# 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

![Add Between Dates](img/AddBetweenDates.png)

## 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
```json
{
  "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
```json
{
  "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
```json
{
  "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

```yaml
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 →](Outside-Dates-Check)