and it turns the light on lowest brightness, which is just enough to see where you're going but not enough for anyone else to notice. Also set it to double press to turn on max brightness for normal use.

gzt

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#2492298 26-May-2020 21:25

No need imo. Run a low output dark activated dim light in the hallway at night instead.

gzt

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#2492303 26-May-2020 21:36

gehenna: Hue can go very low indeed.

From house lights on to just one hue on minimum setting in the dark it takes my eyes a few seconds to adjust. It should be close.

There may be some scenarios where it will blast full on. The last firmware update solved some of those, it's been a while.

gehenna

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#2492304 26-May-2020 21:37

No issues here.

33coupe

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#2492311 26-May-2020 21:45

gzt: No need imo. Run a low output dark activated dim light in the hallway at night instead.

Can I ask what you mean by this, what is needed etc?

Thanks for the replies, love this site/community

michaelmurfy

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#2492335 26-May-2020 22:35

As you likely know, Philips Hue is a full on ecosystem and works best with a Hue Bridge. With the Bridge + Smartphone app you can set up rules for the motion sensor to control lights, light groups etc.

It is entirely app controlled and simple to use. The problem is, you can never stop at one bulb (and with this in mind - I recommend getting a starter kit). I've got my whole house kitted out with Hue. You're best to read up on this but essentially what you want to do is create some scenes and set the scene to activate based on motion rules. It'll all become clear once you actually get the goods and use the app but there is also plenty of information on YouTube as an example.

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Jos1969

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#2493065 27-May-2020 18:14

I've only experienced the Hue bulb that came with my Echo, but from experience, it really doesn't go as low as you'd want.
It can still be fairly bright at night, even on what it considers to be 1%

I wish it had a lower level.

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gzt

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#2493081 27-May-2020 18:44

Jos1969: I've only experienced the Hue bulb that came with my Echo, but from experience, it really doesn't go as low as you'd want. It can still be fairly bright at night, even on what it considers to be 1% I wish it had a lower level.

I believe Echo Plus was supplied with white only? I have colour, and no white to compare. I think I'm using some kind of sunset yellow setting at low. I'll check this evening.

gzt

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#2493235 27-May-2020 23:35

33coupe:
gzt: No need imo. Run a low output dark activated dim light in the hallway at night instead.
Can I ask what you mean by this, what is needed etc?

I was thinking of something like this except less bright:

https://www.dicksmith.co.nz/dn/buy/xiaomi-mi-motion-activated-night-light-xiaomi

Maybe these with additional filter to dim them a bit

https://www.dicksmith.co.nz/dn/buy/motion-sensor-roof-light-4-pack-bndl/

or just an ordinary plugin night light if you have an outlet in the hall.

33coupe

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#2493935 28-May-2020 22:16

Thanks for the replies.
After ruling out fixed hallway lights due to cost, we have been looking at either the stick on ones (battery would be a pain to charge), and those that plug into mains.

Just thought hue might look tidier and work better. But only if the light goes dim lol.

gzt

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#2493940 28-May-2020 22:27

Depends on the hallway and reflectivity of the decor. Hue colour lamp would be good in most cases imo.

gzt

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#2493947 28-May-2020 22:44

Colour Candlelight at 1% is dim.

You need a friend with a smartphone and a Phillips hub to set it initially, and update the firmware. After that it goes into the mode when first switched on. Switch it twice in a few seconds and you get full bright. A normal switch on and you have 1% candlelight. That's the way it works for me. Not sure if there are limitations on that. Maybe someone can confirm that lasts forever.

Edit: the background colour in that picture is African sunset or something and not related.

gzt

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#2495208 30-May-2020 17:41

There is a Power On Behaviour in the hue app to set the startup colour and brightness. I experimented a bit and 1% colour candelight def dim enough imo. Elsewhere in the world Phillips now sell Bluetooth enabled bulbs, no hub needed. Not in NZ yet as far as I know.

Paul1977

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#2495374 30-May-2020 22:35

I assume you’re talking about your new build?

So are you talking about the Philips Hue bulbs or the Hue downlights?