ᐅ Preparing Electrical Wiring for a Smart Home in New Construction
Created on: 26 Dec 2015 12:00
J
jeti79
Hello everyone,
We are currently planning our new build, and we will be installing the electrical system ourselves (an electrician in the family).
I want to consider the topic of smart home technology early on, even though it won’t be installed right from the start. I would appreciate tips from those who have already done something similar.
So far, the plan is to use push-button switches (for example, for lights, blinds, etc.) and run separate wiring through relays in the distribution board to control the 230V (230V) lines.
Additionally, I want to install window contacts and sensors (temperature, humidity, and motion) in all rooms and be able to monitor these later via the 24V (24V) lines.
I’m interested in what else I should include early on to be well prepared for smart home integration later. I’d like to avoid radio/wireless connections and pure bus systems if possible.
As an IT specialist, I am considering using a Raspberry Pi, but it seems to me that even with expansion boards, it has too few ports.
I look forward to your tips and suggestions. Links for further reading on the topic are also welcome.
Best regards from Westerkappeln,
Jens
We are currently planning our new build, and we will be installing the electrical system ourselves (an electrician in the family).
I want to consider the topic of smart home technology early on, even though it won’t be installed right from the start. I would appreciate tips from those who have already done something similar.
So far, the plan is to use push-button switches (for example, for lights, blinds, etc.) and run separate wiring through relays in the distribution board to control the 230V (230V) lines.
Additionally, I want to install window contacts and sensors (temperature, humidity, and motion) in all rooms and be able to monitor these later via the 24V (24V) lines.
I’m interested in what else I should include early on to be well prepared for smart home integration later. I’d like to avoid radio/wireless connections and pure bus systems if possible.
As an IT specialist, I am considering using a Raspberry Pi, but it seems to me that even with expansion boards, it has too few ports.
I look forward to your tips and suggestions. Links for further reading on the topic are also welcome.
Best regards from Westerkappeln,
Jens
I can only agree with Torsan... first clarify what you actually want and don’t try to reinvent the wheel.
A PLC (programmable logic controller) is really only beneficial for someone who is familiar with it and interested in using it... for the average user, it’s not suitable.
There are various ready-made solutions available... all have their pros and cons...
Your closing sentence hits the nail on the head...
A PLC (programmable logic controller) is really only beneficial for someone who is familiar with it and interested in using it... for the average user, it’s not suitable.
There are various ready-made solutions available... all have their pros and cons...
jeti79 schrieb:
My idea is to start by controlling everything conventionally with push buttons (lights, blinds, etc.) and gradually switch to an automation solution later. That’s why I’m considering running patch cables/insulated bell wire to the push buttons and using 24V switching relays to close them, in order to operate power relays for the 230V supply. This should make a future switch largely trouble-free and mostly without wireless components.
Am I far off from a realistic approach?
Your closing sentence hits the nail on the head...
jeti79 schrieb:
I’m stuck here: So, besides completing the 24V circuit, I’d also need additional wires to possibly use KNX, right? How many wires per switch point should I plan for? Hmm... If you run a KNX bus cable to every switch or pushbutton, you should be on the safe side. (I missed exactly that... :/)
A KNX bus cable has four cores. If you don’t go with KNX, you can still use those for other systems, for example Homematic: power supply plus RS485 bus.
jeti79 schrieb:
That’s to be expected — but what would bother me more is if I wanted to implement it later but missed the chance just because I saved 500€ on extra cables during the new build...Having it is better than needing it. That said, it’s no use if you have oversized wiring but then lose the motivation to set everything up properly. I wouldn’t underestimate that.
Cheers, torsan
I always say: "You learn from mistakes, and if you’re smart, you learn from other people’s mistakes!"
Torsan is now at the point where you will be in a year, or rather, when your house is finished… if you don’t do it properly…
No offense to you, Torsan!
With "smart homes," there is really no such thing as proper "preparation" — you either do it fully or not at all, regardless of the system chosen. The most you can do is a basic installation in the desired system, but usually you need to clarify in advance where future expansion modules, sensors, or actuators will be installed and lay the cables accordingly.
