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Guy Kasier
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: DEFINITION ................................................................ 2
CHAPTER 2: FUNCTIONALITIES ..................................................... 26
CHAPTER 3: THE IHS SYSTEM FILE ................................................. 39
CHAPTER 4: A TECHNICAL EXAMINATION ........................................ 69
CHAPTER 5: STRUCTURED CABLING IN THE HOME ........................... 114
CHAPTER 6: CONTROLLING HEATING WITH IHS ............................... 126
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. The situation without integrated home systems ......................................................................................... 5
2.1. History of the electrical installation ................................................................................................................. 5
2.1.1. The traditional electrical installation .............................................................................................. 5
2.1.2. The installation with remote-controlled switches ......................................................................... 5
2.1.3. Lighting control systems ................................................................................................................. 7
2.1.4. Other intelligent control systems ................................................................................................... 7
2.2. Electricity clients in the home ......................................................................................................................... 8
2.3. New and other needs ...................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4. Problem ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Definition of integrated home systems ..................................................................................................... 10
4. Analysis of the definition .......................................................................................................................... 11
4.1. Integrated system .......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2. All electrical equipment ................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3. Home ............................................................................................................................................................. 13
4.4. Increasing comfort ......................................................................................................................................... 13
4.5. Increasing flexibility ....................................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.1. Long-term flexibility ..................................................................................................................... 15
4.5.2. Short-term flexibility .................................................................................................................... 16
4.6. Increasing communication ............................................................................................................................ 16
4.7. Increasing safety and security ....................................................................................................................... 17
4.7.1. Fire protection .............................................................................................................................. 17
4.7.2. Security against burglars .............................................................................................................. 18
4.7.3. Personal alarm .............................................................................................................................. 20
4.8. Improving energy consumption ..................................................................................................................... 21
4.9 The care components ..................................................................................................................................... 22
5. Integrated home systems versus other systems ........................................................................................ 24
5.1. Home automation.......................................................................................................................................... 24
5.2. Building automation ...................................................................................................................................... 24
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1. INTRODUCTION
The terms domotics, immotics, automation, smart homes, building automation, Integrated Home
Systems (IHS), and other similar terms are currently widely used. However, all of these terms present us with a
problem because they are so-called container words. Stated otherwise, if they are not made specific, they can
mean anything. Everyone gives these terms their own interpretation when using them. It is therefore
increasingly common for people to be talking with each other, and yet not accurately understand what the other
person is saying despite using the same terms.
To avoid this sort of confusion and misunderstanding, in this course we will use the term Integrated Home
Systems. We will shorten the term further to IHS. In this chapter we will first look at the history of the electrical
installation in homes. We will then examine why we initially needed and continue to need a flexible installation
with more and better functions. This will be followed by a definition of IHS, and we will analyse its key
components. We will always give practical examples.
Finally, we will offer arguments for why we use the term IHS and point out differences from other terms.
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10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
Figure 1:
The structure of a traditional electrical installation. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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additional cabling. A number of pushbuttons can be connected in parallel with a single remote-controlled switch
or client. In certain cases, group control and central control can be achieved. The safety of the installation is also
increased by using remote-controlled switches that operate on a very low voltage (24V).
Figure 2:
Example of a quadruple remote-controlled switch where every remote-controlled switch can be controlled
separately, in a group, or centrally using pushbuttons. (Illustration source: Eltako)
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
16 x 0.8 mm
16 x 0.8 mm
Figure 3:
Structure of the remote-controlled switch installation. By having a few reserve wires in place next to the
pushbuttons, it is always possible to install a pushbutton later without having to install new cabling.
(Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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In the above example we can see that somewhat more cable will probably have to be installed, but the initial
installation of it is easier. The grinding and cutting from the operating point to the ceiling, and the drilling into
the ceiling is eliminated. All cables to the clients (lights) run over the floor plate. This facilitates and accelerates
the installation work.
Figure 4:
These four-channel dimmer packs together form a lighting control system for twelve circuits of lamps. With two
additional modules, four dimmable fluorescent lights can also be controlled. (Illustration source: Light
Technology)
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Figure 5:
Presence detectors have sufficient electronics and intelligence to switch the lighting on and off independently
when needed. (Illustration source: Klemko)
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But the addition of all these electrical appliances in our home has not always improved our comfort in a simple
manner. We see, for example, the fruit bowl on the coffee table filled with remote controls, each used for a
different device. Most electrical appliances in the home are standalone devices. In other words, they do what
they have to do, but cannot communicate much with each other. Specifically, data from one appliance cannot
be used to switch another appliance on or off.
2.4. PROBLEM
We noted above that the electrical installation in the home has not changed much over the past 50 years. Today,
the traditional electrical installation, the flexibility of which can be described as zero, is still installed far too
often. Furthermore, we can identify many types of subsystems in a modern home. Everything does its own thing,
but there is no mutual communication. They are all standalone systems. Finally, we note that the user
friendliness of many systems and equipment leaves a lot to be desired. If we want to live flexibly and
comfortably, we need something else that provides this flexibility, better comfort and greater ease of use. It will
enable us to enjoy our free time more in order to relax and to adapt our home to changing requirements over
time. A young couple with small children has completely different requirements in their home compared to an
elderly couple (with debilitating physical conditions) whose children have long since flown the nest.
IHS systems offer an answer. But in order to avoid confusion, we have to give a concrete interpretation to the
term. That is why we need to look closely at what exactly IHS systems are and what they are not.
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Figure 6:
The remote controls in the fruit bowl make way for the fruit. (Illustration source: Niko)
Example of integration:
In the diagram below we see an example of access control, lighting, audio distribution, gate and heating
subsystems. We also imagine that these subsystems are present in a single family home where the father and
mother live with their two children. Both parents work outside the home. The children go to school. Let us
assume that on working days the mother is the first to come home at around 4:30 and that she normally goes
to the kitchen to prepare a snack for her children. Then we can also envision the following. The mother presents
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her personal proximity card to the proximity reader by the door. The gate then opens. If it is dark, a light path
to the kitchen is immediately switched on. The garage door also opens. The heating system switches to comfort
mode in the living areas and kitchen. Mothers favorite CD comes on in the kitchen.
Figure 7:
An integrated home system integrates various subsystems in the home. From left to right: access control,
heating, gates and doors, audio distribution and lighting. (Illustration source: DK Design)
The children also have an access card instead of a traditional key. When they come into the home, lighting is
immediately provided in the room where they come in (garage or entrance) but we do not provide a light path.
After all, we do not know where they will go. The youngest immediately runs to the kitchen to be with Mum,
but the older teenager goes to her bedroom to do her homework or text her girlfriend. When the children come
into the home, the command is also given to turn up the heating in their bedrooms to comfort mode. After all,
children also use their bedrooms as a living area to play or to study.
Thursday morning 07:55. Everybody has left for work or school. The housekeeper puts her access card in the
card reader. However she does not get access, because her instructions are that she can only enter the home
on Thursdays from 08:00 to 12:00. If it is still dark, we give her a light path; in this case, to the room where the
cleaning products and equipment are kept. We do not leave the heating in comfort mode, but at 17 C for
example. This is neither too warm nor too cold to actively clean. If the cleaner likes to work with background
music, we leave her favorite radio channel on in the entire home. If this housekeeper decides to quit the
following week and takes her access card with her, there is no problem. The access card is blocked and a new
access card is made for the new housekeeper. The old access card cannot be used (abused) by anybody to enter
the home. None of the locks and keys have to be replaced.
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4.3. HOME
The term Integrated Home System is used for homes in their widest sense. There must be at least one
residential function in the building. This also covers buildings with a combined living and working function. For
example, a building with a residential function combined with a doctors practice or a small accountancy firm is
still covered by the IHS definition.
IHS systems are certainly not the sole preserve of larger detached residences. They can also be installed and be
very useful in smaller homes, apartments, and even flats for the elderly. IHS systems already occupy an
important position in the social housing sector.
A properly designed IHS system is able to cover the entire home. There thus has to be enough inputs and outputs.
Certain intelligent systems that can only drive twelve outputs do not come under the heading of integrated
home systems.
Furthermore, it is also useful to be able to control the entire home with an IHS system. Installations where the
IHS system only controls a few rooms (living areas) and where the rest of the installation operates in the
traditional way cannot be considered true IHS installations. The all out function at the front door and the
garage door would thereby lose much of its value.
It is obvious then, that to meet our changing needs, we are moving away from the traditional electrical
installation. An installation with an IHS system guarantees far greater flexibility and functionality, both now and
in the future. IHS installations are increasingly recognized as the new standard for the conventional electrical
installation of homes.
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Figure 8:
Single button operation to reduce the number of operations. (Illustration source: Agora Press)
A second way of increasing comfort and certainly convenience is to increase user friendliness. This can be
accomplished in many ways, for example by ensuring a similar method of operation throughout the home. The
general lighting in each room can for example be the top left pushbutton on an operating panel. An all off for
every room is then placed at the bottom right of the operating panel. Roll-down shutter up/down can be the
top right pushbutton of the operating panel if you wish. Smart phones and tablets can also help increase user
convenience. The user can perform all sorts of actions on the smart phone screen, via symbols and text, not only
in the room where he or she is, but also in the rest of the home. Actions can even be performed through these
appliances when no one is at home. Apart from performing actions, the smart phone or tablet can also be used
to check the status of particular electrical consumers. Thus, if necessary, while in the living room in the evening,
the father or mother can check whether the son or daughter (who should already be fast asleep) has turned out
the lights in his or her bedroom.
Figure 9:
Icons and text on the smart phone make the system user-friendly. (Illustration source: Niko)
Finally, a third way of increasing comfort is to use automatic processes. These might include the automatic
raising and lowering of the roll-down shutters or sunblind, or the automatic controlling of the heating according
to whether anyone is home. The possibilities also include controlling the outside lighting according to the
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brightness outside and the time of day and season. However, we must be careful not to over-automate and the
residents must always be able to determine what they want to happen at a particular time. In short, they must
not get the feeling that they have to adapt to the home automation system. The opposite must be the case. The
system is there to adapt to their needs. For example, roll-down shutters that lower automatically when people
are sitting in the garden having a barbecue is not such a good idea.
Figure 10:
With this IHS system, additional BUS pushbuttons can be put in by installing a larger printed board. No
additional cabling or boxes have to be installed. (Illustration source: Niko)
Figure 11:
Example of a module where configurators are used to set the function for the module. (Illustration source:
Bticino)
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readings such as blood pressure, heart rate and glucose values to the doctor each day. If there are anomalies,
he or she will contact the person concerned for a consultation and examination. This avoids a lot of unnecessary
travel by the person concerned to the doctor and vice versa.
Figure 12:
The videophone can also be used to operate the integrated home system. (Illustration source: Bticino)
Figure 13:
Visual communication is becoming a hot topic within the field of care for older people living independently.
(Illustration source: Motiva)
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IHS system (for as long as the mains voltage is present in the home) can respond appropriately to ensure that
everyone there (sometimes sleeping) can evacuate as quickly as possible. All non-essential equipment such as
the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, and heating is immediately switched off. The lighting is put on in
strategic places within the home (living areas, bedrooms, corridors, entrance and garden) to ensure safe egress.
The electrically operated roll-down shutters are raised so that people can also escape through the windows if
there is no other way out. If necessary, the audio installation can be set to a high volume temporarily to ensure
that sleeping residents are awakened promptly. We can also have certain lights outside flashing so that
neighbors, passers-by and carers immediately know that something is amiss, and equally important the location.
This will enable them to take the necessary steps to help.
Figure 14:
Smoke alarms are a good investment to increase the safety of residents. If we connect them to the IHS system,
this safety is increased by many times. (Illustration source: Gira)
Even when there is no fire in the home, or if the home itself does not have smoke detectors, the integrated
home system can increase fire protection through prevention. The all out pushbutton at the garage door or
the sleep well button in the bedroom will not only switch off all lights, but also all equipment that is a potential
fire hazard (coffee machine, iron, cooking equipment) will be disconnected from the mains. When there is
nobody home or if the residents are sleeping, this equipment should not be on.
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a simple burglary can require considerable concentration by the perpetrator. For example, if they are working
in the dark using a torch. There is also audio concentration. The burglar listens for noise signals that can tell the
thief that someone is coming down stairs, or perhaps that a car has driven into the drive. If we can break this
concentration, the burglar has far less control over the situation. Since they do not wish to be recognized or
caught, they will quickly leave the home, possibly without any stolen items.
Figure 15:
Break the concentration of the burglar and they will be startled and quickly leave the home. (Illustration source:
DK Design)
We can break this concentration in a number of ways. First of all we can switch on a lot of lighting, the visual
concentration is then immediately broken. We can also flash the outside lighting in order to indicate to the police
and neighbors that something is wrong. In order to break his audio concentration, the audio distribution system
can be switched on at a high volume.
There are differing opinions as to whether the roll-down shutters should be raised or lowered at the time of a
burglary.
Opinion 1: Raise the roll-down shutters in the event of a burglary:
This is based on the view that we want to force the burglar out of the home as quickly as possible. If the rolldown shutters are raised and the lighting has been controlled, the burglar is visible from outside. He does not
want this and so leaves the home as quickly as possible.
Opinion 2: Lower the roll-down shutters in the event of a burglary:
Some people are convinced that they would rather trap the burglar in the home, so that he can easily be
apprehended by the police. To this end, doors and roll-down shutters are closed. However, in this case there is
a good chance that the burglar will try every conceivable way to escape, and as a result there will be more
damage to the home. If residents are also present at the time of the burglary, this also increases the chance of
a hostage situation.
Contact the resident and security specialist to find out what is desired.
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When there is no burglary, the IHS system can act preventively. If we are not at home, and even at certain times
when we are asleep, we can use activity simulation. This gives the appearance to the outside world that there
are people at home and there is human activity.
There are various ways of achieving this presence simulation.
One way consists of activating and deactivating a number of consumers (mainly lights and rolldown shutters) every day. In this case, try not to have the consumers activated at the same time
every day.
Some IHS systems have a system for presence simulation whereby randomly determined, preselected consumers will be activated and deactivated.
