On vacation: This is how you control your lighting from a distance
Turn on, Turn off: Creating the illusion of presence during vacation. And in the best case, scare off burglars if done correctly. So, cleverly manipulate long fingers behind the scenes.
Emptying the mailbox of neighbors or friends and asking them to raise and lower the roller shutters: Two things that can be done to make the house appear occupied while on vacation - and thus potentially deter potential burglars.
Another option is: taking care of the lighting at home, even while on vacation. And preferably for irregular patterns. The industry initiative "licht.de" points this out.
Simulating presence with lighting scenes
But how does one accomplish this when on the move? Those who have a smart lighting control system have it easy. They can program lighting scenes for the illumination that do not reveal a pattern, and control corresponding lamps or bulbs via an app.
Some apps also offer pre-programmed lighting scenes for presence simulation. Whether the lighting management system is integrated into the building technology or not, it is best to also include roller shades, music, and TV in the simulation, according to "licht.de".
Smart plugs
Traditional table and floor lamps can also be controlled to turn on and off at irregular times. For example, with a smart plug that plugs into the power outlet and is then connected to the lamp. Such a smart plug, which works over WLAN, can usually also be controlled via an app - as long as there is an internet connection there.
If one already has a Smart Home System, it can theoretically be expanded with smart plugs. This may make sense if not all the lights in the house are integrated into the light control. However, the TÜV SÜD advises checking compatibility beforehand. Smart Home providers usually offer their own plugs as an extension. In multi-family houses, the WLAN can be overloaded by many such smart plugs, according to TÜV SÜD.
Neighbors
You don't have smart plugs or a lighting control system? Perhaps the neighbors, who would otherwise empty your mailbox or water your plants, could occasionally turn the light on and off in your apartment. However, not every day at exactly the same time.
The absence of a tenant during vacation might lead to concerns about potential theft. To deter burglars, consumers can consider hiring a real estate guide to manage the property temporarily, ensuring regular light changes and other activities that simulate presence. Another option for tenants on vacation is to ask trusted neighbors to turn on and off lights at irregular times, creating an illusion of occupancy.