Most of the time, however, this ends up as a never-ending custom solution or remains just the basic installation.
Please write down what you want to control and how things should be switched, what additional features you want, and the logic you have in mind… then maybe some systems can be ruled out from the start.
Torsan is now at the point where you will be in a year, or rather, when your house is finished… if you don’t do it properly…
No offense to you, Torsan!
With "smart homes," there is really no such thing as proper "preparation" — you either do it fully or not at all, regardless of the system chosen. The most you can do is a basic installation in the desired system, but usually you need to clarify in advance where future expansion modules, sensors, or actuators will be installed and lay the cables accordingly.
Most of the time, however, this ends up as a never-ending custom solution or remains just the basic installation.
Please write down what you want to control and how things should be switched, what additional features you want, and the logic you have in mind… then maybe some systems can be ruled out from the start.
Mycraft schrieb:
First clarify what you actually want and don’t try to reinvent the wheel. That’s what I’m doing with this thread – don’t be confused by the fact that I’ve already given it some thought (which may of course be wrong). It might be that the Raspberry Pi option doesn’t work or is a mess. The PLC (programmable logic controller) always seemed a bit questionable to me from the start... I’m trying to explore the possibilities, especially in terms of financial feasibility.
Mycraft schrieb:
With your closing sentence, you hit the nail on the head... In what way? Apparently, many homeowners have retrofitted automation solutions. Since I can’t or don’t want to spend the estimated 10,000–20,000€ right now, I want to keep as many options open as possible and not regret later having saved a few hundred euros during the initial construction.
torsan schrieb:
If you run a KNX bus cable to every switch/button, you should be on the safe side Do the cables for KNX need to meet specific specifications? Since the switches will be installed anyway, it wouldn’t be much effort to lay LAN cables or 4x2x0.8mm (AWG) cables – that would leave some reserves for whichever standard later. That sounds like an additional cost of a few hundred euros, with the option to implement an automation system later, like Homematic wired (which currently seems to offer the best price-performance ratio). I will also take a closer look at KNX soon.
torsan schrieb:
Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it I completely agree – I would be really frustrated if I saved on this and later realized that I can’t do something because I skimped on the wrong end.
torsan schrieb:
However, it’s no use having oversized wiring and then losing the motivation to complete everything properly. I wouldn’t underestimate that Of course, I don’t want to underestimate that. But the fear of not doing something is clearly much stronger (as you can probably tell).
jeti79 schrieb:
In what way? It seems that many homeowners have decided to install automation solutions afterwards. Since I currently cannot/will not invest the estimated 10,000–20,000€ (11,000–22,000 USD) upfront, I want to keep as many options open as possible to avoid regretting saving a few hundred euros during the new build.Those are just the bandwagon riders who can switch lights with their iPhone and operate their blinds/shutters… the neighbors admire that, and the builder feels like a hero… because they have a "smart home." Unfortunately, there’s nothing really smart about it…
jeti79 schrieb:
Do KNX wiring cables need to meet a specific standard? Yes, only the well-known green cable is approved for this purpose… CAT cables are not suitable.
jeti79 schrieb:
currently gives me the best price/performance impression At first glance, yes… but you should look at it at least twice…
Mycraft schrieb:
I always say: "You learn from mistakes, and if you’re smart, you learn from other people’s mistakes!"
Torsan is now at the point you will be in a year, or when the house is finished... if you don’t do it right...
No offense to you, Torsan!Nonsense, I’m not taking anything personally here.
I also don’t see myself at a "point of despair." Everything is working as intended, is properly (professionally!) installed, and documented.
As with many things in house building, afterwards you realize what you could have done better, more nicely, or more impressively. Hindsight is always 20/20.
My concept, which was developed in advance, was:
- Ceiling spotlights controlled via switches and E*****o dimmers (also in the electrical cabinet)
- Sockets, blinds, garage door, and outdoor lights operated via HM Wired
- Glass-break and opening sensors also connected through HM Wired
This naturally results in additional effort for wiring/cabling, and you should be aware of that!
Best regards, torsan