Hello dear electrical enthusiasts,
We are building a single-family house, and I am doing the electrical work myself with some help. For shading, we have decided to use venetian blinds operated by SMI motors. Perhaps it is already clear to some that we are installing a KNX system. This means I can connect the motors in a bus topology rather than the usual star topology.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not installing the cable for the motors inside the ceiling beforehand. My window installer has now suggested attaching the cable to the exterior wall. On each floor, you can simply run the cable once along the outside wall and connect the motors. Since we are getting exterior wall insulation (ETICS), the cable can be well hidden. As far as I know, this is also done in passive house standards to avoid too many drillings through the exterior wall.
The motor is equipped with a Hirschmann connector. I can unplug this connector inside the box and remove the motor. So far, so good. However, I also need access to the terminals, and here I am uncertain. The window installer says there is some space to fit the terminals. The “passive house standard” apparently also does it this way, but there are opinions that there isn’t enough space to install everything properly. The Hirschmann connector also requires space.
Here is the technical drawing of the box. The yellow areas are supposed to be about 30mm (1.2 inches) wide and 40mm (1.6 inches) high. The Hirschmann connector and the terminals should fit there.
And here is the drawing of the motor:
My idea is to use a 5x 1.5mm² (5x 16 AWG) cable along the exterior wall to control each motor. I would leave a sufficiently long cable going into the box (and one going out) so that I can comfortably clamp the cables under the box with the motor. Then, I would carefully work past the slats and connect the cables to the designated areas. If necessary, I would use tape or something similar to prevent the cables from slipping down.
What do you think, will this work? I know it won’t be fun, but I assume I will only do this once, and if I ever need to access it again, it should still be reachable. Certainly, I could also install a junction box inside the house, chase channels, drill holes, and run cables from room to room… but if I can conveniently install along the exterior wall, why not?
I look forward to your opinions. Thanks in advance!
We are building a single-family house, and I am doing the electrical work myself with some help. For shading, we have decided to use venetian blinds operated by SMI motors. Perhaps it is already clear to some that we are installing a KNX system. This means I can connect the motors in a bus topology rather than the usual star topology.
Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not installing the cable for the motors inside the ceiling beforehand. My window installer has now suggested attaching the cable to the exterior wall. On each floor, you can simply run the cable once along the outside wall and connect the motors. Since we are getting exterior wall insulation (ETICS), the cable can be well hidden. As far as I know, this is also done in passive house standards to avoid too many drillings through the exterior wall.
The motor is equipped with a Hirschmann connector. I can unplug this connector inside the box and remove the motor. So far, so good. However, I also need access to the terminals, and here I am uncertain. The window installer says there is some space to fit the terminals. The “passive house standard” apparently also does it this way, but there are opinions that there isn’t enough space to install everything properly. The Hirschmann connector also requires space.
Here is the technical drawing of the box. The yellow areas are supposed to be about 30mm (1.2 inches) wide and 40mm (1.6 inches) high. The Hirschmann connector and the terminals should fit there.
And here is the drawing of the motor:
My idea is to use a 5x 1.5mm² (5x 16 AWG) cable along the exterior wall to control each motor. I would leave a sufficiently long cable going into the box (and one going out) so that I can comfortably clamp the cables under the box with the motor. Then, I would carefully work past the slats and connect the cables to the designated areas. If necessary, I would use tape or something similar to prevent the cables from slipping down.
What do you think, will this work? I know it won’t be fun, but I assume I will only do this once, and if I ever need to access it again, it should still be reachable. Certainly, I could also install a junction box inside the house, chase channels, drill holes, and run cables from room to room… but if I can conveniently install along the exterior wall, why not?
I look forward to your opinions. Thanks in advance!
B
Bauherr am L6 Apr 2020 19:38Hi Gerd,
Unfortunately, I can’t help you, but maybe you can help me: Which actuator do you use for the KNX control of the SMI motors, and why did you choose SMI?
Thanks and best regards!
Unfortunately, I can’t help you, but maybe you can help me: Which actuator do you use for the KNX control of the SMI motors, and why did you choose SMI?
Thanks and best regards!
untergasse438 Apr 2020 10:17Bauherr am L schrieb:
Unfortunately, I can’t help you, but maybe you can help me: Which actuator do you use for the KNX control of the SMI motors, and why did you choose SMI?I can contribute something regarding the actuator: At the moment, only the Warema 16-channel actuator makes sense, in my opinion. I find the functionality of Becker’s application somewhat less favorable. However, Becker is supposed to release something soon... until then, even Becker recommends the Warema actuator.As for the reasons that decided us:
- simpler wiring with many venetian blinds
- saves space in the sub-distribution panel
- precise positioning of the blind and slat angle
- faster operation (this is noticeable with scenes and simultaneous operation, but it’s mainly an optical “issue”)
- real feedback from the motor status
- better control/parameterization of groups