Hello everyone,
we need to start giving the electrician instructions on what to install where and how to configure it.
I could use some guidance on what makes sense where and would like to ask you KNX users how you use it. Which sensors can be used in a basic way (without advanced components, as our electrician can’t handle that, and I will have to do that myself later) for the classic applications?
I am mainly interested in the following:
1. Presence detectors (PD)
2. Motion sensors (MS)
3. Switched sockets/outlets
we need to start giving the electrician instructions on what to install where and how to configure it.
I could use some guidance on what makes sense where and would like to ask you KNX users how you use it. Which sensors can be used in a basic way (without advanced components, as our electrician can’t handle that, and I will have to do that myself later) for the classic applications?
I am mainly interested in the following:
1. Presence detectors (PD)
2. Motion sensors (MS)
3. Switched sockets/outlets
Your house is already standing (at least the shell). KNX extends into every trade if fully implemented. So you are already quite late with the planning. There is a wealth of literature available, but it can be quite “incomprehensible” for beginners. First, create your room schedule.
What about temperature sensors, CO2 sensors, light sensors...
Do you have a weather station planned (e.g. for wind measurement related to shading), light control...
You will need separate lines for inside and outside.
I would recommend planning push buttons/switches everywhere so you can expand later.
Implement these right away in hallways, bathrooms...
Switchable sockets where a table or floor lamp might be placed, Christmas lights, decorative lighting, outdoor sockets...
If you are also planning irrigation, you could include that now (actuators + transformer). Just make sure to run control cables outside.
Home automation, especially if you want it to be smart, is not trivial and definitely not something you can just order as “one KNX system, please.”
Otherwise, you will only get remote control or “classic” electrical installations realized over a BUS system.
Unfortunately, your electrician seems to be a “wire puller” and not a system integrator. Good system integrators are almost like unicorns.
Why do you have to tell the electrician how to parameterize the system???
If this is really the case, I see only two options:
- Find a good system integrator and pay to have the whole process planned and executed. They would go through your needs with you, tell you what is possible, and so on.
- You are tech-savvy yourself and willing to spend the time and effort to do it yourself. Get literature, read up, browse forums... Buy an ETS and program everything yourself. Do you want to always call the electrician when you want to make changes in the future?
It is important to install plenty of BUS wiring. Without “smart” functions, classic electrical installations are usually cheaper in a single-family house.
What about temperature sensors, CO2 sensors, light sensors...
Do you have a weather station planned (e.g. for wind measurement related to shading), light control...
You will need separate lines for inside and outside.
I would recommend planning push buttons/switches everywhere so you can expand later.
Implement these right away in hallways, bathrooms...
Switchable sockets where a table or floor lamp might be placed, Christmas lights, decorative lighting, outdoor sockets...
If you are also planning irrigation, you could include that now (actuators + transformer). Just make sure to run control cables outside.
Home automation, especially if you want it to be smart, is not trivial and definitely not something you can just order as “one KNX system, please.”
Otherwise, you will only get remote control or “classic” electrical installations realized over a BUS system.
Unfortunately, your electrician seems to be a “wire puller” and not a system integrator. Good system integrators are almost like unicorns.
Why do you have to tell the electrician how to parameterize the system???
If this is really the case, I see only two options:
- Find a good system integrator and pay to have the whole process planned and executed. They would go through your needs with you, tell you what is possible, and so on.
- You are tech-savvy yourself and willing to spend the time and effort to do it yourself. Get literature, read up, browse forums... Buy an ETS and program everything yourself. Do you want to always call the electrician when you want to make changes in the future?
It is important to install plenty of BUS wiring. Without “smart” functions, classic electrical installations are usually cheaper in a single-family house.
Good morning,
I can provide a detailed response later.
Just to give you a quick overview, of course there is already a plan. The main focus now is to finalize the details. We will be going through everything with the electrician soon to decide exactly where everything should be installed.
Luckily, he is not completely unfamiliar with this. He has completed several projects, including larger ones. It’s just not his daily business.
As I said, more details later!
But thanks already!
I can provide a detailed response later.
Just to give you a quick overview, of course there is already a plan. The main focus now is to finalize the details. We will be going through everything with the electrician soon to decide exactly where everything should be installed.
Luckily, he is not completely unfamiliar with this. He has completed several projects, including larger ones. It’s just not his daily business.
As I said, more details later!
But thanks already!
You just need to use a bit of imagination and think outside the box. Suddenly, you’ll find a whole range of possible applications. It is also very subjective. One person finds the well-known PM under the bed very useful, while another can’t relate to it and definitely needs two manual control points at the bed in the bedroom.
PM/BM = lighting, alarm, occupancy, absence, heating, cooling, ventilation, shading, etc.
Switchable sockets are important for scenes if you want to largely avoid this here:
PM/BM = lighting, alarm, occupancy, absence, heating, cooling, ventilation, shading, etc.
Switchable sockets are important for scenes if you want to largely avoid this here:
rick2018 schrieb:
If that’s really the case, I see only two options:
- Find a good systems integrator and pay them to plan and execute everything. They would review what you need with you, advise you on what’s possible, and so on.
- You are tech-savvy, have the time and interest to do it yourself. Get the necessary literature, study, browse forums... Buy an ETS and program everything on your own. Do you want to call an electrician every time you want to make a change in the future? I fully agree with this. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to learn about KNX before or during the build. My partner (also the client) wanted to be able to control the house "via an app." The electrician, although KNX certified but more of a “wire puller” type, just did the basics. Shortly after the initial programming, I hit the brakes—I bought the ETS and started learning about the system myself. Now all the visualization, scenes, and logic are done by me, and I often get frustrated about what wasn’t implemented or was done incorrectly (for example, the intercom system, garage door, awning… all without KNX integration).
To really understand what you want, you need to dive deep into the subject.
Or find the unicorn that is @rick2018.
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