ᐅ New Construction: Recommendation for Integrating a Smart Home System with a Security Alarm
Created on: 7 Sep 2020 15:40
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_Ugeen_Hello everyone,
We are currently building a single-family house and are considering how to set up the electronics. According to the requirements of our builder, we have electrically operated roller shutters controlled wirelessly via Somfy systems. Our roller shutters for the roof windows are from Decker and are also wirelessly controlled with a system from Becker. Unfortunately, it was not possible to use a single manufacturer, which is somewhat frustrating, but that’s how it is.
We definitely want a reliable alarm system (not a smart home system like Telekom or similar). This means installing motion detectors, cameras (indoors and outdoors), an internal siren, and so on. I am also thinking about whether a video doorbell could be an alternative to a traditional doorbell. However, we want a wired solution here, not something like Ring. This also raises the question of whether a separate outdoor camera might make the video doorbell unnecessary.
With smart home technology, I could also imagine lighting control, although I don’t want it everywhere. The lights should be able to be turned on and off with a regular remote control or a light switch. Activation or deactivation via app is completely out of the question for me. Future guests should be able to turn the lights on and off without an app or my assistance.
Now the question is whether we should go for a KNX system to be prepared for the future, or whether that might be too advanced for our needs. Another factor is that we want to reduce radiation exposure in our home somewhat.
We are currently building a single-family house and are considering how to set up the electronics. According to the requirements of our builder, we have electrically operated roller shutters controlled wirelessly via Somfy systems. Our roller shutters for the roof windows are from Decker and are also wirelessly controlled with a system from Becker. Unfortunately, it was not possible to use a single manufacturer, which is somewhat frustrating, but that’s how it is.
We definitely want a reliable alarm system (not a smart home system like Telekom or similar). This means installing motion detectors, cameras (indoors and outdoors), an internal siren, and so on. I am also thinking about whether a video doorbell could be an alternative to a traditional doorbell. However, we want a wired solution here, not something like Ring. This also raises the question of whether a separate outdoor camera might make the video doorbell unnecessary.
With smart home technology, I could also imagine lighting control, although I don’t want it everywhere. The lights should be able to be turned on and off with a regular remote control or a light switch. Activation or deactivation via app is completely out of the question for me. Future guests should be able to turn the lights on and off without an app or my assistance.
Now the question is whether we should go for a KNX system to be prepared for the future, or whether that might be too advanced for our needs. Another factor is that we want to reduce radiation exposure in our home somewhat.
untergasse437 Sep 2020 16:41You are building and wondering how the electronics should be set up? Is it still possible to make changes to the electrical system?
If not, you will have to rely entirely on wireless devices for alarms and sensors. However, this does not fit well with your goal of minimizing radiation at home (do you turn off your phones and avoid Wi-Fi?). With KNX, all of this is manageable, but I think a traditional alarm system (Telenot, ABB, Indexa, etc.) might suit you better. KNX is not necessarily required just for sensors and some lighting. Remote-controlled lighting also conflicts somewhat with minimizing radiation, although ZigBee is very energy-efficient and emits minimal radiation. If you do not have any other building automation, the intercom system can also be a standalone solution that does not need to be integrated elsewhere.
If not, you will have to rely entirely on wireless devices for alarms and sensors. However, this does not fit well with your goal of minimizing radiation at home (do you turn off your phones and avoid Wi-Fi?). With KNX, all of this is manageable, but I think a traditional alarm system (Telenot, ABB, Indexa, etc.) might suit you better. KNX is not necessarily required just for sensors and some lighting. Remote-controlled lighting also conflicts somewhat with minimizing radiation, although ZigBee is very energy-efficient and emits minimal radiation. If you do not have any other building automation, the intercom system can also be a standalone solution that does not need to be integrated elsewhere.
I also believe that it is already too late for any complex solutions, including low-radiation or radiation-free options. I see it as more likely that multiple standalone systems will be used here; whether this is good or bad will only become clear later.
However, I dare to predict that, as is often the case, there will be a mix of devices that either somehow work together or not at all. But that can also function, and as it is often said, you do not miss what you do not know.
Depending on which Becker drives you get, it may be possible to control them via cable.
However, I dare to predict that, as is often the case, there will be a mix of devices that either somehow work together or not at all. But that can also function, and as it is often said, you do not miss what you do not know.
Depending on which Becker drives you get, it may be possible to control them via cable.
Currently, the shell of the building is being constructed, and we have yet to discuss details with the electrician. So, there is still some flexibility at this stage. The issue of radiation is often misunderstood. I am not planning to wear a tin foil hat or completely eliminate radiation; I just want to reduce it. Even within wireless technology, there are differences. Unfortunately, the situation with the roller shutters is as it is, and that is correct.
@untergasse43 If I don’t use a remote control or app to turn on my lights, what other options do I have? Perhaps some background information: with a remote control, for example, I would only want to switch on the lights of our entertainment unit or a floor lamp. Everything else should be switched on in the classic way, using a light switch.
In which scenarios would a KNX system be recommended?
@untergasse43 If I don’t use a remote control or app to turn on my lights, what other options do I have? Perhaps some background information: with a remote control, for example, I would only want to switch on the lights of our entertainment unit or a floor lamp. Everything else should be switched on in the classic way, using a light switch.
In which scenarios would a KNX system be recommended?
The things you mentioned have nothing to do with smart home technology, but only with remote control functionality.
KNX makes sense when you want to link devices, automate processes, and apply logic.
With many blinds, KNX can already be cost-effective.
In a new build, it’s better to rely on wired systems rather than wireless.
If you want no or very little radiation, you would need to live somewhere remote or have a bunker.
Overall, I get the impression that you haven’t dealt much with this yet. Find a good system integrator. Why is your construction company dictating what is installed? You are the client and the decision maker.
KNX makes sense when you want to link devices, automate processes, and apply logic.
With many blinds, KNX can already be cost-effective.
In a new build, it’s better to rely on wired systems rather than wireless.
If you want no or very little radiation, you would need to live somewhere remote or have a bunker.
Overall, I get the impression that you haven’t dealt much with this yet. Find a good system integrator. Why is your construction company dictating what is installed? You are the client and the decision maker.
What I don’t fully understand is the issue with the roller shutters. On one hand, you say you are already decided, but on the other hand, the shell of the building is only just being constructed. If the shell is only going up now, then there is still some flexibility with the wiring, and you’re not necessarily committed 100% to wireless. Otherwise, I fully agree with Rick.
To minimize radiation, all stationary devices should be connected via LAN, and for Wi-Fi, use multiple access points per floor. Usually, one access point is enough if it operates at full power, but with several, you can reduce the transmit power, which overall means less radiation. Ideally, the access points should be mounted on the ceiling. This is easy to implement with a suspended ceiling; with a concrete ceiling, the installation should be planned in advance.
To minimize radiation, all stationary devices should be connected via LAN, and for Wi-Fi, use multiple access points per floor. Usually, one access point is enough if it operates at full power, but with several, you can reduce the transmit power, which overall means less radiation. Ideally, the access points should be mounted on the ceiling. This is easy to implement with a suspended ceiling; with a concrete ceiling, the installation should be planned in advance.