Finally, there are also IHS systems that store residents operations in a memory. When presence
simulation is activated, the actions in the memory are then repeated. This simulation method is
the most realistic, but of course certain consumers must be excluded from this setup. For example,
the garage door does not need to open and the heating does not need to switch to comfort mode
when you are not at home.
In order to further increase the feeling of security of residents when they are at home, we can also fit a panic
button in the master bedroom or in other places. If you hear suspicious noises during the night, you activate
this function. All lights on the ground floor then go on, and also the outdoor lighting. If you then go to check
what is happening, you will always enter an area that is already well lit. Just by switching on the lighting, the
concentration of any burglar is broken and they will probably already be out of the door before you come into
contact.
Figure 16:
Good activity simulation helps reduce the risk of unwanted visitors. (Illustration source: Tronixx)
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For example, switching off cooking equipment (cooker, oven, et cetera) when the system notices that a single
elderly person has not been in the kitchen for a certain specified. (10 to 15 minutes for example) during the
cooking process, or when they go to bed or lie down on the sofa.
Another example is the automatic light path to the toilet when the resident gets up during the night. This
prevents them from running into something in the dark or from falling over.
A no activity alarm can also be activated when the system notices that there has been no activity in the home
for a number of hours. The elderly person might be ill in bed or have fallen. If during the set time no buttons
have been pressed, for example to operate the lights, or a movement detector has not detected any movement,
an alarm will be passed on to a social services center via the Personal Alarm System (PAS). When the PAS system
is activated, the IHS system can turn on certain lights and also disconnect sound sources such as radio and
television from the mains. This ensures that the internal communication system of the PAS system is not
disrupted by other sounds in the home. It is then easier for the social services center to check what is happening
and if necessary send a helper or carer to the location.
If the elderly person wishes to call for help, they can do so by using a transponder on their wrist or neckA quick
press on the button and the voice link is activated.
Figure 17:
With the transponder, the person can call for help when they feel unwell. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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It has also been demonstrated for several years that direct feedback on energy consumption can make residents
more sensitive to saving energy. IHS systems respond to this by taking measurements and converting these into
graphs. These can then be consulted on a touchscreen in the wall, on the computer or on the smart phone or
tablet. In many cases, not only is energy consumption displayed, but also the energy generated by the customer
themselves (PV panels, for example).
As more and more homes become fitted with so-called smart meters in the future, integration with the IHS
system can go a step further. For example, peak consumption at certain times could lead to certain heavy
consumers (washing machine, dishwasher, et cetera) being disconnected from the mains.
Finally, it is expected that in the near future homes will use their own storage devices. This means it may be
possible to store the unconsumed part of the energy generated by PV panels in batteries. This energy can then
be used in the home when the PV panels are not generating energy. In this sense, the laying of DC cabling in the
home will also offer perspectives for connecting all kinds of appliances that run off a DC supply. In this way, there
would be no more losses as a result of AC being converted to DC in every appliance or in chargers.
In certain European countries, the total power of the home electricity supply is rather limited. The main switch
will trip when too much equipment is being used at the same time. IHS systems can play a clever role here by
temporarily switching off certain units when an overload is imminent, and with the desires of the residents taken
into account.
Figure 18:
Reducing energy consumption by reducing the power of the connection. Integrated home systems can play a
clever role here. (Illustration source: Bticino)
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In all these cases, IHS systems can ensure that the person concerned can continue to live at home for longer
instead of having to be admitted to a care institution or home for the elderly.
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Figure 23:
The term building automation is often used for large buildings. (Illustration source: Merten)
The reasons behind building automation are very different to those justifying the installation of IHS systems. In
most industrial/commercial buildings, the emphasis is on energy savings. Thus in offices, presence detectors and
light intensity sensors will frequently be used. The lighting can thus be switched off when somebody leaves the
workplace, or the light can be dimmed when sufficient daylight is coming in. Not only is the lighting controlled,
but also the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems. Building automation involves more automation,
control and management. Calculations show that investments in building automation systems (depending on
the size of the building) pay for themselves within three to five years. The energy consumption is greatly reduced
compared to a traditional installation.
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Furthermore a building management system also offers considerable benefits with regard to flexibility. If a
partition is installed in an open plan office because of a reorganization, many cables have to be installed and
new connections made. However, with building automation, the system computer can be used to make a small
adjustment to the program and download it to the system. The costs of a change or modification are much lower
than with a traditional installation.
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 28
2. Exercise ..................................................................................................................................................... 29
3. Thinking in terms of integrated home systems versus traditional approaches .......................................... 30
4. User-friendliness ....................................................................................................................................... 31
5. Software functions in integrated home systems ....................................................................................... 33
6. Tailor-made functions ............................................................................................................................... 35
7. Identifying requirements .......................................................................................................................... 38
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1. INTRODUCTION
It is perfectly possible to install a domestic electrical installation with a distribution board brimming with
Integrated Home System (IHS) equipment, but without any of the IHS functions implemented. In such a case, all
programmed functions could have been implemented through a traditional electrical installation, which would
have been much cheaper. However we cannot call such a situation an IHS, as it would be an abuse of the term.
It should be clear that the installer has to provide added value before they can properly call it an IHS. To do this,
they have to start with the needs of the people living there chiefly in mind. Let us suppose two identical homes
next to the other. And suppose further that they are each equipped the same IHS equipment. A young couple
with two young children live in the first home, while in the second, an elderly married couple move in. The IHS
functions implemented in one home will be of a different nature to the other. Young people with small children
have totally different needs than those of the elderly couples whose children have long since left home.
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2. EXERCISE
Let us first conduct an exercise.
Let us look at the drawing of a bedroom in a home. It contains three light groups. Light point 1 (LP1) is connected
to a dimmer and serves as general lighting. Light point 2 (LP2) provides the lighting for the fitted wardrobe. Light
point 3 (LP3) is also connected to a dimmer and provides the lighting by the bed. There is another light group
(LP4) on the landing. There is also a roll-down shutter (M1) in the bedroom. We can ignore the heating in this
example.
LP3
M1
LP1
Bedroom 1
LP3
LP2
LP1
LP2
LP4
LP4
LP4
LP4
Figure 1:
How many pushbuttons are installed in this bedroom and what functions will they perform? (Illustration source:
E&D Systems)
Assignment: Where and how many pushbuttons would you provide in this bedroom and what function will they
perform?
Complete this exercise before reading further.
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4. USER-FRIENDLINESS
To make sure the user is not confronted with too many pushbuttons, controls for individual light points, rolldown shutters, et cetera can be placed on a remote control. Several intention buttons are then installed in the
walls.
The pushbuttons can also be provided with an icon or text to indicate what function they will perform if pressed.
This means the user does not always have to remember precisely which button must be pressed to activate a
particular function.
Figure 2:
Icons that indicate the function of a button increase user-friendliness. (Illustration source: Teletask)
Figure 3:
Icons are also used in service flats for the elderly to clearly indicate the function of a pushbutton. (Illustration
source: E&D Systems)
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Figure 4:
Example of a keypad on which the user can read the function of the buttons. (Illustration source: Vantage)
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Switch function: Every time you press the button, the consumer will switch over. With this function,
you can only allocate one consumer that is connected to a relay.
Dimming: A brief push of the button takes the light connected to a dimmer to a setting held in the
memory. Another short press results in the light switching off. If the same button is pushed for longer,
a dimming process is started. When the pushbutton is released, the light stays in the desired dimmed
state. When switching the light on and off, you can use a fade-in and fade-out time. Here too, only
one consumer can be allocated to the function.
Timed function: This function is often used in stairwells. When the button is pressed, the light
immediately switches on for a programmed time (for example, five minutes). The light then
automatically switches off after this time. With this function, you can select a relay-controlled light or
a dimmer-controlled light. In the latter case, a fade-out time, for example of two minutes, can be
specified. It ensures that the light goes off very slowly, so that you are not immediately caught in the
dark when the set time has elapsed.
Motor start/stop: Briefly pressing the programmed button will make a motor that can operate in two
directions (roll-down shutter, sunblind, et cetera) run in the opposite direction to the previous time. If
you press the button while the motor is running, the motor stops. Here too, only one motor can be
allocated. If you press the button for longer (> one second), the motor continues running until the
button is released.
Fan function: This is a combination of a light and a fan. When the button is pressed, the light switches
on. Pressing it again results in the light switching off and the fan coming on. After a prescribed time,
the fan stops automatically. This function is often used in toilets and bathrooms.
Local mood: This function is used to create local atmospheres. There are several lines in the function.
A consumer can be placed on each line (relay controlled, dimmer controlled, motor). Each consumer
can be told what it has to do: on, off, in a certain dimming state, raise or lower roll-down shutter, et
cetera. Aside from specific consumers, other functions of the IHS can also be included on the lines (for
example, a timed function or another local mood).
Timed local mood: Similar to the previous function. However, for each line, you can specify the time
interval between the previous line being executed and the current line being executed. You can also
specify whether the function should be automatically repeated after the last line has been executed.
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General mood: This function is used for general operations relating to the entire home. You can
specify whether the on or off condition has to be generated for each relay. You can do the same for
the list of dimmers. Aside from on or off, each dimmer can also be set to a certain dimming state. In
addition to the status of the relays and the dimmers, several other functions can be assigned to a
general mood. These can be simple or complex functions (e.g. local moods).
Transparent function: With this function, the output follows the input. For example, the button at the
front door and the doorbell. As soon as the button is pressed, the doorbell rings.
Audio functions: The functions listed below all relate to controlling an audio distribution system in
the home. You choose the audio zone where you want to do something. Then, you select the audio
device (CD player, tuner, amplifier, et cetera) and specify the function to be performed (volume
up/down, next CD, next preferred radio station, et cetera).
Sensor functions: This series of functions is connected to analogue sensors (temperature, humidity,
light). With temperature sensors for example, the day temperature or night temperature can be
activated with this function. You can also raise the temperature in steps of + 0.5 C or lower it - 0.5 C,
or set the frost protection temperature.
Clock functions: These functions relate to the execution of all types of actions that are activated by
clocks. A number of clock tables can be activated or deactivated here. There is a choice of a working
day clock table, a weekend clock table and a simulation clock table. Only one of the three can be
active at any one time. There is also a special clock table that can be switched on or off. Finally, there
is the continuous clock table. Actions in this table are always executed.
If-then-else functions: When this function is allocated to a button, then when the button is pressed, it
looks at a condition or stipulation. If the condition is true, a certain program is executed. If the
condition is not true, no program or another program is executed.
Process function: With this function, a consumer continually follows another consumer, state or
condition. The state of an output or condition is continually examined and monitored. This function is
used to switch on the boiler contact for the central heating boiler as soon as one of the zone valves is
open, and to switch it off again as soon as all zone valves are closed.
Messages and alarms: Text messages can be generated on keypads with LCD displays, touch screens
or on the television. A message appears on the screen and disappears automatically after a set time.
Examples of a message can be: Somebody is coming up the drive. Alarm texts can also be
generated. They stay on the display until they have been reset by the user. The text: Somebody came
to the door during your absence is an example of this.
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6. TAILOR-MADE FUNCTIONS
Earlier, we looked at what software functions are normally available in IHS systems. However, these are merely
the tools we need to create functions that are grafted to a particular home in which certain residents live with
their own needs. Now let's take a look at solutions which guarantee the personal ease and comfort of the
residence.
Below are several examples of additional functions. As mentioned earlier, not every function needs to be
installed in every home. It depends entirely upon the family composition, the lifestyles and the needs of the
residents. The first example below could be attractive for families with small children, but will be of no value to
a family without children.
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Light path to the childrens room: Young children often wake up during the night. One of the parents
has to get up to see to the child. By using dimmers, we can ensure that the one who gets up is given a
dimmed light path to the childrens room. Using a button (perhaps with LED) next to the bed, the
lighting sequence is set in motion. The light next to the bed is switched on softly at 20%. In the
meantime, the lights in the corridor and the childs room go on at 50%. Arriving in the room, you can
decide to increase the lighting with a local switch. When the night-time intervention has ended and
the parent is back in bed, the button to switch on the light path is pressed again. Everything is gently
dimmed to 0%. When the children are older, this function may no longer be needed. Then, if so
desired, you can decide to reprogram this button to operate the garden lighting from the master
bedroom when you hear strange noises or a noisy cat in the garden at night.
Light path to the toilet: A similar light path can also be created at nights from every bedroom to the
toilet. Thus, we do not have to fumble around in the dark nor do we get the full intensity of the bright
lights in our still sleepy eyes.
Little Eva is awake: Little Eva (3 years old) is in bed, but cannot sleep. She gets up in the dark and
goes down the darkened, dangerous stairs. The risk of her falling is high. In order to prevent this, we
can place a pressure mat beside her bed. When she wants to go on her night-time wanderings, the
lighting in her room will switch on at 30%, as well as in the corridor and on the stairs. While Evas
parents are watching television, a message appears on the TV: Eva is awake. The unsafe situation
has changed to a safe one.
Surgeon D is on call: Surgeon D is home, but he or she is on call and can be called at any time of night
by the hospital because an urgent operation is needed. We provide a call button in the bedroom.
When the surgeon answers a call after 22:00 in the evening with the phone beside the bed, it is
detected by the integrated home system. The light on that side of the bed comes on at 30%. If the
telephone call is made to call surgeon to the hospital, then he or she presses the call button. This
creates a light path to the bathroom. In the meantime, the circulation pump for the hot tap water is
activated. The surgeon goes to the bathroom to freshen up and dress. When the lighting is switched
off in the bathroom, given that the telephone next to the bed was answered after 22:00 and the call
button has been pressed, a light path is made to the garage. When he goes into the garage, a motion
detector detects his presence. There is already light, but now the garage door automatically opens.
The driveway lighting goes on for five minutes. The light path to the garage is switched off. The garage
door is closed manually with the remote control in the surgeons car. It is clear that many of these
automated features were only executed because two things had happened: the telephone next to the
bed was answered after 22:00 and the call button was pressed. In all other cases, the garage door will
not automatically open and a light path will not be created.
