Hello 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.
How far along is everything already?
Personally, I follow the old saying: those who know wireless choose wired. So far, I haven’t heard any desire for anything to become smart. Why don’t you just go with a standard conventional wiring? I see wireless as a retrofit solution, which, as history has shown, often only has a short lifespan. The manufacturer changes the standard, and the old system becomes obsolete.
Personally, I follow the old saying: those who know wireless choose wired. So far, I haven’t heard any desire for anything to become smart. Why don’t you just go with a standard conventional wiring? I see wireless as a retrofit solution, which, as history has shown, often only has a short lifespan. The manufacturer changes the standard, and the old system becomes obsolete.
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xMisterDx3 Dec 2022 13:17Ruchinger schrieb:
Thanks for your replies.
I know the starting situation is far from ideal. The problem is that I relied too much on the electrician. My mistake.
My main goal is to control the lighting, roller shutters, and venetian blinds wirelessly rather than through direct wiring.
Ideally, the actuators should be located close to the “loads,” with the switches placed on the wall.
So, it’s actually not supposed to be that “smart.” Don’t let it drive you crazy. There’s nothing inherently “smart” about bus wiring; it’s the programming that makes it smart. With KNX, you have significantly more options, but it requires a license costing a few hundred euros and you need to be willing and able to work with it.
If you have to call the programmer for every change in the end, it’ll get expensive.
Not everyone has hardwood flooring for 120 €/m² (about $58/sq ft) or a luxury car in a heated double garage. However, you’ve landed in a forum where anything short of KNX is considered basic housing 😉
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