Home Automation


Why do we make energy saving so complicated?


Andy Douglas, managing director at Timeguard, shares his thoughts on the future of smart buildings.


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herever you stand on the need for net zero, the regulations are here and, boy, can they be hard for non-specialists to get their heads around. For new-builds and big refurbishments, we can leave the complex calculations to the design and construction teams, whose job it is to know the Building Regs inside out. Our role is to design and supply the equipment that meets their specifications to create increasingly smart and intelligent buildings.


What do those terms - smart and intelligent - even mean? In a nutshell, smart systems allow for user control, while intelligent buildings are automated. The lines are blurring though and that’s opened up new opportunities for you and your customers. Don’t overthink it – most projects are just about more convenience and less consumption.


I’m a simple soul, and to my mind, the user must be able to control their automation easily and effectively. No matter how remarkable the electronics inside are, control has to be straightforward. I also believe that most people still want to have that control in their own hands, even if they rarely change the settings. Complex systems that can only be controlled by calling an installer back in are not on their shopping list. I’ve seen the evolution of smart time controls, from simple plug-in mechanical timers to Wi-Fi control with multiple programming options which have become easier and easier to use - and that’s smart enough for many people. With the majority of the population now being digital natives, seemingly born understanding and trusting this tech – the market has been ripe for adding good Wi-Fi control. It’s been a runaway


Wi-Fi controlled lighting that also switches multiple other devices


“People want the performance but not, perhaps, the budget of these top end projects… Now, over-the-counter smart devices are enabling this to non- specialist installers.”


success for us and you. I repeat, don’t overthink, don’t over-complicate.


Intelligent control is often differentiated from ‘basic’ smart control by being able to make devices talk to and control each other automatically. Of course, this is more in demand for commercial and high-end residential buildings, where the sun shines and the blinds go down and the swimming pool cover rolls back. Or perhaps the movie starts in the private cinema and the lights go down etc. The controls packages for these projects aren’t normally going to be bought from the catalogue pages or at the counter: sourcing and supplying them is often a job for your account managers.


You can add WiFi to wall switches ewnews.co.uk


Back in the real world… These high levels of integration by custom installers have set the bar for consumer expectations. People want the performance but not, perhaps, the budget of


these top end projects. You can plug the gap. For instance, it would be useful for many people to have presence detectors switch a whole host of LED lighting or other devices. Now, over-the-counter smart devices are enabling this to non-specialist installers, who can effectively encroach at the margins of intelligent control to the delight of their customers! With innovations like Timeguard’s new Wi-Fi LED floodlight, users can control other compatible lighting and devices in harmony. The LED200WFB’s indirect load activation can trigger other devices controlled by the same App when the PIR detects someone in the area. Timeguard has standardised on the global TuYa App, which is continuously maintained and improved and, above all, trusted. Installers can devise and build their own system to suit the customer – and our tech team is at the end of the phone to answer installers queries on loading and compatibility. The Wi-Fi option also avoids the complex wiring involved in very high-end projects. It’s no surprise that these high end installations often use Wi-Fi control for ‘last mile’ wire-free control. So don’t overthink it – focus on the here- and-now opportunities and make sure your customers are aware of them.


August 2023 electrical wholesaler | 21


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