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Corridor lighting 100% during the day and 30% at night: In the corridor, we have some switches to
operate the corridor lighting. If we operate such a switch between 07:00 and 22:00, then the corridor
lighting will adjust between 0% and 100%. At night, however, the same switch will adjust the corridor
lighting between 0% and 30%. At night, there only needs to be enough light to get through the
corridor safely. If, however, we want to clean the corridor during the day, then the lights must be at
100% so we can see adequately.
Mood buttons in the living room and kitchen: In the living room and kitchen, we can fit mood
buttons that correspond to the intentions of the residents when going in, leaving or using these
rooms. For the living room, there can be a button to watch TV, receive guests, play with the children,
read in good light, enjoy a romantic interlude, have a nice dinner, et cetera. For the kitchen, we can
provide a button that puts on all lighting when we are cooking and a button for breakfast in the
morning (soft lighting and heating in comfort mode). If the residents want to adjust individual lights in
the living room, then it can be done by remote control instead of the push-buttons on the wall. Thus,
the buttons on the wall remain linked to the intentions of the residents and they can set everything
individually with the remote control.
Intelligent all out button: At the garage door, the front door, and perhaps the back door, there is
an all out button. The last person to leave the home presses it. All lights in the home are switched
off, except in the area where the all out button has been pressed. To increase safety, certain
appliances (coffee machine, iron) can be disconnected from the mains. The dormant consumers
(appliances in standby mode) can be switched off, and also the kitchen boiler under the sink. All
heating is set to night mode. If desired, all roll-down shutters can be raised or lowered, depending on
the time of day. If it is still dark outside (for example in the winter), the lighting in the area where the
all out button has been pressed will stay on for a while and then automatically switch off. If it is
dark the outside lighting will also come on and automatically switch off after a set time. If, however, it
is already light when the person leaves the home, these last two actions will, of course, not be
executed. If the home has a burglar alarm, then the last resident to leave the home has to enter the
code into the alarm panel. In such a case, a separate all out button is not needed. The alarm system
tells the IHS that an all out function can be generated. When returning home, the code is entered
again. The alarm system now tells the IHS that the residents have returned. The heating can then be
set to comfort mode automatically.
Bathroom fan: As in the toilet, we install a fan in the bathroom and we let it run for a few minutes
after the person has left the room. This can avoid the build-up of excess humidity from a shower or
bath. Fitting a humidity sensor in the bathroom avoids steamed up mirrors. When the humidity gets
too high, the fan will automatically come on to rid the room of the damp air. If the use of an analogue
humidity sensor is not possible, then you can do the following: when the light is switched on in the
bathroom, a timer can run for a specified period. If the person continues to stay in the bathroom, the
fan will come on after the set time. The chance that we are taking a bath or a shower is greater
because we are in the bathroom for longer.
Stairwell controller with flashing LED: In part five, we looked at the timed function. This is intended
to switch on the light in a stairwell, and switch it off automatically after a certain time. That is fine, in
and of itself, certainly when we connect the light to a dimmer. However, we can go one step further.
We can give the switches that activate this stairwell controller a LED. When the stairwell is shrouded
in darkness, the LED is on. The person can thus see which button has to be pressed for light. As soon
as this action is done, the stair lighting goes on at 100% and the LED flashes quickly. When the set
time has lapsed, the stair lighting slowly goes out (fade-out function) to 0%. As of that moment, the
LED is on all the time. If, for example, the user wants to stay in the stairwell for a longer period while
the light is fading, he can press the button with the flashing LED again. The scenario starts again. This
same stairwell has to be cleaned every now and again. When the same button is pressed for a little
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longer, the stair lighting will come on without switching off automatically. Then you do not need to
press the button every five minutes to obtain light again. In this situation, the LED also flashes, but at
a much lower frequency. In order to switch off the stair lighting, the same button is pressed again for
a longer period, so that the lights immediately go off, or the button is pressed briefly whereby the
timed function is activated.
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Automatically switching the kitchen boiler: The kitchen boiler can be switched on automatically
when the kitchen is used. At night and when no one is in, the kitchen boiler may be switched off to
save energy.
Sleep well button beside the bed: This button has almost the same function as the all out button.
The entire home is set to sleep mode: all the lights are switched off, the heating is set to night mode,
the roll-down shutters are closed, a light path on the landing comes on, et cetera.
Door locking: When the front door is closed, the door is automatically locked in night mode. To open
the door from inside, you simply have to push the door handle downwards. The door can be opened
automatically remotely by means of a pushbutton or by an access control system.
Presence simulation: Presence simulation as prevention against burglary. When you are not at home
your home can still show the outside world that someone is in. This is done by activating lights, rolldown shutters and other consumers at particular times.
The above list is certainly not intended to be exhaustive. The needs of the residents and the creativity of the
installer and architect will certainly be put to the test in developing specific IHS features.
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7. IDENTIFYING REQUIREMENTS
What has to be installed and programmed in a certain home depends entirely on the habits and lifestyles of the
residents. Hence, the installer has to use them as a basis for developing and implementing the specific IHS
functions. It is not good idea to merely let the IHS functions provided determine the capabilities of the installed
IHS system. The choice of an IHS system functions has to be determined by the user requirements and lifestyles
and not because the installer always uses the same IHS out of habit and is not familiar enough with other
systems.
Nevertheless, there is a practical problem. How does the installer and/or architect detect and list the IHS
requirements of the customer? A chat with the customer is an absolute must, but without appropriate tools this
is time-consuming. To make this process simpler, a checklist has been drawn up. On the one hand this presents
the customer with practical, everyday IHS functions and acquaints them with possibilities that they were not
aware of or had perhaps never considered. On the other hand, the customer can tick off on the checklist whether
or not a particular functionality is wanted, or that a function must be able to be installed later but will not be
immediately required. It can be seen for each function by means of green icons, whether it promotes comfort,
communication, energy consumption, security or the care components.
Figure 5:
Example of a function from the Design Guide for IHS systems. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
In this way, the determination of the customers needs runs much more smoothly, takes less time and reduces
the chance of missing something important that will later be needed. The end result is that the installer and the
customer have a list showing which functions will be installed. This avoids surprises for all parties on delivery.
The ChecklistDesign Guide for IHS systems can be downloaded here.
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 42
2. Definition of the problem ......................................................................................................................... 43
2.1. The architects drawings ................................................................................................................................ 43
2.2. Addition of an IHS system pushbutton .......................................................................................................... 43
3. Drawing with a computer ......................................................................................................................... 45
3.1. Using layers .................................................................................................................................................... 45
3.2. Symbols .......................................................................................................................................................... 46
4. The integrated home system file ............................................................................................................... 49
4.1. Collecting information ................................................................................................................................... 49
4.2. The order of the work .................................................................................................................................... 49
4.3. Drawing the floor plans ................................................................................................................................. 49
4.3.1. The layer for the lights ................................................................................................................. 49
4.3.2. The power sockets layer ............................................................................................................... 50
4.3.3. The motors layer .......................................................................................................................... 51
4.3.4. The other consumers.................................................................................................................... 52
4.3.5. Adding a second code................................................................................................................... 52
4.3.6. The pushbuttons .......................................................................................................................... 53
4.3.7. The touch panels .......................................................................................................................... 54
4.3.8. The motion detectors ................................................................................................................... 54
4.3.9. The light sensors ........................................................................................................................... 55
4.3.10. The temperature sensors ........................................................................................................... 55
4.3.11. Other sensors and subsystems ................................................................................................... 55
4.4. The spreadsheets ........................................................................................................................................... 56
4.4.1. The list of consumers ................................................................................................................... 56
4.4.2. The list of pushbuttons ................................................................................................................. 58
4.4.3. Other lists ..................................................................................................................................... 60
4.4.4. The connection of the pushbuttons ............................................................................................. 60
4.5. Additional drawings ....................................................................................................................................... 62
4.6. The single-line diagram .................................................................................................................................. 63
4.6.1. Overvoltage protection ................................................................................................................ 64
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1. INTRODUCTION
A modern electrical installation, equipped with an Integrated Home System (IHS), must be user friendly and
transparent for the end user. The user does not need to know how and through what cables the system data
communications are carried out. What is important for them is the function allocated to the pushbuttons and
other components. They simply need to know what happens when a certain pushbutton is pressed. Perhaps just
one light goes on or off. However, with another pushbutton a number of lights may come on in a dimmed state,
the roll-down shutters may be lowered, and the temperature can be set to comfort mode. In any case, the
function of each pushbutton, motion detector, card reader, et cetera, must be clear and intuitive right from the
start.
IHS systems can then be remarkably easy for the end user. The same thing cannot be said for the installer. An
IHS system presents them with a number of subsystems in the home. All kinds of connections are made to
enhance integration. It is actually the very flexibility of an IHS system that makes it difficult to set out the required
information on paper. Nevertheless, it is very important to do so. Every installed IHS system must be
accompanied by a file. This file will not only be used for the acceptance, but also as a working instrument for the
installer. A working instrument will certainly prove its worth during installation and be equally useful during
after-sales service.
A number of meetings with the customer are often required before a useful file can be drawn up. As an installer,
you have to know what the customer will do with their IHS system. What functions do they want? This aspect
forms part of the sales meeting. Please refer to Chapter 2 of this course for useful information and guidelines
for conducting a successful sales meeting.
The method that we present here for drawing up and using an IHS system file is only one of many possible
methods. However the method presented here can easily be adapted to your own working method, and to the
specific IHS system in question. In this part of the IHS course, we only want to give an example of how it can be
done. You can of course adapt it to turn it into your own unique working instrument.
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Figure 1:
An architects plan. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
This simple plan shows four consumers: a lighting group above the dining table, a lighting group above the lounge
area, a power socket in the lounge area and a power socket in the dining area. Switches have been drawn in at
the entrance to the kitchen and at the door to the vestibule. The curved lines that the architect has drawn
between the switches and consumers indicate which consumers they will operate. The curved lines do not
indicate the electrical cables, but rather the relationship between one or more operating elements (switches)
and one or more consumers (in this case lights and power sockets). We thus see in the above drawing that there
is a switch that will operate the power socket in the dining area, there are two switches that operate the lighting
group above the dining table, and there are two switches that operate the lighting group above the lounge area.
There is also a switch to operate the power socket in the lounge area. These drawings give the installer the
information needed to install a traditional system. They tell the installer where the consumers and operating
components are and what functions they will have.
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Figure 2:
We have also fitted an all off switch for the living room. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
In order to proceed in the same manner as the architect, we have connected the pushbutton to all of the
consumers that it will switch off with curved lines. However, it immediately becomes clear that we have a
problem. First of all there is too much to look at and our drawing is full of curved lines. It is a mishmash of lines
that makes the drawing unusable. Furthermore, the drawing does not clearly show the function of the
pushbutton. We said that it must switch off all consumers that are on, but the drawing does not show this. It
could also be an all on switch or a local mood switch. It is clear that we cannot produce useful drawings in this
way for IHS systems.
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Figure 3:
A drawing showing all subsystems is cluttered and essentially unusable. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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Figure 4:
The layers for the walls, furniture and lights are combined on this drawing. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
Figure 5:
The same drawing as above, but with the power sockets layer instead of the lights. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
3.2. SYMBOLS
We use standard symbols to draw the floor plan and the single-line diagram. However, there is a problem. There
is not a symbol in the standard symbols list for several of the components found in an IHS system. For certain
symbols, we took our inspiration from the symbols library of the KNX system.
The general symbol for an actuator is a square in which, if desired, an alphanumeric listing can be placed. On the
left of or below the square another rectangle is drawn in which a double arrow is placed. This indicates that it is
a bus-controlled device.
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Figure 6:
On the left, the general symbol for an actuator of the IHS system. On the right we see different versions of
actuators. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
1. General symbol for actuator
2. Single 10 A relay
3. 3-position relay for controlling roller-shutter motors
4. Bus -controlled dimmer
5. 0-10 V controlled dimmer
An oblique stroke is placed in the square for the sensors and interfaces.
Figure 7:
On the left, the general symbol for a sensor of the IHS system. On the right we see different versions of sensors,
all of them bus-controlled. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
1. General symbol for sensor
2. Bus -controlled sensor module with n-number pushbuttons
3.Buss controlled PIR (passive infrared) sensor
4. Analog light sensor
5. Analog temperature sensor
Combined actuator/sensor devices are also available. Some manufacturers decentralize their actuators and
may or may not provide them with pushbuttons, temperature sensors, clocks, motion detectors, et cetera.
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Figure 8:
Example of a combined device, consisting of a single-pole relay (actuator) and 4 pushbuttons (sensors). (Source
illustration: E&D Systems)
Sometimes a module can also contain several actuators or sensors.
Figure 9:
This bus-controlled device has 4 pushbuttons and an IR receiver. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
In certain cases, an IHS system can also use modules that are not bus-controlled. In that event, the rectangle
with the double arrow is omitted for the symbol.
Figure 10:
Example of a non-bus-controlled operating point with n-number pushbuttons. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
In Figure 10 the pushbuttons are connected to an input module of the IHS system. The input module is then
connected to the bus system.
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therefore always go on and off together. They may be connected to each other in parallel. The wall light on the
outside wall will be connected to relay number 2 of the system.
Figure 11:
Every light is given a code that immediately provides us with a great deal of information. (Source illustration:
E&D Systems)
If lights are connected to a dimmer, the code starts with the letter D, followed by a figure. Here too, the figure
indicates the number of the dimmer that the light is connected to. We will also use the same figures later in the
software. This means that when we want to program a certain light, we can easily find it in the software.
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Figure 12:
We can readily see whether or not it is a controlled power socket just by looking at the color. (Source
illustration: E&D Systems)
Figure 13:
The motors are also given a code. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
The new layer that we create is for the motors that can operate in either direction: roller-shutter motors,
sunblinds, curtain motors, garage door motors, gate motors, et cetera. In most cases the various IHS systems
have a separate motor output module in their range. If they do, then we can start the motor code with the letter
M, again followed by a number. In the other cases the motors will have to be connected to two relay outputs of
the IHS system. In such a case, every motor will have two codes, starting with an R followed by a number.
