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Ruchinger2 Dec 2022 21:23Hello dear community,
we are currently extending a timber frame structure with a masonry bungalow. For the electrical work, we hired an electrician who was supposed to provide advice and for me to lay the conduits according to his instructions. Unfortunately, this gentleman is quite disorganized and often fails to answer my questions satisfactorily. He mentions things like smart home being possible but doesn’t follow through, etc. Overall, quite disappointing.
I now have some questions and hope to get constructive input here.
First, a fundamental question:
Is it possible to control lighting in a room entirely via wireless switches? In other words, no direct wiring between the light switch and the light fixture. For me, this would have the advantage of not needing to install extra conduits for the lighting, but instead feeding the fixture from a junction box.
The actuator would then be placed directly at the light output. I also see this as an advantage for outdoor lighting, as no extra conduits would be needed to the switches.
If yes, what disadvantages do you see in this approach?
Overall, I would like to control roller shutters, venetian blinds (actuator in the box), and lighting wirelessly. A video doorbell system would also be nice. The roller shutters and venetian blinds could be installed natively with Somfy (Tahoma). However, this would limit me to one system. Even if Zigbee is supported, that doesn’t automatically mean that other Zigbee components can be integrated into the system.
Therefore, I am looking for a non-proprietary wireless system that is relatively maintenance-free, expandable, well-established, and ideally affordable.
The electrician keeps referring to the LeGrand system. He seems to mean Valena Life / Allure with Netatmo. Unfortunately, I can’t find any reviews about it.
What do you think about this, and what is your opinion regarding my requirements?
I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
we are currently extending a timber frame structure with a masonry bungalow. For the electrical work, we hired an electrician who was supposed to provide advice and for me to lay the conduits according to his instructions. Unfortunately, this gentleman is quite disorganized and often fails to answer my questions satisfactorily. He mentions things like smart home being possible but doesn’t follow through, etc. Overall, quite disappointing.
I now have some questions and hope to get constructive input here.
First, a fundamental question:
Is it possible to control lighting in a room entirely via wireless switches? In other words, no direct wiring between the light switch and the light fixture. For me, this would have the advantage of not needing to install extra conduits for the lighting, but instead feeding the fixture from a junction box.
The actuator would then be placed directly at the light output. I also see this as an advantage for outdoor lighting, as no extra conduits would be needed to the switches.
If yes, what disadvantages do you see in this approach?
Overall, I would like to control roller shutters, venetian blinds (actuator in the box), and lighting wirelessly. A video doorbell system would also be nice. The roller shutters and venetian blinds could be installed natively with Somfy (Tahoma). However, this would limit me to one system. Even if Zigbee is supported, that doesn’t automatically mean that other Zigbee components can be integrated into the system.
Therefore, I am looking for a non-proprietary wireless system that is relatively maintenance-free, expandable, well-established, and ideally affordable.
The electrician keeps referring to the LeGrand system. He seems to mean Valena Life / Allure with Netatmo. Unfortunately, I can’t find any reviews about it.
What do you think about this, and what is your opinion regarding my requirements?
I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
Phew, considering a temporary wireless solution during the structural shell phase of the extension seems like the wrong approach to me. But that’s just my humble opinion. Although, you did ask ;-)
I would run signal cables (the green KNX or Cat7a) to the switches and distribute power centrally to the devices, then connect the actuators in the control cabinet. This way, you remain flexible in choosing the "smart home system" and can always add wireless later (although I don’t recommend it).
I would run signal cables (the green KNX or Cat7a) to the switches and distribute power centrally to the devices, then connect the actuators in the control cabinet. This way, you remain flexible in choosing the "smart home system" and can always add wireless later (although I don’t recommend it).
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xMisterDx3 Dec 2022 00:12At the latest, when window sensors are added—two per window to detect tilted/opened positions—you’ll return to wireless systems. And if you’re already using wireless, there’s no need to work with bus cables anymore...
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Ruchinger3 Dec 2022 09:41Thank you for your responses.
I know the initial situation is far from ideal. The problem is that I relied too much on the electrician. That was my mistake.
My main concern is to control the lights, roller shutters, and venetian blinds wirelessly rather than through direct wiring.
Ideally, the actuators should be installed close to the "loads," with the switches mounted on the wall.
So, it’s actually not really “smart” at all.
I know the initial situation is far from ideal. The problem is that I relied too much on the electrician. That was my mistake.
My main concern is to control the lights, roller shutters, and venetian blinds wirelessly rather than through direct wiring.
Ideally, the actuators should be installed close to the "loads," with the switches mounted on the wall.
So, it’s actually not really “smart” at all.
Wireless is wireless and comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, especially when the walls are closed up and you realize, hmm, it doesn’t work – which can be quite frustrating.
I would definitely recommend installing bus cables, even if they are just YSTY cables, but preferably network cables. That way, you have all options open and can also implement switches.
In general, I would strongly advise sitting down with the electrician, as it already sounds like you might encounter problems later on. Also, discuss this primarily with the site manager.
I would definitely recommend installing bus cables, even if they are just YSTY cables, but preferably network cables. That way, you have all options open and can also implement switches.
In general, I would strongly advise sitting down with the electrician, as it already sounds like you might encounter problems later on. Also, discuss this primarily with the site manager.
xMisterDx schrieb:
As soon as window sensors are added—two per window to detect if tilted or opened—you’ll end up going wireless again. And if you’re already using wireless, there’s no reason to work with bus cables anymore...Since when is it no longer possible to order new windows with sensors? Wireless solution versus bus cables? I’d say that’s comparing apples and oranges.
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