ECN Smart Buildings Supplement 2021

March 2021

smart buildings

An ECN Supplement

A Smarter Home Click Smart+ is powered by Zigbee – the world’s leading wireless protocol to control your home

Every device can be controlled from anywhere using the Click Smart+ app or with Alexa and Hey Google.

works with

Hey Google

call: 01827 63454

email: sales@scolmore.com

visit: www.click-smart.com

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AICO Wolverhampton Homes engage HomeLINK for IoT integration

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CEDIA Future home technology integrators, skiller-uppers and business builders: class is in session

IDEAL INDUSTRIES Smart buildings call for a smarter approach to data installations

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Dream big.

Think bigger.

Here’s an annoying question—where do you see yourself in five years? How about tomorrow? It’s one thing to dream.

It’s even better to know. That’s why we’ve launched the CEDIA Academy online learning platform.

Carefully curated and masterfully designed courses cover every aspect of the home technology industry. It’s where beginners become experts, and experts become gurus.

Don’t just dream. Know.

Plug in at cediaacademy.net

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INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

CONTENTS…

elcome to this special supplement which focusses on Smart Buildings.

Smart technology is increasingly becoming part of everyday life, and this supplement brings you the latest from the sector.

According to the January 2021 ReportLinker report ‘Smart Buildings Market by Component, Building Type, Region – Global Forecast to 2025’ the smart buildings market is projected to grow from £47.6bn in 2020 to £78.3bn by 2025. This is due to the rising adoption of IoT-enabled building management systems, rising awareness of space utilisation, increased industry standards and regulations, and increased demand for energy efficient systems. It is the commercial buildings segment that is expected to lead the smart buildings market in 2020.

This issue features articles from Scolmore, Ideal Industries, Aico, Cedia, Doepke, Eltako, BEG and Danlers, bringing you up to speed with the latest products and projects in the sector.

Our next supplement will focus on Wiring Accessories, Switches and Sockets, which will be published alongside the June issue.

If you would like to get involved or would like more information, please contact Kelly Byne by emailing kelly@allthingsmedialtd.com.

Scolmore Group looks at the 4 technological advances driving the

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The editor and publishers do not necessarily agree with the views expressed by contributors nor do they accept responsibility for any errors in the transmission of the subject matter in this publication. In all matters the editor’s decision is final. Editorial contributions to ECN are welcomed, and the editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to the publication.

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home automation market, along with the products available in its Click Smart+ brand

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Ideal Industries discusses the role of smart building technology in enabling flexible working and the need for installation technologies that will enable faster and more consistent installation of the data networks needed for smarter workplace environments

Wolverhampton Homes has 10 engaged HomeLINK and Northgate Public Services with the aim of exploring how new IoT technologies could help in achieving a number of its objectives

Doepke explores whether DC is 13 needed in houses – in theory it sounds like a good idea, but is it really practicable?

Wireless control is a safe, robust 14 option for smart building control, according to Eltako The BEG Lighting Control App, 15 which turns a smartphone into a remote control for end users, has undergone a complete refresh to offer an even more intuitive and personalised experience Product ‘ecosystems’ are 16 increasingly being installed where previously a conventional, wired lighting control system would have been used, writes Danlers

Cedia has recently launched 12 its Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) online school

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SCOLMORE GROUP

SCOLMORE GETS SERIOUS IN THE SMART HOME MARKET Scolmore Group looks at the technological advances driving the home automation market, along with the products available in its Click Smart+ brand.

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he latest market report from AMA Research, ‘Home Automation Market Report – UK 2019-2023’, addresses the market for home automation products, which is a rapidly growing market and has benefited from the spread of wireless and app-based technologies. The report includes up to date information on recent trends and issues that are likely to impact on the market going forward over the next five years.

Although home automation systems have been available in the UK for many years, it is in recent years they have expanded from an upper market niche into a more mainstream market. This crossover to the mainstream is a key development that is changing the structure of the market with a large variety of entry level and lower cost home automation products having been made available at very competitive prices in the past two to three years.