In general practice, motors for the garage door and gates can present a problem for us. These motors generally
have an intelligent remote control and we cannot access the wires of the motor. Everything is built into a motor
box, an enclosed unit. A cable with a plug must be plugged into a power socket for the supply. However, it is
often possible to control the motor with pulses. It is then useful to have two pulses available. One pulse for up
and another pulse for down. In this way we know what to do with operating the garage door remotely as well.
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The cables to be used are then immediately drawn in the above drawing. M1, M2 and M8 are ordinary motors
that operate in both directions. They can be connected to ordinary 230V cabling. We need four wires: common,
turn left, turn right, and the earth. M9 is the motor box for the garage door. Here we use a thin-section signal
cable to control the door. A power socket will be drawn in the power sockets layer at the same location to ensure
a supply to the motor box.
The position on the drawing is important. M1 is drawn on the outside wall of the terrace. This is the motor for
the sunblind. M2 is also drawn on the same wall, but at the kitchen window. This motor will operate a roll-down
shutter. If we draw the symbol on the inside of the window, it will be a curtain control.
Figure 14:
The electric valves for the heating control also have a code, designating the relay they are connected to.
(Source illustration: E&D Systems)
Analogous to the drawings that we did for the lights, power sockets and motors, we also make separate layers
for all other consumers. For example the electric oven, the electric heating or the valves for the central heating,
the fans for the toilet and the bathroom, the garden sprinkler, the circulation pump for the hot tap water, et
cetera.
Figure 15:
Not only the red, controlled power socket, but also all other power sockets (not controlled by IHS) are given a
code that indicates to which circuit of the installation they are connected. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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The controlled power socket R12 in the above drawing is given a second code. Such codes are also found with
the non-controlled power sockets. In a classic installation, we normally begin such a code with a letter, followed
by a number. A5 therefore means circuit A, fifth position.
However, it may be that we have more circuits than there are letters in the alphabet. In that case it is advisable
to begin the code with a number. The first number can then stand for the distribution board. For example, a
code for a device placed in distribution board no. 1 begins with the number 1. The second number in the code
indicates the number of the earth-leakage breaker in this distribution board. The first earth-leakage breaker
(300 mA) is given number 1. The next one (30 mA) is numbered 2.
Only then does a letter appear in the code to indicate the device. Lastly there is another number to indicate the
order on the circuit. The code 11E1, belonging to our controlled power socket in Figure 15, thus means: this
power socket is connected in fuse box 1 to the first earth-leakage breaker (300 mA), and to device E, first
position.
In Figure 15 we can also see that power sockets 11D1, 11D2, 11D3, 11D4 and 11D5 belong to circuit D in the first
distribution board and after the first earth-leakage breaker. Since these are non-controlled power sockets, they
will be connected directly to each other on installation. Just one feeder cable runs from distribution board 1 to
this power socket circuit.
Figure 16:
Operating points with pushbuttons at the door, next to the bed and the window. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
In the master bedroom we have drawn four operating points. For this we used the symbol for n-number
pushbuttons. An operating point is defined here as a place where one or more pushbuttons are installed under
the same cover plate. The correct number of pushbuttons is now not an important consideration here. As an IHS
system is flexible, it may be that today we decide that three pushbuttons will be put at the door, but tomorrow
we decide on four or only two. So as not to have to change our drawing each time (work time), we always use
the same symbol for an operating point. How many pushbuttons are at a certain operating point, and what
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function they will have, will not be shown in the drawing but later on in a spreadsheet. At every operating point
we also place a code. It can start with the letter S for switch for example, followed by a unique number. We
could also use PB (pushbuttons) or OP (Operating Point), but that would mean having to key in an extra letter
each time, while the intention is to save ourselves as much work as possible.
Figure 17:
A touch panel next to the TV in the bedroom. This allows operations from the bed with the infrared remote
control. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
Figure 18:
The motion detectors at the garage door, the terrace, the front door and front garden. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
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Figure 19:
The light sensor on the terrace provides information on the quantity of outside light. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
Figure 20:
The temperature sensors are also shown in the drawing. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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Figure 21:
The layer for the access control proximity readers. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
To complete the drawing work we can also create layers for other subsystems for which we will install the
cabling. Examples of devices for such subsystems include the entry phones, videophones, telephones, television
and radio connections, the computer network, the audio distribution system, the alarm system, et cetera.
T4
T3
Figure 22:
Telephones and videophones are also shown on the drawings. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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Figure 23:
Bathroom fan tells us much more than the code R11. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
The list consists of six columns. The first column contains a description of the consumer. Column two contains
its code if it is a consumer connected to a relay. The codes of the consumers that are connected to a motor
output or a dimmer output are put in columns three and four respectively.
In larger installations it is usual to fit a number of fuse boxes in the home: for example one in an equipment
room, one in the attic and one in the garden pavilion. We give each fuse box a number. We note this number
alongside each consumer in column five of the list. In this way we can see which fuse box the consumer has to
be connected to during the installation
Figure 24:
De lijst van de motoren. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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Figure 25:
The dimmers can also be given their own column. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
For ease of installation, and in order not have to reinvent the wheel too much during the installation (you want
to get on with the work), in the last column we note which cable or wires (in a conduit) must be used for the
respective consumers. In this way the employees who install the cables are not in doubt and can correctly do
the installation quickly because all the thinking has already been done. Everything is set out on paper.
Finally, note that the above drawings contain some colored (green) rows. Depending upon the number of
outputs on the output modules used, these lines visually indicate how many output modules are used. In the
above examples, the consumers R1 to R8 inclusive are connected to a relay output module. The consumers R9
to R16 inclusive are connected to a second output module. Two motor output modules are also used that can
each control four motors. The output modules for controlling the dimmers each have eight outputs. On the
second dimmer control card we only use D9 to D13. For the time being, we thus have three surplus dimmer
outputs.
Figure 26:
The drawing with the pushbutton operating points. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
This drawing only shows where the operating points are located. What we did not want, and could not do, was
to show how many pushbuttons there will be at a certain operating point and what functions these pushbuttons
will have. So it is now time to produce the list of pushbuttons.
With an IHS system, the installer has to go through two types of thought processes: the creative and the
analytical. The creative thinking determines what will be done with the IHS system; that is, what IHS functions
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will be implemented. The analytical thinking consists of converting this into the software program or the
programming operations of the IHS system. All too often we forget to do the first and then encounter problems
when it comes to the programming. It is advisable to separate the two types of thinking from one another, and
to do them at different times; first the creative work and only then the analytical work. One way of setting the
creative work out on paper is to use the list of pushbuttons shown below.
Figure 27:
This spreadsheet specifies the function for each pushbutton. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
In the first column we note the codes of the operating points. In our example we can see operating points S1,
S2 and S3. The second column specifies the number of pushbuttons for each operating point. In our example we
see that there is only one pushbutton at operating point S1. Operating point S2 contains four pushbuttons, while
at operating point S3 there will be room for eight pushbuttons.
Depending upon the possibilities of the IHS system, we provide one or more lines for each pushbutton. There
are two lines in the example above. The IHS system used here is able to allocate two independent functions to
a pushbutton depending upon whether it is pressed for a short period (< 1 sec.) or long period (> 1.5 sec.) by the
user. We provide a short press row and a long press row for each pushbutton.
There then follows an entire series of narrow columns under the heading Function. Each column represents a
possible function of the IHS system. For example, we first see the ON/OFF Toggle function, but also dimmer
functions, timed functions, general moods and even audio functions. As an installer, you will have to adapt these
columns to the IHS system you are working on.
The next three columns contain the codes of the relays, dimmers and motors concerned. Finally there is the
description column. This specifies the purpose of the function in a few words.
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We can see that four pushbuttons have been installed at operating point S2. When there is a short
press on pushbutton 1, it toggles (there is a cross in the function column concerned) relay R53 (see
relay column). Because the code R53 does not by itself tell us a lot, we can see in the description
column that it is the central light point of the entrance.
A long press on pushbutton 1 of the same operating point toggles R52, the light on the vestibule wall.
A short press on pushbutton 2 operates a timed function for the light on the ground floor stairs.
When we press the pushbutton, the light comes on and automatically switches off after five minutes
or other preset time (see description).
Because it is not helpful for the light to continually go off while cleaning the stairs, a long press on
pushbutton 2 operates a toggle function for the same light R6. The light will then stay on until we give
the same button another long press.
We do something similar with pushbutton 3. A short press on this button will switch on the outside
front door lighting for five minutes. Somebody can then leave the house without stepping out into the
dark.
If we intend to receive a visitor at some unknown point, we may want the front door light to stay on.
This can be done with the toggle function for R5.
Finally a short press on pushbutton 4 does not operate any function. When we give the same button a
long press, a general mood is activated whereby all the consumers in the home go off, the roll-down
shutters are raised if it is daytime or lowered if it is dark, and in the meantime the activity simulation
is activated. We can leave the home with peace of mind.
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Figure 28:
This list enables the installer on the site to connect any pushbutton to the correct wire. (Source illustration: E&D
Systems)
The first and second columns correspond to the first two columns in the list of pushbuttons. The first column
contains the codes of the operating points. The second column contains a row for each pushbutton.
A mounting box has to be installed at each operating point. So that we do not have to rethink which mounting
box (size) has to be installed and in what direction (horizontal or vertical) during the installation, we provide a
third column containing this information. The above example uses Bticino mounting boxes E503 and E504. We
thus see that an E503 mounting box has to be fitted at operating points S1 and S4. There is an E504 mounting
box at the other operating points.
If the standard European mounting boxes are used, we can also note it in column three in the form of a figure,
followed by the letter H or V. The figure indicates the number of combined mounting boxes, while the direction
in which they are fitted (horizontal or vertical) is specified by the letter.
Example: 2H stands for two combined mounting boxes in a horizontal position, while 3V stands for three
mounting boxes below one another.
Figure 29:
We can even use this method for round mounting boxes on hollow walls. For the operating point on the left of
the photo we note the code 3V (3 x vertical) in column three, while the right-hand combination is noted as 2H
(2 x horizontal). (Source illustration: IPW)
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The pushbuttons are connected in star formation (making use of a common wire) to the fuse box. In our case
we use an SVV cable. This cable consists of a number of separate insulated and colored copper conductors of
0.8 mm, surrounded by a grey outer sheath. The table in Figure 28 shows the use of the green colored horizontal
lines. All operating points located between two consecutive green lines are connected with the same cable. We
note the type of cable in column seven: SVV 4x0.8 or SVV 16x0.8, a cable with 4 or 16 conductors respectively.
We provide an identification label at the point where these cables go into the fuse box. In the above list we see
that the first cable (SVV 4x0.8) has the label A1 and only goes from the fuse box to operating point S1 (there is
a green line below it). The cable with the label A2 (SVV 16x0.8) goes from the fuse box to operating point S2,
and from there to operating point S3. The next cable (A3) goes to operating points S4, S5 and S6.
Column four shows that the white wire of the cables will always be used as the common wire for all pushbuttons.
Furthermore, each pushbutton is given a unique wire in column five. By drawing up this list beforehand, you do
not waste time on site noting which wire has been connected to which pushbutton. Few mistakes are made as
a result.
Finally, we would also like to know which input of the IHS system a pushbutton is connected to. This is indicated
in the last two columns. In the penultimate column we note the number of the input module. In the last column
we note the input of the input module to which the relevant pushbutton is connected.
Depending on the IHS system concerned, we can also make a modification here. We do not need to note wire
colors for all systems that use BUS cabling and pushbutton modules that are directly connected to it. It is
sufficient to note the address of the module or the pushbuttons
503
2
3
4
1 2 3 4
1 2 3
503
503
1
3
2
4
5
1 2 3
4 5 6
1
2 3 4
5
504
504
1 2
3 4
5 6
1 2 3
4
5 6 7
504
BTicino
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
Figure 30:
An example of possible arrangements for Bticino pushbuttons. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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The top two rows show a few options for the use of an E503 mounting box. In the bottom two rows we see a
few options in combination with an E504 mounting box. Note that both full size and half size pushbuttons have
been used.
Every cable to the pushbutton locations is given a label in the table for the connection of the pushbuttons (A1,
A2, et cetera). In order to proceed in an orderly manner, it is better to connect the wires of these cables to
terminal blocks. In order to save space in the fuse box, we use double layered terminal blocks. We use the
following drawing for the correct connection of the colors.
Figure 31:
Connection of the SVV cables to the terminal block. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
We will place a number of these terminal blocks next to one another for the different cables in the fuse box. If
we use the same order of colors for every cable, we can instantly see where a new cable starts each time, i.e.
whenever there is a white wire. The above colors are only an example. They will have to be adapted to the colors
in the cable used by the installer.
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Figure 32:
Example of a part of a single-line diagram. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
Figure 33:
The symbol for overvoltage protection. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
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Figure 34:
Relay module, consisting of 8 relays and a bus connection. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
If consumers are double-pole switched, we provide a contactor. The single-pole relay of the IHS output module
then switches the double-pole contactor.
Figure 35:
The top power socket of circuit 11E is switched by a two-pole contactor. This is controlled by relay R8 of the IHS
system. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
4.6.3. DIMMERS
Dimmers are generally not distributed around the home, but centralized in the fuse box. We use the symbol of
a dimmer here. In order to indicate that it is not an ordinary dimmer, we draw a small square around it. We can
use that symbol to indicate rail dimmers.
Certain IHS systems also use dimmer packs. These are units that contain a number of dimmers. In such a case, a
large rectangle is drawn around the dimmers that are in the dimmer pack.
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Figure 36:
Presentation of a 12-channel dimmer pack and a single dimmer. All dimmers in this drawing are controlled by a
0-10 V control and not directly by a bus system. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
4.6.4. MOTORS
We can also use a separate symbol for the motors of roller-shutters, sunblinds, et cetera. IHS systems normally
provide modules for controlling bi-directional motors. All relays of a single module are then framed by a
rectangle.
Figure 37:
Here too, the number of the relay used is always indicated. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
In the above drawing, we see that the four relays that control the motors (when considered together) form a
motor control module that is controlled by a bus connection.
