ᐅ Blind Control System for New Construction (Multiple Units per Switch Box)
Created on: 5 Jul 2018 22:04
M
molchi
Hello and good evening!
I am currently planning the electrical installation for our new build. Initially, we did not plan to install any smart home/KNX system.
However, I am now facing an issue due to limited space for the switch layout in the living room. At the living room entrance (kitchen, dining area, and sofa area), the controls for lighting, heating, and blinds all need to be combined on a narrow wall. I would prefer not to have two vertical switch frames side by side, either with four or five switches each.
In total, there are 5 roller shutter units, 1 heating control, and at least 4 lighting circuits to manage. Additionally, there might be some switched power outlets.
The electrical installation in the house will be executed as a star wiring system.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a solution?
Best regards from northern Germany,
Thomas
I am currently planning the electrical installation for our new build. Initially, we did not plan to install any smart home/KNX system.
However, I am now facing an issue due to limited space for the switch layout in the living room. At the living room entrance (kitchen, dining area, and sofa area), the controls for lighting, heating, and blinds all need to be combined on a narrow wall. I would prefer not to have two vertical switch frames side by side, either with four or five switches each.
In total, there are 5 roller shutter units, 1 heating control, and at least 4 lighting circuits to manage. Additionally, there might be some switched power outlets.
The electrical installation in the house will be executed as a star wiring system.
Does anyone have any suggestions for a solution?
Best regards from northern Germany,
Thomas
Tom1607 schrieb:
Hello,
if you are already planning to do the electrical wiring yourself (who is doing your electrical work, you or your electrician?), then the additional effort for KNX is quite manageable. An actuator for 24 lights costs 290 euros, power supply 80 euros, actuator for 12 blinds 290 euros, actuator for underfloor heating with 8 rooms 220 euros, and switches depending on your needs between 35 and 135 euros each.
Of course, this only works if you have the option to decide what components to install yourself. A standard electrician will likely add at least twice that amount to the total...
Cheaper options like Homematic are not really any less expensive. The problem with the ‘expensive KNX’ is that people always want one thing more, and then something else, and so on…Don’t forget the 1000 euros for the ETS software, and the programming effort is not really suitable for end users.
Good morning!
I plan to do the electrical work myself.
I am an electrician by training but switched to a civil service job a long time ago.
So, I’m a bit out of touch with the latest ‘modern’ gadgets, especially being in the civil service.
The ETS is basically the software for the system, right?
I don’t want to start from scratch with a huge setup. For now, my main priority is controlling the roller shutters, preferably with a central control option, and reducing the number of switch units (back boxes) due to limited space.
Good luck,
Thomas
I plan to do the electrical work myself.
I am an electrician by training but switched to a civil service job a long time ago.
So, I’m a bit out of touch with the latest ‘modern’ gadgets, especially being in the civil service.
The ETS is basically the software for the system, right?
I don’t want to start from scratch with a huge setup. For now, my main priority is controlling the roller shutters, preferably with a central control option, and reducing the number of switch units (back boxes) due to limited space.
Good luck,
Thomas
molchi schrieb:
often centrally located and the reduction of switch units (junction boxes) due to space constraints.One of the main reasons why bus systems exist in the first place...
There are countless shutter controls and similar devices. But since you are an electrician and already do star wiring,
I would get serious about it and install KNX cable everywhere, then expand it gradually.
The cable costs 40 euros per 100-meter (330 feet) roll, so it’s hardly noticeable in the budget.
EdStark schrieb:
the programming effort is not for end users. Haha, carnival season again? Rarely laughed that hard.
Anyone who can create an Excel spreadsheet can manage KNX configuration easily.
molchi schrieb:
ETS is basically the software for the system, right? Yes, and you can get a much cheaper Lite version, which is absolutely sufficient for small installations.
All in all, you’re looking at around 1,000 to 2,000 euros for everything (if it’s just for 1 to 3 rooms at first). As mentioned, you can expand later once you’ve laid the foundation.
The major advantage of Homematic is that there are many wireless components available, which can be combined with the wired version.
This allows, for example, controlling roller shutters wirelessly while operating lighting through wired connections.
However, if you are wiring everything anyway in a star topology, you can choose Homematic Wired or KNX.
This allows, for example, controlling roller shutters wirelessly while operating lighting through wired connections.
However, if you are wiring everything anyway in a star topology, you can choose Homematic Wired or KNX.
Thank you all for your opinions!
I will now try to get into KNX.
I have read up on it briefly before.
I would exclude the wireless option.
That leaves TP (24 V), PL (230 V), and Ethernet.
Since we don’t want to control anything from outside the house for now, only two options remain.
Am I right in thinking that if I want to install switches with many switching functions, the TP option is the right one?
Would I then need to run telephone cable, or better KNX cable, wherever there are switches (sensors)?
Is there a manufacturer you would recommend, like BuJä, Jung, Gira, or others?
As far as I know, BuJä is usually the most affordable.
Sorry for my lack of knowledge and possibly silly questions!
Best regards,
Thomas
I will now try to get into KNX.
I have read up on it briefly before.
I would exclude the wireless option.
That leaves TP (24 V), PL (230 V), and Ethernet.
Since we don’t want to control anything from outside the house for now, only two options remain.
Am I right in thinking that if I want to install switches with many switching functions, the TP option is the right one?
Would I then need to run telephone cable, or better KNX cable, wherever there are switches (sensors)?
Is there a manufacturer you would recommend, like BuJä, Jung, Gira, or others?
As far as I know, BuJä is usually the most affordable.
Sorry for my lack of knowledge and possibly silly questions!
Best regards,
Thomas
KNX cables to every switch box, outlet group, ceiling outlet, etc. (for presence detectors or other sensors) – ideally just to every possible location.
First, just lay them out and connect everything in a tree/star/open ring topology.
It doesn’t matter if only part of it initially gets sensors or other devices and the rest does not.
KNX cables should be installed in addition to other types of cables, not as a replacement.
Telephone cables have no place in new construction.
First, just lay them out and connect everything in a tree/star/open ring topology.
It doesn’t matter if only part of it initially gets sensors or other devices and the rest does not.
KNX cables should be installed in addition to other types of cables, not as a replacement.
Telephone cables have no place in new construction.