Technological advances driving the home automation market include the progress of wireless controls and ‘app’ or application programme-driven control interfaces, which emphasise user-friendliness. Remote control of the system has meant that the consumer is

increasingly able to control all aspects of the connected home from within the home, whilst travelling, at work or even abroad via smartphones, tablets and PCs. Take up of wireless routers/internet has also benefited the home automation market, with increasing numbers of suppliers offering wireless systems based around the home Wi-Fi network. Growth of wireless systems has also resulted in lower installation costs and less complexity of the installation.

A modular approach The offering of modular systems which enable future expansion has also driven growth, and, in addition, the development of systems aimed at self-installation has expanded significantly, helping to substantially reduce costs and make systems more affordable to a wider market. Greater interest and purchase of home security systems and devices has been encouraged by the wider availability of smartphone app-controlled devices that are now more affordable and enable greater monitoring and control of security devices: access, CCTV, motion and smoke, water detectors and other devices.

With the rapid increase of availability of home automation

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products, manufacturers are addressing this situation by making second and third generation devices with a broader range of connectivity options and protocols. Medium-term prospects for home automation remain positive. Recent growth of intelligent heating controls is likely to continue into the medium-term, with rapid innovation likely to be the key driver.

Scolmore – getting smarter Having enjoyed many years of success with its smart wiring accessories range, Scolmore Group has now developed a brand new and comprehensive range of smart products under the Click Smart+ brand that takes its provision of smart home solutions to a whole new level.

Designed to simplify and streamline connected home products – lighting controls, smart sockets, security cameras and sensors – the Click Smart+ range utilises Zigbee technology, one of the most widely adopted smart home technologies. Zigbee certified devices require the Click Smart+ Hub and communicate with each other using a mesh network which creates multiple pathways for the connection of multiple smart home devices without

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25/02/2021 16:50

SCOLMORE GROUP compromising signal and communication range. A key benefit of Zigbee and the new Click Smart+ range is that there is no requirement for a signal repeater, as all wired Zigbee devices have repeaters built in.

Delivering a complete connected home experience Renowned for its innovative and intuitive solutions in lighting and wiring accessories, Scolmore’s Click Smart+ range will assist installers looking to boost their business with an enhanced smart home offer that will deliver a complete connected home experience to householders.

Click Smart+ has at its core accessibility and simplicity for the installer and end user and is designed to bring convenience, comfort, security, energy saving and ultimately more control in the home. Installation is simple and flexible, with no additional cables or wall cutting required, making it ideal for existing or newly constructed buildings.

The bespoke Click Smart+ app gives householders ultimate control of the smart devices, which can also be operated through voice control in conjunction with a smart speaker.

The Click Smart+ connected home products range currently comprises the Smart Gateway Hub – the control centre of all devices – one and two-gang smart sockets, a plug-in smart socket, switching and dimming receivers, camera, PIR sensor, window, and door sensor, plus a temperature and humidity sensor.

• The Smart Gateway Hub is the control centre and communicates with all other smart products within the home via the Zigbee Protocol. Even if the Wi-Fi is interrupted, the smart devices will still be able to function normally.

• 13A one and two-gang switches socket outlets allow the control of any appliance that is plugged in – home appliances, lamps, heaters etc. They can be controlled manually, via the app, or with voice control. The power to the socket can be locked on or off using the app, preventing manual switching. They also feature the three-pin safety shutter – the shutter will only open once all three plug pins are inserted.

• The 13A smart plug-in Wi-Fi socket can be plugged into an existing socket outlet for the control of home appliances, lamps etc. via the existing Wi-Fi network, and can be controlled via the app.

• Smart switching and dimming receivers provide full control of the lighting and appliances in the home from anywhere in the world. All

receivers are supplied with a removable bracket, which can be used to mount the receiver in a back box if installed directly behind the switch or the light source. The bracket also features a DIN rail clip, allowing it to be installed in the consumer unit.