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3 4
R MO O
5 6
34
M O
3 4
RN M
O O
56
3 4
RN MO O
5 6
34
RN M
O O
56
3 4
RN MO O
56
3 4
RN MO O
5 6
34
RN M
O O
56
34
RN MO O
5 6
7
3 4
RN M
O O
56
Po we r
s u p p ly
3 4
RN MO O
56
34
RN MO O
5 6
RN M
O
56
7
RN
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1 2 V DC
C
4
O UT 0 8 a u t o b u s
O UT 0 8 a u t o b u s
O UT 0 8 a u t o b u s
r
4
2
3
O UT 0 8 a u t o b u s
O UT M O T O R 2 3 0 V
0 2F 3M 0
FL M
Figure 38:
Example of a drawn fuse box, equipped with an earth-leakage breaker, overvoltage protection, automatic
breakers and various other types of IHS equipment. (Source illustration: E&D Systems)
Time saved on site. If, when on site, you still need to think about how many pushbuttons there must be
at a particular point and what function these pushbuttons will have to perform, then you are wasting
time.
Time saved when installing pushbuttons. If such a method is not used, you will still have to write
everything down on site. The color of a wire that is connected to a particular pushbutton must also be
easily identified in the fuse box, without a so-called continuity test having to be carried out.
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Time saved when programming. Once the installation has been completed and has to be programmed,
at that point you no longer want to be thinking about the function of a pushbutton. Everything is clearly
written down in the tables.
Clarity. The printouts allow you to work with a comprehensive overall view of the installation. All details
can easily be found.
Easily adaptable. A minor or major change must be made in the diagrams and tables. Changes can be
quickly made and are clear.
Up-to-date information. In principle, the latest changes and modifications discussed must always be
visible in the diagrams and tables. It is therefore a good idea to always include the date on drawings
and tables.
Clear site instructions. When employees go to the site with plans and tables, they are armed with clear
information. Mistakes are almost entirely excluded.
Indications on the plans and diagrams made by employees can easily and neatly be incorporated into
the file.
Tidiness. Working in a tidy fashion has several positive side effects. Someone who can submit a tidy file
will gain trust more readily than if a few scraps of paper are presented. As a secondary effect, it can
boost your image. You are viewed as someone who will deliver quality.
The diagrams for the inspection are ready. Obviously the entire file does not need to be submitted for
inspection. As the drawing work has already been done, a printout of the floor plans and the singlewire diagram can suffice.
Time saved in after-sales service. Once the property is occupied, if modifications and changes have to
be made (hardware or software), you can fall back on a complete file. This means you do not waste
valuable time having to investigate and test individual connections.
The customer gets a complete file. If you are unavailable, the customer still has the necessary
information to have any modifications carried out by someone else. Obviously this point forms part of
the sales agreement.
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 73
2. Centralised, decentralised or semi-centralised intelligence ......................................................................................... 74
2.1. Centralised systems ......................................................................................................................................................... 74
2.1.1. Advantages of centralised systems ................................................................................................................ 74
2.1.2. Disadvantages of centralised systems............................................................................................................ 74
2.2. Decentralised systems: .................................................................................................................................................... 74
2.2.1. Advantages of decentralised systems ............................................................................................................ 75
2.2.2. Disadvantages of decentralised systems........................................................................................................ 75
2.3. Semi-centralised systems:................................................................................................................................................ 75
3. Topology .................................................................................................................................................................... 77
3.1. Star topology.................................................................................................................................................................... 77
3.1.1. Advantage: ..................................................................................................................................................... 77
3.1.2. Disadvantages: ............................................................................................................................................... 77
3.2. BUS topology ................................................................................................................................................................... 77
3.2.1. Advantages:.................................................................................................................................................... 78
3.2.2. Disadvantages: ............................................................................................................................................... 78
3.3. Tree topology or free topology ........................................................................................................................................ 78
3.3.1. Advantages:.................................................................................................................................................... 78
3.3.2. Disadvantages: ............................................................................................................................................... 78
4. Media used................................................................................................................................................................. 79
4.1. Multicable ........................................................................................................................................................................ 79
4.2. Twisted Pair (TP) .............................................................................................................................................................. 79
4.3. Powerline (PL) .................................................................................................................................................................. 80
4.4. Coax 80
4.5. Radio frequency (RF) ........................................................................................................................................................ 80
4.6. Infrared (IR) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 81
4.7. Optical fibre ..................................................................................................................................................................... 81
5. Integrated home system components......................................................................................................................... 82
5.1. The consumers ................................................................................................................................................................. 82
5.2. The actuators ................................................................................................................................................................... 82
5.3. Input modules .................................................................................................................................................................. 83
5.3.1. Digital input modules ..................................................................................................................................... 83
5.3.2. Analogue input modules ................................................................................................................................ 83
5.4. The sensors ...................................................................................................................................................................... 83
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1. INTRODUCTION
In this chapter of the Integrated Home Systems (IHS) course we focus on the technological aspects of an IHS
installation. Among other things, we discuss where the system intelligence is located, the topology and the
media of the installation. We also devote attention to the components of an IHS system and touch on various
safety issues. In the final section, we discuss several installation techniques and provide some handy tips for
installing an IHS system.
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Figure 1:
An example of a central controller. In a centralised system IHS installation the master controller
is essential. Without the master, there can be no functions. (Illustration source: Peha)
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Figure 2:
The KNX IHS system is a typical example of a system with decentralised intelligence.
Sensors and actuators are connected to one another by the BUS (green lines). There is no master
that controls everything. Every component can listen and/or send. (Illustration source: KNX)
Example:
Figure 3:
In this IHS system all control and sensor components and all actuators are connected to the
same BUS. At the left there is a power supply for the BUS, but there is no master controller in the system. Each
component has its own intelligence. (Illustration source: Bticino)
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BUS. When a sensor sends a signal, each module checks whether the signal is intended for it. If it is, the module
then checks which module outputs the signal is intended for, and which function needs to be performed.
Each module works as a stand-alone. An installation with just one module can be treated as a centralised system.
If the installation contains several intelligent output modules, it acts like a group of master modules working in
parallel.
When one of the output modules (small controller) fails, the rest of the installation can still work.
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3. TOPOLOGY
Every system has a certain way of installing the cabling to the connection unit. The manufacturer generally
stipulates one of the following topologies. In practice, this must be strictly followed so that no faults occur.
Manufacturers only guarantee proper operation of their systems if the cabling has been installed according to
the stipulated topology.
Figure 4:
With star topology, every module is connected separately to a central point. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Every module is connected by its own cabling to a central point (possibly with multicable). Many integrated
home systems use this topology for connecting the consumers (lights, roll-down shutter motors, etc.) to the
output modules. There are also many systems that use this topology for connecting voltage-free push buttons
to an input module.
3.1.1. ADVANTAGE:
When a certain cable is broken the connected module will not work, but the other modules will. The continuity
of the installation is therefore guaranteed.
3.1.2. DISADVANTAGES:
A lot of cabling is required.
There are many connections at the central point.
Figure 5:
With BUS topology every module has to be connected directly to the BUS or line.
(Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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The bus cable here goes from module to module. A branch connected to a number of modules is not allowed.
The bus cable starts from one module, goes to the next module, and then on to the next until it is finally
connected to the last module. In practice, a terminating resistor has to be put on the bus at the start and at the
end to stop reflections on the bus.
3.2.1. ADVANTAGES:
Less cable has to be installed.
In most cases, it requires fewer connections.
3.2.2. DISADVANTAGES:
A break in the cable will cause a substantial section of the installation not to work.
Figure 6:
In practice, tree topology gives great freedom of installation. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
The tree topology is a combination of the star and bus topologies. It is also called free topology because the
installer is free to make any kind of branch for connecting modules to the bus cable. The only restriction is that
closed loops cannot be created.
3.3.1. ADVANTAGES:
The installer can make branches anywhere.
The flexibility of the installation is increased.
3.3.2. DISADVANTAGES:
Here too, a break in the cable can paralyse a substantial section of the installation.
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4. MEDIA USED
Certain cables are used to implement the above topologies and we describe them in the following sections. In
some cases, wireless techniques such as RF and infrared are also used for sending data.
4.1. MULTICABLE
Multicable is very often used for connecting voltage-free push buttons (standard push buttons) to the input
module of an IHS system. There are many types of multicable. One of the most common types is a cable
consisting of a number of solid copper conductors (0.8 mm) that are individually insulated with PVC. Every
conductor has its own colour. Around them is an outer PVC sheath. The various conductors are not twisted
together. Such a cable therefore cannot be used for telephony or data communications under any
circumstances.
Figure 7:
SVV cable with stiff conductors.
There are also multicables that consist of flexible individually insulated conductors, surrounded by an outer
sheath. In many cases the conductor insulation is black PVC, on which an individual number is printed for each
conductor for identification purposes. These cables are also of the non-twisted type.
Figure 8:
These green TP cables are used for KNX installations. Other manufacturers
sometimes also specify the use of these cables. (Illustration source: KNX)
Some manufacturers use a TP cable with a thin twisted pair for communication and a thicker twisted pair to
supply power to the connected modules.
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Figure 9:
Data communications over the existing 230V network of the home is extremely
suitable for renovations, but it does have a few drawbacks. (Illustration source: Eaton)
4.4. COAX
Coax has a wide bandwidth but, on the other hand, is more difficult to install. It is primarily used for transporting
television images and video signals. As far as we know, there is currently no IHS system that uses coax cable for
transporting data.
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Figure 10:
RF operation is increasingly being used by a number of manufacturers.
Transmitters are used in the form of an ordinary wall switch or hand-held
remote control. The receivers are available in different forms. (Illustration source: Bticino)
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Figure 11:
Curtain motors are among the consumers to be controlled. The curtains can be opened or closed easily
without having to balance uncomfortably on the sofa. (Illustration source: G-Rail Goelst)
Relay modules
Remote controlled switches
Motor modules
Dimmers
IR transmitter stations
RF transmitter stations
Other output interfaces
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Figure 12:
A 10-fold relay output module. (Illustration source: Hager)
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Figure 13:
A few examples of switches and push buttons. (Illustration source: Berker)
Figure 14:
An example of a button panel with six buttons. Each button is labelled to indicate what it does.
(Illustration source: Vantage)
In certain cases, the operating panels also have a display and/or a temperature sensor. An IR receiver is
sometimes included in the operating panel. Operating panels do not have voltage-free contacts, but are
connected directly to the BUS.
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Figure 15:
A touch screen can provide an overview of the entire IHS system. (Illustration source: Gira)
Certain touch screens are true multimedia units. Not only can they be used to communicate with the door
videophone, they can also be used to call up images from other cameras in and around the home, watch
television or listen to the radio. Sometimes they are also connected to the computer network so that e-mails
can be sent or the internet can be used. Viewing energy consumption charts is also an increasingly popular
option.
Touch screens are mainly used with relatively large and expensive projects. However, there they are facing more
and more competition from much cheaper tablets.
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Figure 16:
A touch window contains no mechanical buttons and the screen cannot change
as a result of performing an operation. (Illustration source: Teletask)
In recent years touch windows equipped with OLED technology have also appeared. This allows the text and
icons to be displayed with fairly high resolution.
Figure 17:
This OLED touch screen also eliminates mechanical buttons. (Illustration source: Teletask)
5.4.6. RF TRANSMITTERS
These are hand-held or wall transmitters that convey RF signals to RF receivers. The hand-held transmitters are
generally battery operated. In certain cases the wall transmitters can also be supplied by the 230V network or
be voltage-free, operated by a piezoelectric element.
Figure 18:
An RF wall transmitter can look like an ordinary switch. (Illustration source: Gira)
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5.4.8. SMARTPHONE
Smartphones now play a prominent role amongst the sensors. With a suitable app, users can control all the
functions of the IHS system. Of course, the IHS system has to be equipped with an interface to the home LAN
network. Wi-Fi is used as the two-way communication channel.
Figure 19:
Users can operate and control the entire IHS system with a menu structure consisting of icons and text.
(Illustration source: Niko)
5.4.9. TABLET
As a user interface component for the IHS system, a tablet basically functions the same way as a smartphone.
However, because the screen is larger, it is sometimes possible to work with photos of various places in the
home, in addition to icons and text. For example, you can switch a floor lamp in the living room on or off by
clicking on the lamp.
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Figure 20:
Operations can be carried out with the computer using such screens of the home.
Buttons are placed on the diagram for controlling the lighting, roll-down shutters, power points,
heating, audio and even for viewing with IP cameras. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Figure 21:
An intelligent motion detector for outdoor use with remote control and holiday function.
(Illustration source: Busch-Jaeger)
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so that somebody working at a desk can be detected. The system then knows that it must keep on the lighting
and heating, if necessary.
Figure 22:
In contrast to motion detectors, presence detectors are often installed on the ceiling.
(Illustration source: Merten)
Figure 23:
Smoke detectors are supplied by battery or 230V. (Illustration source: Niko)
Figure 24:
This gas detector can detect different types of gases. (Illustration source: Joel)
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Figure 25:
Left: structure of a magnetic contact. Right: a version for building into a window or door.
(Illustration source: Aliexpress)
5.4.16. THERMOSTATS
A thermostat is a unit where the temperature is measured by an electronic sensor or bimetallic strip and
compared to the set temperature. The thermostat will open or close an output contact depending on whether
the temperature is above or below the set value. On/off thermostats are rarely used in combination with IHS
systems. Analogue temperature sensors are used most often.
Figure 26:
An everyday room thermostat. (Illustration source: GE Grsslin)
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Figure 27:
Example of a water leak sensor. (Illustration source: Teletask)
Figure 28:
Example of a light sensor for building into the ceiling. (Illustration source: Vantage)
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Figure 29:
A weather station for measuring wind, sunlight and rain. (Illustration source: Becker)
Figure 30:
Surface mounted code panel. (Illustration source: Nice)
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Figure 31:
In Belgium, electrical equipment, power points and switches connected to the 230V
network may only be installed in volume 3. (Illustration source: Vinotte Academy)
The space around the bath or shower is divided into different volumes. Therefore, 230V components may never
be installed in volumes 0, 1 and 2 (up to a height of 2.25 metres above the bath or shower platform). However,
this rule changes when lower voltages are used. Take volume 1 as an example. Without additional external
protection and for a pure DC voltage, components can be installed in this volume up to a maximum voltage of
20V. However, if external protection of IPX4 is applied, the voltage used in this volume can increase to 30V.
