Building controls — which way to go?

There are many different control systems on the market, each generally targeting a different sector or methodology of installation. We all hear the different varieties thrown around, but Thomas Alt, Managing Director, Ready Controls and Stephen Payne from Eltako ask what do these terms really mean and what are the benefits and limitations?

Wired or wireless

Wired systems need cabling to provide both power and control, whereas wireless does away with control cabling. However, of course, power cables are still needed for some devices. Wireless control removes the need for a large proportion of cabling and provides greater future flexibility and expansion. There are pros and cons to both. Wired has a perceived greater security and general reliability but has less flexibility and is harder to alter or expand later. Security is as good as any wired system – in both cases it depends on the strength of security required and the integrator.

Centralised system

This is where all wiring is taken from one point and distributed to the field connections. There are benefits in the use of this type of solution, one being that it is futureproof, allowing change to controls at a later date. However, it’s limited by the extent of the wiring provided. Any future additions will most likely involve costly and inconvenient destructive works.

Decentralised system

This is where all wiring is taken locally for control. In-line dimmers, switching units and controllers are fitted locally and utilise local wiring for control and power. In both, centralised and decentralised solutions can utilise wireless devices like switches, PIR’s, etc.

New build, prebuild modular and retrofit

New build, prebuild modular and retrofit are as you would expect. New build is the application of a system in a new project. Prebuild modules are the same, but in an offsite prefabricated method. This has become a more popular approach due to what it can bring – energy reduction, material control and reduced deliveries, reduced number of personnel on a project and greater safety control – but building offsite in a controlled environment.

Retrofitting is mainly seen in existing buildings where upgrades or alterations are required or there is a change in use. A key sector where this is often found in is assisted living, where an existing property is upgraded to suit the occupiers’ current needs.

There are many systems that can achieve the different common methods discussed. However, there are not many that can do them all. There is a need for flexibility, especially when a building may have many changes of use over its lifetime, which highlights the need for wireless technologies and decentralised control to handle additions and changes. This is where the Eltako Series 14 comes in. Series 14 offers a wide variety of devices for centralised and decentralised control using integrated wireless communication, along with battery-free solutions using patented EnOcean energy harvesting technology. This allows a day one centralised or decentralised control system to be expanded and changes at any stage later its life.

Ready Controls has used Eltako Series 14 for several projects in number of different applications:

Centralised lighting and blind control

In a large high-end property in Hertfordshire, Ready Controls utilised central controllers for lighting dimming, switching and blind controllers integrated into a Nomos smart IoT server for app based control.

Decentralised retrofit lighting control

On a large project made up of more than 30, two and three storey houses outside Belfast, Ready Controls utilised the existing conventional wiring to upgrade the system into a smart control system. Local dimmers were mounted in the back boxes of existing switches and the old conventional switches were changed out for wireless ones. All were integrated into a smart IoT server for app-based control.

Modular offsite build

For another project in Northern Ireland, Ready Controls utilised the Eltako Series 14 along with wireless switches in a centralised, fully offsite prefabricated and pre-programed way. The completed panels were used to control the dimming and switching of lighting, in addition to heating control. Panels were designed, built, and programmed off site and delivered ready to install and operate.

Assisted living

In a mix of all the above, Ready Controls utilised centralised, decentralised, prebuild, wireless, wired, and on-site adaptions for a retrofit apartment in London, upgraded to suit the needs of its new occupier. The company used an offsite prefabricated panel utilising Eltako Series 14 controls for lighting, blinds and heating control. Wireless switches were used for local lighting and blind control, in addition to Alexa voice-based control and app control provided by Eltako’s new MiniSafe2 server.

Thomas Alt, Managing Director of Ready Controls, says: “Eltako’s Series 14 products are a fundamental part of our projects. Their flexibility, reliability and vast range makes them suitable for any ‘day one’ application and they provide the assurance that any future needs can be easily met from the extensive and growing product range.”