• The Smart camera – for indoor use (IP20) – is compact and easy to install.

It offers smart motion detection, automatic image capture and alarm functions. When an object or person moves in the detection field the app will send an alarm and capture images in real time. Install a micro SD card to record and playback footage.

• PIR Sensor – for indoor use (IP20) – senses motion and will trigger an automated device set within the app.

It offers detection up to seven metres, with a 170° angle.

• Smart Temperature and Humidity Sensor – for indoor use (IP20) – allows control of the temperature and humidity in a room. Once installed and set to the desired comfort level on the app, install the smart socket and set automations via the app. Whenever the sensor identifies that the temperature or humidity is outside the defined zone, the heater or other device plugged into the smart socket will be automatically activated.

• Smart Window and Door Sensor – for indoor use (IP20) – provides real time monitoring of window and door status, sending a notification via the app whenever a door or window is opened or closed. It can also be used for automatic light switch-on when a door is opened, when paired with a switching receiver within the app.

electricalcontractingnews.com

@ElecConNews

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Helping you get up to speed Scolmore will be making available some CPD training, which will be accessible on request and aimed at wholesalers, contractors, and specifiers. It will cover an overview of smart systems, the advantages, green credentials and details on communication protocols and mesh networks.

A series of ‘How To’ videos has also been developed and these are now being released on YouTube and are being promoted across Scolmore’s social media channels.

Full details of the new Click Smart+ range and its applications are available to view on the dedicated Click Smart website – www.click-smart.com/home – where visitors can access a suite of technical specification sheets for each product. Scolmore’s experienced inhouse technical team is also on hand to answer any questions.

Scolmore, click-smart.com/home

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A Smarter Home Click Smart+ is powered by Zigbee – the world’s leading wireless protocol to control your home

Alexa turn on the smart socket!

works with

Hey Google

call: 01827 63454

email: sales@scolmore.com

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visit: www.click-smart.com

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Zigbee devices can send and receive data between other Zigbee devices and the Hub. This means you can daisy chain smart devices and link them to a central hub, even when some of these devices are out of (direct) range of that hub.

Every device can be controlled from anywhere using the Click Smart+ app or with Alexa and Hey Google.

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IDEAL INDUSTRIES

SMART BUILDINGS CALL FOR A SMARTER APPROACH TO DATA INSTALLATIONS Brett Smyth, General Manager EMEA of Ideal Industries, discusses the role of smart building technology in enabling flexible working and the need for installation technologies that will enable faster and more consistent installation of the data networks needed for smarter workplace environments.

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ast year was a year like no other. With many of those who usually work in an office still working from home – or reverting to homeworking again – office occupiers, owners and FMs are grappling with the challenges of implementing longer-term solutions for a safe transition back to the office.

Reconfiguring for new workplace cultures The hot-desking and agile-working practices championed by forward-focused businesses in the past are now problematic in terms of cleaning regimes and track and trace, so we are likely to see a return to designated workstations where space allows, combined with a degree of homeworking for many.

This may not be possible for companies where agile working is embedded in the company culture, however, because there will not be sufficient space within the existing office to accommodate all members of the team at the same time. Social distancing requirements will put further pressure on space and any hybrid approach to combining home and office working means that allocated desks could be unoccupied for part of the week, which is operationally and financially inefficient.

There are two viable solutions to this conundrum: employers may choose to retain a hot-desking/agile office model based on a booking system for non-allocated desks, or they could opt for an allocated desk-share model to enable a mix of home and office working on an established rota.

In either of these scenarios, a booking system will be required and the most robust way to achieve this is by creating a smart-enabled office layout that tracks who is operating from which desk in real time. Effective booking systems will also be needed for meeting rooms and

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break-out areas. There may also be a need to alter office floor plans to implement effective social distancing at workstations, in common areas such as tea/coffee points and toilets, in meeting rooms and in circulation areas. It makes sense to implement these revised layouts and introduce smart enabled technology in a single M&E upgrade.