Looking at the voltages used by integrated home systems, they lie between 9V and 30V. In practice, this means
that all these products can be put in volume 1 if they have IPX4 protection, yet they do not generally have this
level of protection. Without external protection against contact, the voltage can only be 20V. This means that
only the products that work on 9V or 12V can be put in volume 1, but the 24V and 30V products must never be
put in this zone as they will cause danger to the user.
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Figure 32:
A mechanical emergency handle for an automated roll-down shutter might not
be pretty, but the safety of the occupiers takes precedence. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
It would not be the first time that a pleasant barbecue has been abruptly stopped because the clocks or light
sensor of the IHS system have suddenly closed all roll-down shutters automatically. If the doors are also fitted
with roll-down shutters and everybody is outside, then there is a problem. However, this can be solved by fitting
motion detectors on the terrace and in the garden. As long as they detect motion, the IHS system cannot
automatically close the roll-down shutters.
If the home has electrically locked doors, the residents must still be able to get out at all times, even if there is
no electricity. There has to be a mechanical means of unlocking them.
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Figure 33:
By switching off the outdoor power points when we are not at home, our neighbours will not be tempted
to use our increasingly expensive electricity to mow their lawns. (Illustration source: Niko)
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Figure 34:
Peha has an output module in its range that has 4A contacts (left). The other output
module contains 4 contacts of 6A and 4 contacts of 10A. (Illustration source: Peha)
Below is a schematic diagram of the Peha output module that contains 2 groups of 4 relays of 4A. Each group of
4 relays is connected together internally in the module. The same protection is therefore used for each group.
Each relay can take a maximum of 4A but, as they are connected together internally, the entire group must be
protected according to its weakest element, and that is 4A.
4A
4A
4A
4A
4A
4A
1,5mm
4A
1,5mm
4A
4A
4A
Figure 35:
In such an installation more circuit breakers will have to be used to protect the electrical circuits correctly.
(Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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6A
6A
10A
10A
10A
10A
1,5mm
6A
1,5mm
6A
6A
10A
Figure 36:
Here the relays are protected for their nominal value. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
6A
6A
10A
10A
10A
1,5mm
6A
1,5mm
6A
1,5mm
6A
1,5mm
6A
1,5mm
Above is a schematic diagram of the Peha output module with 6A and 10A contacts. In this module all contacts
go to the outside. When the connected load is not too high, we can protect all 6A contacts together with a 6A
breaker, and all 10A contacts with a 10A breaker. However, if heavier consumers have to be connected to certain
relays, then in certain cases separate relays will have to be protected separately. In the example below, the load
of relay 4 is 5A, and the loads of relays 1, 2 and 3 are 1.5A. The first three relays can then be connected together
on a 6A breaker, for example, while relay 4 has to be protected with a separate 6A breaker. In the drawing we
see that relays 5 and 6 with 10A contacts are each protected separately because heavy consumers are connected
to them.
10A
10A
10A
10A
Figure 37:
Separately protected relays on account of a high individual load. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
The master controller or supply of the IHS system must be suitably protected. We can assume that these
components are not heavy consumers. In most cases a 2A or 4A breaker will suffice. However, if we use a 10A
or 16A breaker here, then these components will not be well protected against overload, resulting in possible
damage when an anomaly occurs.
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reduce the lifetime of electronic components so that the equipment will only function properly for a shorter
period of time.
Homes that have external lightning protection must also have internal protection against direct lightning strikes.
However, most homes will only have medium protection against indirect lightning strikes and possibly additional
protection for individual items of equipment.
It is necessary to efficiently protect all electrical cables coming into the home. If we only protect 230V cables,
there can still effectively be discharges into telephone cables and coax cables. Cables leaving the home also need
to be protected, for example when a supply cable from the home goes underground into a garden shed. If the
integrated home system bus goes outside the home, appropriate measures need to be taken.
Figure 38:
This overvoltage protection limits the peak voltage to 275V. (Illustration source: Dehn)
Figure 39:
When choosing appropriate overvoltage protection, account has to be taken of the nominal
voltage, the current and frequency of the cables to be protected. (Illustration source: Dehn)
Very sensitive equipment can be individually fitted with fine protection. This reduces further the voltage spike
that remains after the medium protection. Such equipment is generally constructed as a plug strip. In certain
cases, not only is fine protection applied to the 230V circuit, but also to telephone and coax cables.
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In the example below a master controller and an output module of an IHS system are supplied at 230V. There
is, however, BUS cabling between the master and the output module. When the cables are installed far apart
(left-hand drawing) the voltage difference induced by an indirect lightning strike can be too great. There can also
be a discharge between the BUS cable and the 230V part. Best practice would consist of installing the cables
concerned closer together. In the case of an indirect lightning strike, the potential difference generated between
the two cables would be smaller.
Figure 40:
In practice loops cannot always be avoided, but try to keep them as small as possible
by installing the cables as close together as possible. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Loops can also occur between earth cables (or the BUS screening) and bare earthed metal parts of the home.
Therefore, as an example, cables and electrical equipment should always be installed at a safe distance from
metal water pipes.
Figure 41:
This output module has a toggle switch for automatic or manual operation. In the manual
state, the individual outputs can be switched with push buttons. (Illustration source: Hager)
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7.5. EMC
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) must be guaranteed by IHS systems. In essence, the IHS system must not
cause any interference in other electrical equipment (TV, audio, data network, etc.). Externally generated signals
must not affect the good operation of the IHS system. In certain cases a Faraday cage can be put around certain
components. Some master controllers for IHS systems are supplied in a metal box. Other manufacturers of IHS
systems recommend installing the IHS components in a metal distribution board instead of a PVC distribution
board. This distribution board must, of course, be earthed.
7.6. CE MARK
Figure 42:
CE mark.
If the CE mark is placed on an item of equipment/product, it only means that the equipment manufacturer or
the person importing it into Europe declares that the equipment concerned satisfies all European Directives
applicable to it. For most electrical applications there are three of them:
The CE mark indicates that a product satisfies the minimum safety requirements but this has nothing to do with
quality tests or standards inspections. Without the CE mark, products for which the mark is required (almost all
electrical products), cannot be sold or traded in the European Union. Save for exceptions for specific
applications, a manufacturer must put the CE mark on his products himself (printed or sticker). By affixing the
CE mark, a person who is associated with the manufacturer (owner, chief executive, director, technical manager,
etc.) is jointly and severally liable for having done so correctly, in order to avoid the CE mark being affixed all too
easily and sometimes without knowledge of the facts. To limit this joint and several risk, most manufacturers
have tests carried out by an independent laboratory during the development of new products. In this way they
have independent test results as a basis for affixing the CE mark.
Installers using products without a CE mark can be held liable in the event of any problems (for example, fire).
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of the specified cable is highly advisable as the manufacturer only guarantees correct operation of his system
when the correct cables are used in the installation.
Figure 43:
Schematic presentation of the EIB/KNX cable with screening. (Illustration source: KNX)
Figure 44:
The ends of the KNX cable have shrink sleeving. (Illustration source: KNX)
7.11. KEEP CABLES WITH DIFFERENT VOLTAGES AWAY FROM ONE ANOTHER
All kinds of components are brought together in the distribution board. The supplies, controllers and output
modules are connected with 230V cabling. On the other hand, there are input modules where only very low
safety voltage is used. The cables used for the two networks are very different. The discharge voltage of 230V
cables and wires is much higher than for the cables and wires used for the BUS or for connecting the push
buttons. In practice, we must keep these cables and wires separated and as far away from one another as
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possible, although it is not always easy to do so. After all, certain modules not only have connections for 230V,
but also for the bus.
Figure 45:
Cables and insulated wires with a different discharge voltage must be kept a safe distance from one another.
The Belgian installation regulations specify that it must be at least 4 mm. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
When positioning the components in the distribution board, we can also ensure that the components on a very
low safety voltage are put in a separate place, at some distance from the 230V components.
Figure 46:
Labelling cables results in time savings. (Illustration source: Dobiss)
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In larger installations it is also advisable to label every wire in the distribution board. In this way we can quickly
trace the start and end of a wire without measuring equipment. The cable ducts can stay closed.
Figure 47:
Except for the purple common wires, all other wires have their own number. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Figure 48:
The IHS terminal block of Wago. (Illustration source: Wago)
Many onward connections often have to be made at the operating points (push buttons). That is certainly the
case when the push buttons are connected in star topology to an input module in the distribution board. Here
it is preferable not to use connectors where a small screw presses into the wire. There are always vibrations in
a building and, after a certain period of time, they can loosen the connection. It is better to use special pressure
clamps. The insulated conductors are put in the pressure clamp and then the cover of the pressure clamp is
pressed down using pliers. This causes a small blade to cut through the insulation and make a connection
between the wires. A little glue is also released that secures the individual conductors in the clamp. Vibrations
cannot break the connection here.
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Figure 49:
Such terminals can be used with solid copper conductors. (Illustration source: Scotch)
Figure 50:
A rejection filter for every phase and a phase coupler with powerline systems.
(Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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Figure 51:
On this multiple dimming actuator at the top right we see a sticker
on which the BUS address can be noted. (Illustration source: Merten)
Figure 52:
Under certain conditions, it is possible to connect two power supplies together with the aid of a few diodes.
However, the manufacturer must always be consulted about this. (Illustration source: Schneider Electric)
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When determining the electrical lifetime, a load is connected and a current passes through the contact. The
lifetime is different depending on the type of load and current. The electrical lifetime is always less than the
mechanical lifetime.
There are various categories of usage for electrical equipment. The ones of importance to IHS applications are
stated below:
If a relay states the allowed current per contact, then it is always the nominal current in the AC-1 user category.
Mistakes are often made here in practice. People only look at the value of the nominal current and do not take
account of the type of load and any switch-on currents.
Specialised relay manufacturers therefore generally use tables showing the maximum load for specific types of
loads. The table below is an example of this. For relay ESR12NP (column 2) we see that the nominal current is
16A. This relay may be loaded up to 3600W when the consumers are 230V incandescent lamps or halogen lamps,
or 3600VA when they are non-compensated fluorescent tubes with a standard ballast. For parallel compensated
fluorescent tubes with a standard ballast or fluorescent tubes that have an electronic ballast these values are
reduced to 1000VA. For compact fluorescent tubes with electronic ballast and for low-energy bulbs with builtin ballast this value is lowered further. Furthermore, for this relay we see that the electrical lifetime with a load
with Cos = 1 is greater than 100,000 switches. This lifetime is reduced to 40,000-plus switches if the load has
a Cos of only 0.6.
Figure 53:
Load table for various relays and for different types of consumers. (Illustration source: Eltako)
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In theory we can divide the various loads into resistive, inductive or capacitive. In practice, however, consumers
are often a mixture of these types of loads, but they have a stronger component that predominates, which puts
them in a certain group. Lets look at the characteristics of each group.
Figure 54:
A standard wound transformer is a typical example of an inductive load. (Illustration source: Erea)
Figure 55:
Electronic converters often present a capacitive load. (Illustration source: Erea)
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Figure 56:
Switch-on currents and their duration. (Illustration source: Zettler Electronics)
In the above table in the left-hand column we see various types of loads. The last two columns are particularly
important here. There we can see the ratio between the switch-on current with respect to the nominal current
and the duration of this switch-on current to its 50% level. We see, for example, the remarkably high switch-on
current for a low energy lamp. The duration is short, however. Not included in this table, but worth mentioning,
is that the switch-on current of gas discharge lamps is 5 to 10 times the nominal current, but lasts around 10
seconds. With mercury or sodium vapour lamps the ratio with respect to the nominal current is less (up to 3
times), but the duration is as much as 2 minutes. The chosen relay contacts must be able to withstand this.
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ES1 C1 ES2
ES3 C2 ES4
Motor 1
Motor 2
Figure 57:
When one of the motors stops earlier, that motor starts to turn the other way
through the action of the other motor. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
We have to separate these motors from one another in order to drive them together so we use an isolating relay
(WS2 in the diagram below). In this way undesired currents (dotted line) are avoided.
L
WS1
WS2
ES1 C1 ES2
Motor 1
ES3 C2 ES4
Motor 2
Figure 58:
By using an isolating relay, the shutters will always perform the same movement
and will not hinder one another. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
In practice, it makes sense to give every roll-down shutter its own cabling to the distribution board, and to install
the isolating relay there. In this way it can be decided at a later stage to drive the roll-down shutters separately
by connecting each of them to a roll-down shutter output of the IHS system.
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There are also tube motors on the market that have electronic end-stop switches. They do not impede one
another when connected in parallel.
Figure 59:
Both the information of the LCD window and the description of the buttons must be readable without the
person having to stand on his toes or bend his knees. (Illustration source: Jung)
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Figure 60:
Temperature sensor fitted to the wall opposite the heating element. (Illustration source: DK Design)
Of course we must avoid the temperature measurement being disturbed by external influences such as the sun,
the heat of a light or television set, or a heating element. Draughts must also be avoided. Therefore be careful
with built-in thermostats. It is better to seal the tubes that come out of the built-in box to ensure that cold
airflows through the tubes do not cause incorrect measurements. Furthermore, do not put the temperature
sensors behind curtains or cupboards. We want to measure the room temperature properly.
Figure 61:
Avoid external influences. (Illustration source: DK Design)
Certain IHS systems can compensate for such things in their software. In larger rooms in particular, this can be
used to ensure that the desired temperature is obtained at the desired place (the sitting area for example), while
the sensor itself hangs in a place where it is somewhat warmer or colder.
7.23.1. MULTICABLE
When using multicable it is all too easy to use all the wires of the cable for connecting to push buttons during
the installation. However, this reduces the flexibility because no additional push buttons can be installed with
this cable at a later stage. In practice it is advisable to set some of the wires aside during the installation, so that
additional push buttons can be fitted later.
