Between Dates Check

Between Dates Check

Checks if the current time falls within a date/time range.

Overview

A between dates sensor is ON when the current time lies between two datetime values, and OFF otherwise. This is useful for time-based automations and business hour checks.

Configuration

1. Select "Between Dates Check"
2. Configure:
   • Calculation Name: A friendly name
   • Start Datetime Entity: Entity with start datetime/time
   • End Datetime Entity: Entity with end datetime/time
   • Icon: Optional custom icon

How It Works

The sensor compares the current time against the start and end values:

• Same date on entities → Treated as daily recurring range
• Different dates → Treated as one-time range
• Start time > End time → Treated as overnight range

Examples

Business Hours Check

{
  "type": "between_dates",
  "name": "During Business Hours",
  "start_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.business_start",
  "end_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.business_end"
}

Set input_datetime values:

• Start: 09:00:00 (9 AM)
• End: 17:00:00 (5 PM)

Result: ON between 9 AM - 5 PM, OFF outside those hours

Overnight Range

{
  "type": "between_dates",
  "name": "Quiet Hours",
  "start_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.quiet_start",
  "end_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.quiet_end"
}

Set input_datetime values:

• Start: 22:00:00 (10 PM)
• End: 06:00:00 (6 AM)

Result: ON between 10 PM - 6 AM (including midnight)

Event Duration

{
  "type": "between_dates",
  "name": "During Event",
  "start_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.event_start",
  "end_datetime_entity": "input_datetime.event_end"
}

Result: ON only during the specific date/time range

Automation Example

automation:
  - alias: "Send emails only during business hours"
    trigger: 
      platform: state
      entity_id: binary_sensor.work_email_received
      to: "on"
    condition:
      - condition: state
        entity_id: binary_sensor.during_business_hours
        state: "on"
    action:
      service: notify.email
      data:
        message: "Work email received"

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Next: Outside Dates Check →