Efficient, effective retrofitting It’s likely that all these considerations will be built into new office developments, but retrofit will be needed to convert conventional properties to smart offices.

In this way, the pandemic will provide a catalyst to upgrade, futureproof and maximise the benefits of smart technologies in ways that go beyond the immediate priorities of track and trace for staff and visitors.

The challenge is in delivering those upgrades quickly and effectively with minimum impact for businesses that are now trying to make up for a period of unprecedented disruption, which requires upgrades to data networks.

Installation of these complex data networks will involve a large number of terminations and each termination requires attention to detail to ensure a robust and compliant connection, with consistent installation regardless of the number of installers working on the project or the time pressures on site.

Data networks traditionally require field-termination of CAT5e, CAT6 of CAT6A cables using RJ45 modular plugs. The more complex the network, the greater the number of RJ45 assemblies and terminations required.

Conventional installation methods for RJ45s require conductors to be trimmed to an exact length before the plug is placed onto the cable. If the conductors

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are too short, circuits will remain open, if they are too long, there is a risk that the pairs could be left exposed outside of the plug body or cable jacket, which could hinder performance on the network and generally results in a 60% failure rate.

The time-consuming attention to detail required for conventional RJ45 data terminations and the pressing need to upgrade offices to smart technology to enable track and trace as soon as possible may be another catalyst for change. Single-piece feed-through connectors and application tools are now available, which eliminate the need for installers to assemble a three-piece connector, even when working with CAT6 cable. This makes terminations faster, simpler and more consistent, whether using CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A cables.

Conductor wires do not need to be accurately trimmed to a specific length; instead, installers simply need to remove an appropriate section of jacket, remove the centre spline if there is one, untwist the pairs into the right order, feed through the connector, then terminate and shave the excess with the feed-through tool.

A chance to create lasting change The pandemic has driven a juggernaut through the status quo, providing a compelling reason to expedite the office sector’s transition to smart buildings.

The next step is to think smarter about how that can be achieved with as much speed and consistency as possible by adopting the latest approaches to installing data networks.

Ideal Industries, idealindustriesemea.com

@ElecConNews

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25/02/2021 16:04

DATA TERMINATIONS MADE EASY

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AICO

WOLVERHAMPTON HOMES ENGAGE HOMELINK FOR IOT INTEGRATION Wolverhampton Homes engaged HomeLINK and Northgate Public Services (NPS) with the aim of exploring how new Internet of Things (IoT) technologies could help in achieving a number of its objectives.

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ltimately, the aim of the project was to understand whether IoT enabled devices could help Wolverhampton Homes deliver social value whilst generating a return on investment. This would be achieved by providing a more holistic view of property conditions to enable a more proactive approach to property maintenance and the ability to make more data-driven investment decisions. With an ambition to push the frontiers of innovation in social housing technology, the company also wanted to explore data integration into its in-house IT systems and the impact of providing residents with IoT health and maintenance data.

The following objectives were agreed at the outset:

HomeLINK’s Resident App

• Install a range of cutting-edge IoT sensors across six properties: • Environment sensors to measure temperature, humidity and CO2 • Aico SmartLINK Gateways, Multi-Sensor alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms • Electricity smart meters • Empower residents with the data via monthly reports and workshops • Quantify health and maintenance outcomes • Integrate data, insights and alerts to NPS

“Some of the stock in our portfolio is quite old and we wanted to find out how IoT could give us a ‘big picture view’ of the condition of our properties,” said Linda Riding, Systems Development and Support Manager at Wolverhampton Homes.

“For example, we knew that damp and mould were a problem in some properties, but we suspected that, in around 50% of cases, the problems could be reduced by people doing things differently in their homes. We wanted to use IoT to help us see how a change in tenants’ behaviour might not only reduce their household costs but also have a positive impact on the condition of our stock.”

A major theme in this project was collaboration between Wolverhampton Homes, its residents and technology providers, such as HomeLINK, Aico and NPS. HomeLINK worked closely with NPS and Wolverhampton Homes to understand the end user requirements of integration into its property management system.