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Figure 62:
Push buttons that have to perform the same function are nevertheless cabled separately
to the distribution board in order to preserve flexibility. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
December 2015
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November 2015
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CONTENTS
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 116
2. The basics ............................................................................................................................................... 117
2.1. BUS topology ...............................................................................................................................................117
2.2. Star topology ...............................................................................................................................................117
3. The traditional installation method ........................................................................................................ 118
4. Smart installation methods ..................................................................................................................... 120
4.1. With patch box ............................................................................................................................................120
4.2. Without patch box .......................................................................................................................................122
5. Installation tips ....................................................................................................................................... 123
6. A wired or wireless network? ................................................................................................................. 124
6.1. The wired network.......................................................................................................................................124
6.2. The wireless network ...................................................................................................................................125
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1. INTRODUCTION
It used to be a lot easier. At one time 230V cabling would be laid in a newly-built home, to which a few sockets,
power points and switches were connected. At most, there was also a telephone socket in the wall and a coax
cable connection for the television. A small distribution board was sufficient to protect a few socket and lighting
circuits. The installation was ready.
That is no longer the case today. With the arrival of Integrated Home Systems (IHS) and many other technological
marvels of this day and age, the number of networks in the home has increased sharply. Generally, one
telephone connection is no longer enough; we want a connection in almost every room. This is also the case for
the television and radio. In addition to the flat-screen TV in the living room, we also want a television in the
bedroom and kitchen. We also have a desktop computer, a network printer and a network hard drive that
require separate cabling. These devices are supplemented by a portable computer, a tablet and several
smartphones. These may all use a wireless network. There is a video entry phone at the front door which we
want to use in various places throughout the home. When we are watching television, the picture of the person
at the door appears as a PIP (picture in picture) on the screen, and why not on the computer, the tablet and the
smartphone when we are using these devices or have them to hand. Furthermore, we would also like to hear
our entire MP3 collection on the audio system in the living room and the audio equipment in the childrens
rooms. In the bathroom and kitchen, we want to listen to the news on the radio. We may also want to use IP
cameras for various reasons.
The expansion of the various networks in the home is enormous. It is therefore obvious that we are looking for
solutions for dealing with such network cabling in the home in a well thought out way. In this chapter, we will
discuss a few practical examples and smart solutions. We will see that the flexibility (the adaptability) of the
installation will play an important role.
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2. THE BASICS
Depending on the systems that have to be cabled, we generally use different cabling methods.
Figure 1:
Connection of operating points to the same bus cable. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
The advantage of this form of cabling is that only a few connections have to be made. The disadvantage is that
there will be a greater loss of function when the cable is damaged.
Figure 2:
An IHS button is connected to the bus cable here. We see two red and two black cables. The bus comes to the
connector and then goes on to the next component. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
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Figure 3:
IHS system buttons that are connected to a central point using a star topology.
(Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Figure 4:
Example of an audio system and a telephone system in which every component is
connected to a central point by its own cabling. (Illustration source: Russound)
The advantage of star cabling is that there is only a limited loss of function when a cable is defective. The
disadvantage is that many connections have to be made at the central point.
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For every room in the home, a decision has to be made regarding the number of connections to put in and where
to locate them. How many phone connections are needed in the living room? Will there be a fax machine there?
Where should the connection for the television and radio be? Must there also be a connection for the computer
network in the living room? Where will the home theatre speakers be? We can continue like this for every room.
The traditional installation method consists of linking every connection to a central point with its own cable. On
the one hand, this entails a lot of cabling work and restricts the flexibility of the installation. This is certainly the
case when the cables that come to the central point are connected directly to the active components such as
the local telephone exchange, the TV amplifier or the router. For example, if it is not anticipated that a year after
the installation, a telephone connection will be needed in addition to the television connection in the guest
room, then there will be a problem. The connection cannot be made.
A further disadvantage of this traditional cabling method is that a lot of recessed boxes are needed to place all
outlets alongside one another. Certain manufacturers have responded to this by providing a module that fits
into one single box in which all types of connections can be made.
Figure 5:
This module also contains a telephone and LAN connection in addition to a television,
radio and satellite antenna connection. (Illustration source: Reichle & De-Massari)
It probably goes without saying that it is useful to use a very deep recessed box in such a case. A number of
cables go into it and a certain minimum-bending radius has to be respected for every cable.
Another manufacturer has found a solution by using just two modules and two cables. A coax cable is connected
directly to the TV outlet. A fourfold twisted-pair (TP) cable to another module makes it possible to make a
connection for the computer, telephone and the IHS system BUS.
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Figure 6:
This multimedia solution uses two cables. (Illustration source: Bticino)
Figure 7:
The Abitana cable, in which the brown-white pair is screened separately. (Illustration source: Abitana)
All RJ45 outlets throughout the home are connected in a star topology to a separate multimedia distribution
board by this cable.
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Figure 8:
The multimedia distribution board. (Illustration source: Abitana)
All incoming cables are connected to an RJ45 outlet in this distribution board. These outlets are mounted on the
DIN rail. Depending on the residents needs, one or more active components can also be incorporated into the
multimedia distribution board, e.g., video distributors, a hub or router, an audio distributor, a telephone
distributor, etc. An outlet in a certain room can be connected to any active component by using patch cables. In
practice, this means that, for example, an unused outlet in the childrens room can be connected to the local
telephone exchange because a fixed telephone is needed there as well. If it is decided to take the telephone out
of the room and replace it with a data connection for the computer or a TV connection, then it can be carried
out in no time at all in the patch cabinet.
Figure 9:
Left: a TV distributor that is secured to the DIN rail in the patch cabinet. It has 4 RJ45 outputs.
Right: the coupling from an RJ45 outlet in a room to a coax connection for the television.
(Illustration source: Abitana)
In order to further increase flexibility, splitters are also supplied. These ensure that an RJ45 outlet can be used
not just for one unit, but also for a number of units. For example, two telephones can be connected to one RJ45,
or a telephone and a computer, etc.
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Figure 10:
Distribution of antenna or CaTV signals throughout the home. (Illustration source: Abitana)
Figure 11:
Distribution of telephone, computer and TV to eight RJ45 outlets in the home.
(Illustration source: Schneider Electric)
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Figure 12:
Up to three units can be connected to one RJ45 outlet using the multimedia splitter.
(Illustration source: Schneider Electric)
5. INSTALLATION TIPS
When installing structured cabling, a few basic principles must be followed:
Every manufacturer provides sufficient information on how the outlets have to be connected to the cables. For
example, the length to which the outermost cable insulation must be cut back is important, as is the length of
the screening with STP or FTP cables. These instructions have to be strictly adhered to in order to ensure
optimum data communications.
Figure 13:
Example of the way in which a manufacturer indicates how the connection has to be made to an outlet.
(Illustration source: Niko)
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In addition, a number of general installation rules apply. Data cables must not be bent too tightly, otherwise the
twisting of the conductor pairs in the cable will be spoiled. Generally, a minimum radius is stipulated of eight
times the outside diameter of the cable. Furthermore, there must be no mechanical tension on the data cables
(also with regard to the twisting). Therefore, it is better to roll out the cables from a reel that can turn freely.
Figure 14:
Some important installation tips. (Illustration source: Niko)
Care must be taken not to compress the outer sheath when securing the data cables in place. Finally, in order
to avoid interference, it is important not to place data cables too close to 230V cables.
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Figure 15:
The materials used for walls, ceilings and floors can seriously reduce the range of wireless networks:
1 Stone walls 20% to 40% loss. 2 Wooden and plasterboard walls 5% to 20% loss.
3 Reinforced concrete 40% to 90% loss. 4 Metal and steel 90% to 100%.
(Illustration source: Niko)
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October 2015
November 2015
Page 126
CONTENTS
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 137
1.1. Reasons to integrate ....................................................................................................................................137
2. The need for heating ............................................................................................................................... 139
3. Types of energy ....................................................................................................................................... 140
4. Conventional CH installations ................................................................................................................. 141
4.1. A central heating system: ............................................................................................................................141
4.1.1. Fuel oil boilers ............................................................................................................................ 141
4.1.2. Gas boilers .................................................................................................................................. 141
4.1.3. The heat pump ........................................................................................................................... 142
4.2. Types of boiler: ............................................................................................................................................143
4.2.1. The conventional boiler .............................................................................................................. 143
4.2.2. The low-temperature boiler ....................................................................................................... 143
4.3. Thermostats: ................................................................................................................................................143
4.3.1. Mechanical thermostats. ............................................................................................................ 143
4.3.2. Electronic thermostats ............................................................................................................... 144
4.3.3. Data thermostats........................................................................................................................ 145
4.4. Other measuring devices: ............................................................................................................................145
4.5. Hydraulic circuits of a CH installation: .........................................................................................................145
4.6. Regulation systems: .....................................................................................................................................147
4.6.1. Thermostat control on the circulating pump. ............................................................................ 147
4.6.2. Thermostat control on the burner. ............................................................................................ 147
4.6.3. Thermostat control on the burner and the circulating pump. ................................................... 147
4.6.4. Regulation unit for heating and sanitary hot water. .................................................................. 148
4.6.5. Regulation unit with motorized mixer valve. ............................................................................. 148
4.6.6. Thermostatic valves. ................................................................................................................... 148
4.6.7. Weather-dependent regulation unit. ......................................................................................... 149
4.6.8. The circulating pump .................................................................................................................. 150
5. Controlling heating with an IHS system ................................................................................................... 152
5.1. How to intervene in the heating: .................................................................................................................152
5.2. Controls with KNX ........................................................................................................................................153
Publication No Cu0229
Issue Date: October 2015
Page 127
Publication No Cu0229
Issue Date: October 2015
Page 128
1. INTRODUCTION
Despite the fact that modern Integrated Home Systems (IHS) are perfectly capable of controlling a homes
heating system, we find that in practice this is often not the case. The reason for this is often more of a human
and organizational nature rather than of a technical nature. Installers of IHS systems and heating often do not
understand each others work, as a result of which prejudices are played out to avoid having to integrate. The
heating specialist, for example, quickly thinks his earnings will be reduced from the moment the IHS system
starts controlling the heating. We will see that this is seldom the case.
A second delicate point is that of responsibility. Who should be contacted when the heating is not working
properly? Attention will have to be devoted to this point if integration is to be successfully achieved. The heating
fitter typically fears they will no longer be able to perform fault analyses as a result of IHS control. Nothing is
further from the truth.
In this chapter of the Integrated Home Systems course we will first look at the basic characteristics of a central
heating system. We will then examine control via IHS. With the help of this chapter you should be able to enter
into a conversation with the heating specialist. On the one hand, the purpose of that conversation will be to
build a relationship of trust between both parties, and on the other to gather the necessary information (for
both parties) to achieve a sound integration.
Publication No Cu0229
Issue Date: October 2015
Page 137
When we stretch out on the sofa in the evening to relax, watch a film or read a book, the home automation
system can ensure that the heating is immediately set a few degrees higher, as we might feel a little colder
through being less active.
We can also set the heating via the IHD system from outside the home using a smartphone, tablet or computer.
This is particulary handy if the occupants work irregular hours. In that case the heating system does not need to
switch to comfort temperature if we are not yet home.
With an IHS system the heating system can be switched off briefly just for the room in question when the
windows are opened. Only the anti-freeze protection will then be active. The childrens rooms can be set to
normal comfort temperatures when they are used for playing or to study. Likewise, the bathroom heating can
temporarily be set to a higher level for taking a bath or shower, without also having to raise the temperature of
the bedrooms.
The heating for the different rooms can also be regulated using the IHS clocks, taking into account various
parameters. Thus, for example, an IHS system can take account of whether or not the occupants are at home.
Working days, weekends, so called orphaned or bridge single days between a public holiday and the weekend
or vice versa, or being off sick for a day can also be taken into account to switch the heating to a specific mode
(or not). If it is sunny for a longer period of time, but heat is needed in the home, the IHS system can keep the
sun blinds raised so that the free heat of the sun can be put to good use.
Here too we find that the possible functions are limited not so much by the technical possibilities of integration,
but by the creative possibilities of the two fitters.
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Figure 1:
Typical heat losses for an uninsulated home. (Illustration source: Renowizz)
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3. TYPES OF ENERGY
In most cases, fossil fuels are still used to heat the home. However, supplies of these are limited. In the near
future they will be exhausted. In any case, when burned they produce CO2, which is highly detrimental to global
climate change.
Recently, pellet stoves have appeared on the market. These use pellets made from wood waste. One of the
disadvantages of this system is that besides the space for the stove, they also need space to store the pellets.
Also, the heat exchanger has to be cleaned every 700 to 1,000 kg of pellets used (generally two to three times a
year). Note that while this is a renewable source of energy, it still generates CO2.
All systems that burn fuels require a chimney to remove the waste gases. That is not the case when using a heat
pump, which runs on electricity. Such pumps do not give off any waste gases, and renewable energies such as
wind power and solar energy can be used, as well as the heat present in the outside air or the ground.
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4. CONVENTIONAL CH INSTALLATIONS
Here we will discuss the components and operation of a conventional Central Heating (CH) installation that is
not integrated with an IHS system.
Figure 2:
Fuel oil boilers come in a variety of sizes. Larger models typically have a boiler for the storage of sanitary hot
water. (Illustration source: Viessmann)
In most cases, fuel oil boilers are designed as floor-standing boilers. Sometimes they are also found in wallmounted versions. One striking feature of fuel oil boilers is a bulge on the front of the boiler cupboard. This
conceals the burner. A forced draught burner is used. This is controlled by an autonomous circuit that varies
according to the make and the burner design.
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Figure 3:
An opened wall-mounted gas boiler.
Figure 4:
Basic illustration of an air/water heat pump. (Illustration source: Building performance)
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4.3. THERMOSTATS:
A thermostat is used in conventional heating installations to measure the temperature within a room. This will
indicate to the boiler whether or not heat is required. To maintain a high level of comfort, the temperature of
the room must remain as constant as possible. Fluctuations must remain minimal if comfort is to be assured.
