ᐅ Experience with Shelly Pro Series vs. Homematic IP Wired vs. Bus Wiring Systems

Hello everyone,

Currently, our shell construction is completed, and soon the electrician will start the rough installation.

We already had a few appointments beforehand where a “smart home” package was offered to me.
The electrician commissioned by the developer offered a complete KNX automation system for a “small additional cost” of about €15,000 (around $16,200).
This included the Gira X1 system with server, switches, wiring, documentation, etc.

The high price discouraged me, so I decided to go with the conventional option.
My plan was/is to automate the following:

a) Operate and automate roller shutters/blinds using Shelly flush-mounted actuators, possibly also controlled by a weather station
b) Control some sockets (especially in our child’s room) using Shelly devices with timed on/off switching
c) Manage lighting through Philips Hue

I am still not completely happy with my decision for conventional wiring.
It bothers me that I have different manufacturers involved, which makes central administration rather unlikely, at least as far as I know. (Is there a way to centralize control for my purposes? If yes, please let me know 🙂 )

Also, the automation would always run over Wi-Fi. I would much prefer a wired solution.
In this context, I looked into the Shelly Pro series.
This is basically the “wired” version, which should be enough for my modest requirements.
Has anyone here worked with these devices or, even better, installed them?
There are some YouTube videos, but mostly single examples, and not very conclusive.

I also really like the Homematic IP wired system. It would allow central control installed in the distribution board (DIN rail). However, here too, there are issues with the connection and required inspections.

The more I think about it, the more I consider having the electrician install bus wiring after all, while I set up the network and server infrastructure myself.
Wiring a patch panel and switch is not a problem for me.
However, I have some doubts about whether I have enough experience to connect the server myself.
Furthermore, there is the challenge of designing and programming the system and routines.
Basically, I am technically inclined and can read into certain things.
I wouldn’t shy away from it but am unsure whether I might be in over my head?!?
Besides, everything would have to be certified by a licensed electrician!

I told the electrician about my plan; he generally has no problem with it, but I would need to install the cables in the basement myself.
He said he wouldn’t connect any hardware he did not supply or install himself, for warranty and liability reasons.
My suspicion is that he makes less profit with this variant and that’s why he said this... and everything would still need approval anyway. Whether this will go smoothly... I have no idea.
For my part, I want everything properly certified, also because of insurance and similar concerns.

My question now:

Is a KNX-based bus solution “overkill” for what I want to do, or are WLAN Shelly devices sufficient to integrate performance data into the FritzBox?

An Ubiquiti PoE ceiling access point is planned/being installed on every floor. So, hopefully, Wi-Fi connection will be sufficient if I end up going with just the flush-mounted Shelly devices.

Maybe some of you have tips, suggestions, or ideas...
I would like to thank you in advance for a constructive discussion.

Best regards,
Tom

Stravanzer schrieb:

Is a KNX-based bus system overkill for my project?

Yes

Stravanzer schrieb:

Or are WLAN Shelly devices enough?

Yes

Stravanzer schrieb:

What bothers me is that I have devices from different manufacturers, so central administration doesn’t seem possible—or at least I haven’t heard of such a solution. (Is there a way to centralize this for my purposes)? If yes, then I want to know about it 🙂

io-broker

Stravanzer schrieb:

I informed my electrician about my plans; he generally has no problem with it, but I’d have to lay the cables in the basement myself.
He said he won’t connect any hardware that he didn’t supply or install himself, due to warranty and liability concerns.
My suspicion is that with this approach, he just has lower profit margins and that’s why he said that… and it would still have to be inspected and approved. Whether everything will go smoothly after that? No idea.

Probably a bit of both on the electrician’s side. KNX programming isn’t trivial.

Either go with the simpler solution using Shellys and similar devices (you can link various brands via io-broker), or go full KNX. But then you have to forget about a regular electrical installation and embrace full automation. This isn’t just about “I want to remote control my blinds” but real automation with logics and routines.

Okay, understood.
I had suspected as much.

However, I would like to stick with the ShellyPro series and have a few questions.

From what I have gathered online, these "Pro-Shellys" are basically the wired version of the flush-mounted actuators that operate over Wi-Fi, right?

The "Pro-Shellys" are powered in the distribution board and can be connected to the home network via an RJ45 connection through a switch. This means you are not dependent on a Wi-Fi connection.

Has anyone in the community gained experience with these yet, or even installed them themselves?

My goal is to have these actuators hardwired in the house if possible.
Are there any other options that might suit my needs? KNX and the like are initially ruled out.

Thanks in advance.

Loxone?

Shelly, well, the question is how good the support is and how reliable the whole system is in the long run?

However, you’ll also end up spending around 15,000 euros (about 16,200 USD) but you are more flexible than with KNX because the system includes software.

Why choose one or the other?

I’m facing these questions as well. I will be installing a UNIFI system again. The cables for the roller shutters will be routed all the way to the connection box.

I had also considered switched outlets but decided against installing them individually in the utility room. All outlets will be recessed so that I can potentially install Wi-Fi relays like Shelly devices later on.

Only for lighting and the control elements (roller shutters, lighting, etc.) in the rooms I’m still undecided. At the moment, I’m leaning toward Loxone.

I have some experience with DIY home automation, so I am able to work with different systems.

Wi-Fi is the problem because routers often come from the provider. If they send a new one, you either have to set up the Wi-Fi from the old router again, hoping it works, or reconfigure all the components. If you can do that yourself, fine; but if the devices are installed so that you can’t access them, it becomes tricky.

We have been living here with Loxone for 2 years, and it works.