The end result was the integration of alerts and insights generated by the HomeLINK platform to NPS Task Manager, using a series of Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs). This enabled Wolverhampton Homes users to see the following alerts in their Northgate property management system: • Smoke and CO alerts and maintenance events • Fuel poverty risk • Condensation, damp and mould risk HomeLINK also worked closely with resident pilot participants and held a series of workshops over the five-month period, as well as providing detailed breakdowns of their data and insights via bespoke monthly reports. During the group workshops, residents were presented with information on the current health of their home, alongside recommendations and actions they could carry out to make improvements.

The results of this project were striking. The following are some highlighted results from the six properties over a five-month period:

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• 8% average reduction in electricity usage, despite one third of participants being very energy saving conscious from the outset. This translated to: • £23 total savings in electricity usage per resident • Reduction of 70kg CO2 per resident • 19% improvement in ventilation, leading to better respiratory health and maintenance outcomes.

• Reduced behavioural mould risk across all homes, including one previously reported ‘high risk’ home reducing to a ‘low risk by the end of the project. All homes were considered low risk by the end of the project.

Homes were evaluated by how energy efficient they were, and optimal homes were identified to target energy efficiency investment.

A high priority maintenance alert for a smoke alarm in one property was triggered in NPS Task Manager as the resident had disconnected the alarm.

The mould risk and air quality data helped identify a structural cause of mould. One resident, who had healthy indoor conditions, reported a sudden case of black mould. The data suggested it was not behavioural and further investigation highlighted leaking guttering causing water ingress.

By installing the devices, integrating alerts into Northgate Task Manager, and providing residents with insights and recommendations, the partners were able to meet the goals of this project.

The most encouraging finding of the project was how empowering residents with their IoT data can have a significant impact on health and maintenance outcomes and, ultimately, return on investment. This result led HomeLINK to develop a ‘Resident App’ with the objective of scaling the results from monthly reports and workshops as seen in this pilot study. The Resident App is currently in the beta testing phase with Wolverhampton Homes residents.

Aico, aico.co.uk

@ElecConNews

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25/02/2021 16:03

Home

IoT integration for social landlords A scalable, reliable and secure platform for landlords and their residents.

HomeLINK is a multi-award-winning high-tech business that leverages cutting edge smart home integration and analytics technologies to address the needs of social landlords and their residents.

Based in the South West of England where they have been recognised as one of the most innovative businesses in the region, their team has industry leading expertise in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as software development and integration.

At the forefront of this rapidly emerging market, in the last 12 months, HomeLINK has grown significantly and accelerated the roll out of its products and services. By partnering with leading IoT providers and management systems, they have a track record of helping landlords reduce operating costs and carbon emissions whilst improving their residents’ wellbeing and safety.

www.homelink.co | info@homelink.co

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CEDIA

FUTURE HOME TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATORS, SKILLER-UPPERS AND BUSINESS BUILDERS: CLASS IS IN SESSION

By Matt Nimmons, Managing Director, CEDIA EMEA.

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oundational knowledge - whether taking the first steps in a career or venturing into a new field - has an outsized effect on mastering a craft. If the early stages of that foundation can be built at your own pace, that’s a big deal.

If a serious dose of hands-on experience is also involved, you’ve arrived at a real educational sweet spot. CEDIA, the global leader in residential technology integrator training, has recently launched the Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) School online and at its training facility in Cambridgeshire to thoroughly develop that foundation for future technicians seeking skills that are increasingly in-demand by homeowners: integrated communications, entertainment systems, and smart home cabling and infrastructure installation.

The CIT curriculum is offered in a traditional, fully on-site model or through a new, hybrid approach where much of the learning is handled online before students take part in a hands-on workshop. CIT School, with sessions being held throughout 2021, is designed for students who are new to the home technology integration industry, career changers, or for those looking to earn an industry-recognised certification.

