Hello,
my husband and I are looking to buy a detached house from the 1970s. Naturally, it needs a lot of renovation and remodeling...
About 20 years ago, a modern "smart home" system was installed in this house, possibly EIB / KNX? As I understand it, there are "regular electrical lines" as well as "EIB-controlled electrical lines," which, for example, control the ceiling lights or automatically raise and lower blinds. The radiators are also controlled by this system... However, there is no display to operate everything; instead, a program runs on a PC that must always be turned on. The software itself seems rather outdated... There is also no app for smartphones or similar, so it does not appear very user-friendly.
Since we don't have much experience with this and the system seems quite old, we are wondering whether it would be better to replace or modernize it. What are your thoughts?
Is there a modern system compatible with the "EIB-controlled electrical lines"?
Or would it be necessary to replace the electrical wiring if you want to get rid of the EIB system?
(As long as the system works, that’s fine, but continuously running a PC doesn’t seem practical to us.
And always having to call an electrician whenever the blinds need to operate at different times is difficult!)
We genuinely see this as an obstacle to buying the house. What would be an affordable, modern solution?
Thank you very much!
my husband and I are looking to buy a detached house from the 1970s. Naturally, it needs a lot of renovation and remodeling...
About 20 years ago, a modern "smart home" system was installed in this house, possibly EIB / KNX? As I understand it, there are "regular electrical lines" as well as "EIB-controlled electrical lines," which, for example, control the ceiling lights or automatically raise and lower blinds. The radiators are also controlled by this system... However, there is no display to operate everything; instead, a program runs on a PC that must always be turned on. The software itself seems rather outdated... There is also no app for smartphones or similar, so it does not appear very user-friendly.
Since we don't have much experience with this and the system seems quite old, we are wondering whether it would be better to replace or modernize it. What are your thoughts?
Is there a modern system compatible with the "EIB-controlled electrical lines"?
Or would it be necessary to replace the electrical wiring if you want to get rid of the EIB system?
(As long as the system works, that’s fine, but continuously running a PC doesn’t seem practical to us.
And always having to call an electrician whenever the blinds need to operate at different times is difficult!)
We genuinely see this as an obstacle to buying the house. What would be an affordable, modern solution?
Thank you very much!
A 20-year-old KNX EIB system is definitely an advantage compared to conventional wiring. If everything works, that’s great, right?
Wiring that’s 50 years old would, in my opinion, be significantly worse. KNX control can usually be replaced and made “smarter” at a central point. However, others are more experienced with that ->> @RotorMotor, @sysrun80, @rick2018
Much of what you want I interpret as "remote control," but in my opinion, that’s not truly smart. It’s better when almost everything runs automatically without intervention.
P.S. We have a system that can also integrate KNX systems, among others, but I don’t want or am allowed to advertise it here 😳
Wiring that’s 50 years old would, in my opinion, be significantly worse. KNX control can usually be replaced and made “smarter” at a central point. However, others are more experienced with that ->> @RotorMotor, @sysrun80, @rick2018
Much of what you want I interpret as "remote control," but in my opinion, that’s not truly smart. It’s better when almost everything runs automatically without intervention.
P.S. We have a system that can also integrate KNX systems, among others, but I don’t want or am allowed to advertise it here 😳
R
RotorMotor22 Sep 2023 20:32@Linda123, could you tell us more about the system, maybe share some photos of the control cabinet and other components? Are there switches? A control panel? Is much of it automated?
Would you also enjoy a smart home where many functions run automatically, or would that just be a hassle for you?
Would you also enjoy a smart home where many functions run automatically, or would that just be a hassle for you?
Hello Linda,
KNX (formerly known as EIB) is still state-of-the-art technology. Of course, the components and ways of control have evolved, but the basic concept of KNX has remained the same and is still up to date.
To give a proper assessment of what the problem might be, one would need to know the system. However, if blinds, radiators, ceiling lights, and partly circuits (power outlets) are controlled via KNX, that is a great starting point. The computer that runs continuously is unfortunately also still state-of-the-art (as a control system for the house—today it is more energy-efficient, smaller, and more powerful, but the fundamental idea remains).
