SPECIAL FEATURE
SECURITY
loads are connected directly to relays or actuators rather than through electrical light switches.
Intruder alarm installers face a highly competitive environment.
turned up or down in response to the security system being armed to away or night mode or by time programmes.
• Schedules or time programmes allow automatic control of security, lighting and other appliances. These can be used to automatically arm the security system and switch off selected lights at night, and, for example, to water the garden. Some advanced systems calculate the sunrise and sunset times based on the time of year and location which can be major cities in the world or latitude and longitude coordinates. Automatic adjustment of daylight savings time changes is also a very useful feature for time programmes as it removes the need to remember to change the time manually.
• Motion sensors in certain areas in the
home can trigger the alarm in away mode, but can turn on certain lights in night mode, and switch them off automatically when no more motion is detected for a period of time.
• External motion sensors can switch on lights and trigger a recorded warning message.
SECURITY AND LIGHTING
The most common component of a home automation system is lighting, where one or more lights can be controlled by electronic switches, keypads or remote controls. Such lighting systems may be bus based like KNX or C-Bus by Schneider where electronic low voltage switches are connected in a bus throughout the house, and the lighting
Bus lighting systems are very reliable and have very extensive functionality. However, they will probably not be found in the average home due to the cost and the fact that some electricians are not yet familiar with the wiring scheme. When such bus systems are installed in a home, KNX or C-Bus enabled security systems which work directly with the lighting system are a great advantage as they allow the security system to directly control the lighting, and conversely allow buttons on the lighting system or touch screens to operate the security system. Lights and appliances can also be connected via the AC outlets using power line technology like X10 and its variants, although this is more suitable for non- essential items like plug-in devices because of problems caused by noise on the power line. Other lighting products communicate
by wireless means like infrared and RF signals. Wireless technologies used in home automation, including products complying to the Zigbee and Zwave standards, are expected to be more widely available at a lower cost in the near future. Sound and entertainment multi-room systems controlled by touch screens and keypads that also control lighting with mood scenes and underfloor heating are a typical part of home automation for high end homes in the UK. The cost of such systems ranges from many thousands of pounds, to more than five
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PRACTICAL
In summary, home automation is not just for the very rich, with full scene control of every lighting circuit, and entertainment systems with touchscreens in every room. It should be understood that it is not necessary to be able to control every light and appliance in the house, to have a practical home automation system. Any reasonably sized house can be a candidate for automation. The key to practical and affordable automation is the integration of strategic appliances, security, lights, and other subsystems in the home to create an intelligent home which provides comfort, convenience and energy savings for the occupants. There is a large untapped opportunity to bring affordable home automation incorporating smart security systems to a much wider market.
LY Chiu is an electrical engineer with more than 20 years experience in the development of access control, electronic medical products, handheld display devices and home automation systems. He is the founder of Cytech Technology and markets the Comfort Intelligent Home System worldwide.
figures but these are not an essential aspect of a home automation system.
the green cable from
Certified Product
the green cable company
A KNX®
As a member of the KNX association Flexible & Specialist Cables now offer a KNX certified home automation and building control cable.
Featuring two solid copper twisted pairs, an overall screen and a green low smoke halogen free jacket, the FSC KNX cable has been tested and certified as being suitable for use in KNX systems and bears the KNX logo.
Using KNX certified products ensures quality and interoperability between devices and equipment.
Installations are made easier through clear and simple wiring and installers can be confident of a hassle free installation.
Look for the KNX logo when specifying.
For more information visit
www.fscables.com/knx
• Tel: 01727 840 841 •
www.fscables.com •
sales@fscables.com
ISO 14001 Accredited
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