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The technical school will introduce future technicians to the basics of electricity, jobsite safety, project documentation, tools, cable, and cable properties, as well as the work undertaken by a technician during the pre-wire and first fix phases of a project.

With customer demand for smart tech in the home growing, the global pandemic has amplified the importance of a robust, reliable network as the work/play/live at home routine has become the norm.

Entering the channel can be overwhelming.

CIT and its in-person and hybrid training options take away some of the challenges of skilling up a new or new-to-the-industry technician, freeing up more time to take care of business.

“The hybrid approach is important in that it allows the participant to spend quality time in the lab actually learning by doing,” says CEDIA Director of Workforce Training, Ken Erdmann.

“The online element can be completed by the participants on their own time at their own pace. The time in the lab can be spent re-enforcing those concepts by doing rather than listening to a presenter lecture on and on.”

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By completing the CIT School, participants will feel confident to work on site safely and efficiently and can then work towards taking the CIT Certification exam, demonstrating a solid foundation for professionalism as a technician in this space.

CEDIA, cedia.net

@ElecConNews

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25/02/2021 16:05

DOEPKE

DO WE NEED DC IN OUR HOUSES? In principle it sounds like a good idea, but is this really practicable?

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he energy consumed (reportedly 20%) converting AC to DC to run appliances, LED lighting, TVs, PC, tablets, UPS, modems etc. makes a household DC network an interesting proposal. Adding in solar/wind energy generation; DC voltage converting it to AC or holding it in battery systems so we can covert it later to 230V AC to recharge our EV battery, after converting it back to DC again. Having a DC supply complementing our AC supply in the house would appear to be a no-brainer for energy conservation and the future of our planet. But is it that simple?

Electrical standards and technical considerations Graham Kenyon’s article in Wiring Matters winter 2015, summarises some of the issues associated with DC in domestic dwellings. Particularly around the area of electrical standards, safety

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and DC installation experience. Little has changed since then with regard to the development of electrical standards associated with managing the risks in dwellings, that have no permanent electro-technical staff on site.

The use of fuses is still widespread in DC systems and we consider earth fault monitoring, not resettable earth fault protection devices for use by ‘ordinary persons’. Electric shock protection for DC supplies <70V may not be an issue, but arc faults and fire hazards are. For heavy loads it would be impracticable to use low voltage DC, but very dangerous to run loads at say 300 VDC which would be necessary to reduce cable size.

Practically, this points to a dual 230 VAC/12, 24 48 VDC (ignoring POE <15W) supply within the property. This requires the development of a whole set of new installation guidance and product standards for DC protection devices, suitable for use in UK domestic dwellings.

Fit for purpose EU countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, have long term ongoing projects; the basic issues – refer to the 1997 paper (ECN-C-97-058) The DC Low-Voltage House/J. Pellis and for existing projects, the LVDC_for_ buildings_in_the_Netherlands (4).pdf.

Whilst the DC smart system/grid is already with us for commercial/ infrastructure projects, the jury is still out on domestic properties. Based on UK standards development times it could be another 5-10 years before standards and products are available to protect the unwary/ill-informed house holder.

It would be sad to see a repeat of the early days of unregulated PV domestic installations.

Doepke, doepke.co.uk

25/02/2021 16:06

ELTAKO

CAREFREE AND WIRE FREE WITH THE ENOCEAN STANDARD Wireless control is a safe, robust option for smart building control, says Stephen Payne of Eltako GmbH.

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ith smart tech finding its way into every aspect of our homes (not to mention offices, bars and restaurants) your customers are looking for integration.

They want so much more than ‘smart’ lighting and expect heating, air conditioning, security and entertainment to be built in and, increasingly as the ‘digitally-literate’ baby boomers grow older, innovative ways to assist later life and independence. They want all this, but they probably aren’t too keen on you ripping off the wallpaper to chase wires.

That is where grown up wireless technology comes in. The option for wall panels and detectors to communicate wirelessly with the hardwired componentry tucked behind the wall or at the distribution board opens up a whole new world of possibilities and certainly makes it a lot easier for the customer to agree to a project.