This is where you could consider making adjustments if necessary. But first, you really need to ask yourselves whether you actually have this need! A tablet or smartphone app is just a remote control that saves you from getting up once—yet EVERYTHING is still controlled by YOU. That is not the core idea of a smart home; it should take over the regulation for you (for example, blinds that react to weather and sunlight, lighting that switches on based on presence when there is not enough daylight, and much more).
If you want a smart home, this is where you should start. If not, I would recommend making minimal changes initially. KNX is basically based on a project file where the system and functions are configured. You need that file. Then you can work with a qualified system integrator to implement your wishes. For example, it could be that you want to be able to set the times for the blinds yourselves (via an interface to the PC, for instance). Or motion and presence detectors or window contacts could be retrofitted to expand functionality. The possibilities are nearly unlimited and can require either minimal or more effort.
In the first step, you should decide whether you want a smart home at all. If not, can you live with the system as it is? If the answer is no, it makes sense again to consult a system integrator who can probably simplify the KNX system quite easily. This will not be free but will be significantly cheaper than reworking the house’s electrical installation.
Here is a small, meaningful contribution on the topic of smart homes (compared to what you typically find online when you search):
Practical Example Smart Home
Best regards
KNX (formerly known as EIB) is still state-of-the-art technology. Of course, the components and ways of control have evolved, but the basic concept of KNX has remained the same and is still up to date.
To give a proper assessment of what the problem might be, one would need to know the system. However, if blinds, radiators, ceiling lights, and partly circuits (power outlets) are controlled via KNX, that is a great starting point. The computer that runs continuously is unfortunately also still state-of-the-art (as a control system for the house—today it is more energy-efficient, smaller, and more powerful, but the fundamental idea remains).
This is where you could consider making adjustments if necessary. But first, you really need to ask yourselves whether you actually have this need! A tablet or smartphone app is just a remote control that saves you from getting up once—yet EVERYTHING is still controlled by YOU. That is not the core idea of a smart home; it should take over the regulation for you (for example, blinds that react to weather and sunlight, lighting that switches on based on presence when there is not enough daylight, and much more).
If you want a smart home, this is where you should start. If not, I would recommend making minimal changes initially. KNX is basically based on a project file where the system and functions are configured. You need that file. Then you can work with a qualified system integrator to implement your wishes. For example, it could be that you want to be able to set the times for the blinds yourselves (via an interface to the PC, for instance). Or motion and presence detectors or window contacts could be retrofitted to expand functionality. The possibilities are nearly unlimited and can require either minimal or more effort.
In the first step, you should decide whether you want a smart home at all. If not, can you live with the system as it is? If the answer is no, it makes sense again to consult a system integrator who can probably simplify the KNX system quite easily. This will not be free but will be significantly cheaper than reworking the house’s electrical installation.
Here is a small, meaningful contribution on the topic of smart homes (compared to what you typically find online when you search):
Practical Example Smart Home
Best regards
I’ve done something like this a few times. Usually, you replace the actuators with newer ones, switch the push buttons to more recent models of your choice, and then everything works again. The only important thing is to have documentation showing which wire in the control cabinet operates what. But even without that, a skilled electrician can figure it out within 1-2 days. Then you add a system for visualization on top (the one with the apps), and the setup is complete.
The great thing about the reliable old KNX system is that the wiring still fits today. Try doing that with Matter in 20 years. The key is having an electrician who is willing to thoroughly test the whole setup and enjoys this kind of work. You definitely need to invest money in “renovating” the system; the amount depends on the size of the installation or the house. Where are you located?
The great thing about the reliable old KNX system is that the wiring still fits today. Try doing that with Matter in 20 years. The key is having an electrician who is willing to thoroughly test the whole setup and enjoys this kind of work. You definitely need to invest money in “renovating” the system; the amount depends on the size of the installation or the house. Where are you located?