Entity Controller (EC) is a finite-state-machine automation helper for Home Assistant.

Think of it as: "when sensor(s) are active, turn target entity/entities on, then handle timers, overrides, constraints, and state transitions safely."

It helps avoid duplicated automation logic and gives you a reusable automation controller entity.

Entity Controller Documentation

1. Install Entity Controller from HACS.
2. Restart Home Assistant.
3. Go to Settings -> Devices & Services -> Add Integration.
4. Search for Entity Controller.

The config flow has 2 steps.

Set at least:

• name
• delay
• sensors (one or more sensor entities)
• entities (one or more controlled entities)

You can also pick devices via sensor_devices / control_devices; their entities are merged automatically.

Optional settings include:

• service_data, service_data_off
• night_mode
• transition behaviours
• state interpretation lists (*_states_*, state_strings_*)
• backoff options (backoff, backoff_factor, backoff_max)
• debug/diagram options (draw, image_prefix, image_path, day_length)

YAML is still supported for compatibility and migration.

Example:

entity_controller:
  motion_light:
    sensor: binary_sensor.living_room_motion
    entity: light.tv_led
    delay: 5

When YAML config is detected, it is imported into config entries.

Notes:

• UI flow uses plural keys: sensors, entities
• legacy singular keys: sensor, entity are still accepted and merged

Use the integration Configure option (options flow) to edit an existing controller from the UI.

• If field labels appear as raw keys (sensors, entities, etc.), do a full Home Assistant restart and hard-refresh the browser.
• For debugging, enable debug logs for custom_components.entity_controller.

I created the following video to give a high-level overview of EC features and common setup patterns.

Maintaining and improving this integration takes time. If it helps your setup, consider donating or helping triage/fix issues.

All contributions are welcome, including issues and pull requests.

Please include complete reproduction details when reporting bugs.