The temperature differential of the thermostat must therefore be as small as possible. This is the difference in
temperature between the thermostat switching on and off.
Thermostats can be divided into three groups, namely: mechanical, electronic and data thermostats.
Figure 5:
A simple bimetal thermostat.
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The disadvantages of a normal bimetal thermostat are the significant fluctuations in the room temperature. This
is due to the relatively slow action of the bimetal. Once the desired temperature has been reached (e.g. 22C),
it takes a little while before the bimetal switches off. This is known as the overshoot.
Figure 6:
Example of overshoot, whereby the room temperature can exhibit considerable fluctuations. (Illustration
source: E&D Systems)
Figure 7:
Bimetal thermostat with parallel compensation. The compensation resistor (7) helps to heat up the bimetal.
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Figure 8:
Electronic room thermostat. (Illustration source: Grsslin)
Figure 9:
A simple hydraulic CH circuit. The red line is the supply of hot water to the radiators. The blue line is the return
line to the boiler. (Illustration source: Tempolec)
AA: outside sensor
T: boiler thermostat
VV1: boiler sensor
VV3: return sensor
SAR: room sensor without clock (optional)
The figure above illustrates the structure of a simple hydraulic CH circuit. Hot water is sent from the boiler to
the radiator by a circulating pump and a non-return valve. The cooled water returns to the boiler from the
radiator. In the above case, a weather-dependent regulator is used as a control, since the circuit includes an
outside sensor (AA).
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We will see that the circulating pump is generally included in the boiler housing. That is the case in the following
drawing. Here we can also see that an automatic bypass has been provided in the boiler. This bypass opens to
allow the pump to continue running at the moment when the thermostatic valves of the heating elements are
closed.
Figure 10:
Simple hydraulic circuit for under-floor heating or for radiators. (Illustration source: Vaillant)
2: circulating pump
4: automatic bypass
5: room thermostat
7: outside sensor
A three-way or even four-way mixer valve is often used with more complex installations. Controlling this mixer
valve enables the use of the return water in regulating the temperature of the hot water leaving the circuit.
In the under-floor heating circuit in the following drawing, the temperature of the water will be regulated by
controlling the three-way mixer valve, with less or more return water being added to the boiler water. A sensor
at the start of the circuit (VV2) will check the supply temperature for the under-floor heating (4). If this threatens
to become too high, the three-way valve (6) will send more return water to the circuit and increasingly reduce
or shut off the overly hot boiler water.
Figure 11:
Note that this diagram is already quite a bit more complex than the previous one. This is because the hot
heating water is not only fed to a circuit with radiators, but also to a circuit with under-floor heating and
another separate circuit for sanitary hot water. (Illustration source: Tempolec)
AA: outside sensor
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T: boiler thermostat
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2: non-return valve
3: radiators circuit
4: under-floor heating circuit
5: boiler
6: three-way mixer valve
7: stepper motor
In larger installations, a hydraulic separator (9 in the diagram below) is often added to the installation. This
ensures that the pressure in the installation can be managed, both at times when specific circuits require heating
and at times when no circuit requires heating. In this case one pump is always installed before the hydraulic
separator and one or more pumps after the hydraulic separator.
Figure 12:
Use of the hydraulic separator (9) in larger installations. (Illustration source: Vaillant)
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Figure 13:
A solution with two separate pumps, one for the heating and one for the sanitary hot water. (Illustration
source: Tempolec)
Figure 14:
Control with a four-way mixer valve. (Illustration source: Tempolec)
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room indicates that it is warm enough, the other rooms fitted with thermostatic valves will not be heated. The
disadvantage of the thermostatic valve is that the user always has to set each radiator individually. This setting
will naturally require adjustment as the seasons change. On a warm day in May the setting will also have to be
different from what it is on a chillier day in May. This therefore creates both a convenience and a comfort issue.
In principle, thermostatic valves are not fitted in the same room where the room thermostat is installed. If that
is the case however, they must be fully open.
Figure 15:
The thermostatic valve has several disadvantages in terms of comfort and saving energy. (Illustration source:
Honeywell)
Figure 16:
Possible temperature fluctuations on the same day. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
Increasing use is being made of weather dependent controls to cope with these significant temperature
fluctuations. Such controls regulate the temperature of the boiler water according to the outside temperature
and the cold influence of the wind. Such a control ensures that the inside temperature remains fairly constant.
The temperature of the CH water is controlled according to the heating curve that is set.
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Figure 17:
Heating line 3 (dotted line) is the setting for a low-temperature system. The x-axis shows the outside
temperature, and the y-axis the boiler water temperature. (Illustration source: Theben)
A heating line is set in the regulation unit, depending upon the local average outside temperature. With heating
line 3 (dotted line) the temperature of the boiler water will be approximately 65 C at an outside temperature
of -10 C. At an outside temperature of 0 C this heating temperature drops to 50 C. And at an outside
temperature of +10 C this temperature is 38 C.
In principle, the use of a room temperature sensor is optional. Sometimes, however, a room temperature sensor
is installed in a reference room, so that the user can, for example, raise or lower the temperature by just a few
degrees.
Note: Such a room temperature sensor is not a thermostat that controls an on/off contact. The room
temperature sensor must instead be regarded as a sort of remote control for the control panel on the burners
regulation unit.
At a water temperature of 45 C to 50 C, the heat losses in the pipes and at the heat source (boiler) only amount
to one third of what the heat losses would be if the heating temperature were 70 C. Because the boiler is
operating at a lower temperature, downtime losses are reduced and the boiler operates more regularly. This
ultimately increases the efficiency of the boiler. Even in a small installation, installing a weather-dependent
control reduces energy consumption. For an average installation, consumption can be reduced by 10 to 20%.
The additional cost of this control can then be written off in three to four heating seasons.
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no need for the pump to be running. Certain regulation units will also offer a manual switch for summer/winter
mode. In the summer period, however, they will have the pump run for a short while at regular intervals to
prevent it from becoming blocked.
In some cases a frequency-controlled pump is used. The speed of the pump will be regulated so that the pressure
in the installation remains constant. If just one heating zone is open, it will run slowly. If several zones require
heating, the speed will increase.
Note: The pump and the boiler must never be stopped at the same time. The pump must always stop after the
boiler. Otherwise there is a risk that the boiler will overheat.
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Figure 18:
Each heating zone has a solenoid valve. The automatic bypass opens when all valves are closed. This allows the
circulating pump to continue running when the boiler water temperature becomes too high. (Illustration
source: E&D Systems)
1. Heating boiler
2. Boiler contact
3. Circulating pump
4. Automatic bypass
5. Solenoid valve
6. Heating zone 1
7. Heating zone 2
8. Heating zone 3
However, merely opening or closing the valves will not result in a functioning heating system. After all, the boiler
or the regulation unit has to know whether there is a demand for heating or not. As soon as one or more valves
are open, this information must be transmitted to the boiler. If all valves are closed, there is no heating demand,
and this fact also has to be transmitted to the boiler control (boiler contact). We must reserve an output contact
of the IHS system for this. We must close this output contact as soon as one of the zones solenoid valves is
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open. When all solenoid valves are closed, we open this contact. The CH installation therefore knows that no
more heat is required.
Figure 19:
The electrical wiring diagram of a CH installation. On the bottom right of the drawing we can see a terminal
block with terminals 3 and 4. There is a wire bridge between these as standard. If we wish to control using IHS,
we must connect the additional relay contact here and remove the wire bridge. (Illustration source: Vaillant)
We must add together all the separate zones to be heated and add one relay contact for controlling the boiler
contact to determine the number of outputs (relay or 0-10 V outputs) of the IHS system needed to control the
heating.
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Figure 20:
Example of a modern solenoid valve. (Illustration source: Mhlenhoff)
Two-point valves or on/off valves are available in 230 V or in a low-voltage version (24 V). We should under no
circumstances choose valves that open or close immediately, since this could lead to thermal and pressure
shocks in the CH installation. The most common types are the so-called wax valves. In a voltage-free state, the
valves are closed. When voltage is applied to the valve, an internal block of wax is heated. The heat gradually
melts the wax, and the valve is slowly opened by means of the built-in spring in the collector. In most cases, such
a valve opens over a period of approximately two to three minutes. When the voltage is removed the wax
solidifies, and the valve slowly closes against the action of the spring.
Figure 21:
When voltage is applied to the valve, there is an initial dead time. The valve then opens very slowly to avoid
thermal and pressure shocks. We see a similar process on closure. (Illustration source: Mhlenhoff)
In principle, solenoid valves consist of two parts. On the one hand there is the electrical component, on the other
the valve itself. The whole can be mounted on a collector. However, there are also collectors that are fitted
directly with valves. We can mount the electrical component onto these by means of a spacer. This is often done
by a simple click.
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Figure 22:
On the top left we can see the collector that is equipped with valves. The rod that moves up and down can
clearly be seen. On the top right we can see the electrical component. This is clicked onto the spacer. On the
bottom left we can see that the valve is closed when no voltage is connected. On the bottom right, however,
voltage is being applied, the valve has opened and the so called hat of the electrical component has also lifted
up. (Illustration source: Tecnolec)
In the above photo we can see that, when the valve is open, a small cylinder on the electrical component moves
upwards. We can therefore observe the position of the valve visually. If, however, there is still doubt as to the
position of the valve, the electrical component can be removed directly and the valve rod moved to a particular
position manually. This can be a handy way of determining whether heating that is not working properly is due
to the IHS system or to the heating system. Awkward discussions with the heating fitter are thus avoided.
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Comfort temperature: This is the basic setting when the occupants are present in the property during
the day.
Night temperature (also known as eco-mode): This is a reduced mode for the night or times when the
occupants are not at home. The night temperature is usually not more than 6C below the comfort
temperature.
Anti-freeze protection: This mode is used if, for example, the room temperature drops below 5C. It
prevents central heating pipes from freezing, as well as the water pipes.
Stand-by temperature: Here the room temperature is taken to around 2C below the comfort
temperature. At a comfort temperature of 20C the stand-by temperature is thus 18C. This mode is
very handy if you return home at irregular times. Imagine a clock in the IHS system is set to activate the
comfort temperature every working day at 5 p.m. (because that is when the occupants come home).
However, when the occupants first call in to see grandma and do some shopping, and so get home two
hours later, the heating has delivered two hours of comfort temperature that was not needed. With
IHS systems with which it is possible, we will program the clock so that the stand-by temperature is
activated instead of the comfort temperature. This reduces energy consumption. A reduction in
temperature of 1 C for one hour results in an energy saving of around 6%. If the occupants get home
later than planned, the home will no longer feel cold and the temperature difference from the comfort
temperature (2 C) is quickly bridged.
Higher: This allows the user to increase the set temperature in steps of half a degree.
Lower: This allows the user to reduce the set temperature in steps of half a degree.
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Figure 23:
A conventional clock thermostat for measuring the temperature of the room. (Illustration source: Siemens)
Note: If you want to control multiple thermostats at the same time with a remote control, a separate voltagefree contact must be provided for each thermostat. This is because in most cases, the control does not work if
just one contact is used for multiple thermostats.
Figure 24:
This electronic room temperature sensor is built into a cable gland plate. (Illustration source: Dobiss)
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Figure 25:
Some manufacturers also work with electronic room sensors, but incorporate them into a control panel.
(Illustration source: Gira)
Note: With built-in temperature sensors and thermostats, care must be taken to ensure that no incorrect
measurements are taken as a result of moisture in the flush-mounted box that comes from the pipes. The pipes
that emerge into the flush-mounted boxes will have to be sealed with an appropriate product.
Figure 26:
Characteristic of a two-point control. Note the dead zone (overshoot). The difference between the lower and
upper limits is the hysteresis. (Illustration source: Vecolux)
1. Dead zone
2. Measured temperature
3. Upper limit
4. Requested temperature
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5. Lower limit
6. On
7. Off
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Most IHS systems use two-point controls. This means they control a two-point solenoid valve in an extremely
simple way. When heat is requested, the valve is opened. When the upper hysteresis limit is reached, the valve
is closed. The disadvantage of this control is the dead time, or overshoot. This can lead to fairly considerable
differences in room temperature. One minute it is too hot, the next too cold. Every effort must therefore be
made to keep these differences in room temperature as small as possible.
Figure 27:
Characteristic of a pulse width modulation. (Illustration source: Vecolux)
1. Measured temperature
2. Requested temperature
3. On
4. Off
Despite the fact that the PWM control is an extremely good control and ensures a fairly constant room
temperature, it cannot be used everywhere. It is not a good idea to use a PWM control if the boiler already has
a modulating control that takes account of the outside temperature and the difference between the starting
temperature and the return temperature. This is because the PWM control will work with smaller pulses at the
time the room temperature approaches the requested temperature. At that point, the boiler senses there is a
smaller difference between the starting temperature and the return temperature and will therefore reduce its
starting temperature. The result is that it takes longer for the room to be brought to the desired temperature.
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Figure 28:
Characteristic course of an analog control. (Illustration source: Vecolux)
1. Measured temperature
2. Requested temperature
Analog controls act on analog valves. Here the valve position can be steplessly regulated according to the
difference between the requested temperature and the room temperature. This constant (PI) control therefore
ensures a highly stable room temperature, which increases the feeling of comfort.
5.6. SOFTWARE:
Systems that use a conventional thermostat do not have a heating control function in their software package.
The thermostat contact is included in an input module. Relay outputs then control the valves and the boiler
contact. Possibly, one or more relay contacts are used to operate the thermostat remote control.
Since most IHS systems work with analog measurement, they also have special provisions in their software for
heating control. Settings can usually be made for each heating zone for comfort temperature, night temperature,
stand-by temperature and anti-freeze protection. Most systems use a two-point control. In other systems a
choice can be made among different types of control (analog, two-point, PWM), and for PWM controls among
the type of heating element (steel or cast iron radiators, air heating or under-floor heating, et cetera. With
certain manufacturers, compensation can also be set in the software. This is mainly used in large rooms done if
a difference arises between the temperature at the location of the people (sitting area) and the temperature at
the location where the temperature sensor is installed.
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