Like so many aspects of technology, wireless has evolved exponentially.

We all rely on phones and tablets that communicate wirelessly, and most homes now use wireless internet rather than the Ethernet routers and cables that were commonplace just a few years ago.

You are unlikely to experience customer objections to wireless technology.

So which products are the best bet?

Without doubt, you are on solid ground if you look for products that operate using the EnOcean standard for wireless communication. Used primarily in smart homes and building automation systems it is an open protocol. In other words, it’s not owned or controlled by a single manufacturer, and EnOcean-compatible products can work alongside other systems such as DALI2 or KNX. There are about 400 firms making EnOcean complaint devices for you to choose from. Currently, the biggest of these, with the widest range and market share and the support network that goes with market leadership, is Eltako, with products from simple light switches to whole-home and building controllers.

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The EnOcean technology is energy harvesting, which means switches that communicate with remote hard-wired relays and actuators do not need batteries.

It is based on harvesting slight mechanical motion (such as flicking a switch) or other potentials from the environment, such as indoor light and temperature differences.

Energy harvesters provide only a very small amount of power, but it’s quite enough for sensors and switches to communicate wirelessly with the relays, gateways and controllers that turn on/off and adjust lighting, heating and electrical appliances.

EnOcean-based devices use ultra-low power electronics to perform without batteries and, with no wires and no batteries, are engineered to operate maintenance-free. The radio signals from sensors and switches can be transmitted wirelessly over a distance of up to 300 metres in the open and up to 30 metres inside buildings, giving you huge scope to provide your customers with control where it is needed.

A popular entry level EnOcean installation is a light switch and dimmer where the switch plate is simply affixed to the wall in the most convenient place and the actuator might be just connected to the light and popped through the ceiling

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aperture, or behind an existing switch plate. In my experience, once they’ve tried this, installers are hooked and want to know more about possibilities to scale this up to a complete smart solution with an app and voice control.

The flexibility of EnOcean is also attracting new home developers. At the 52-unit Lanyon Homes’ Castlehill Wood development near Stormont, the consultant has successfully demonstrated how a conventionally wired ‘canvas’ can be transformed into a smart home. A wireless solution manages the lighting, heating, hot water, and security and fire alarm, drawing extensively on the vast Eltako product range.

It’s an approach that is equally applicable to refurbishments as new builds.

Isn’t it time you took wireless to professional levels?

Eltako, eltako.com

@ElecConNews

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26/02/2021 12:30

BEG LIGHTING CONTROLS

THE NUMBER ONE APP FOR ALL LIGHTING CONTROLS PRODUCTS The BEG Lighting Control App, which turns a smartphone into a remote control for end users, has undergone a complete refresh to offer an even more intuitive and personalised experience.

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he new design provides a quick and easy orientation that makes programming for unidirectional and bidirectional products even more simple. The new, updated and renamed BEG One App replaces the previous BiRC App and is available to download from the Apple and Android app stores.

The remote control app is the easiest way to program all remote-controlled occupancy and motion detectors, twilight switches, luminaires and emergency lights by the German manufacturer.

To use the app, the BEG IR adapter (audio) or the BEG IR adapter (BLE) is required. The IR adaptor must be charged before use and when using the BEG IR adapter (audio), the volume must be set to the maximum.

B.E.G.

In the user-friendly navigation, the user can search for either the desired remote control or the product to be programmed.

When reading the bidirectional products, the appropriate interface appears automatically. Descriptions of the individual parameters and commands are provided to the end user to help explain the respective function.

All BEG unidirectional products can be programmed via the remote control interface. The desired values can be sent to the product individually or in a selection. The bidirectional products can be read out additionally and the values stored in the device are displayed in the app. These can then be sent individually, in a selection or completely.

BEG Lighting Controls Director for UK and Ireland, Paul Jones, says: “The BEG BiRC has become BEG One and we’re

extremely proud to introduce this latest lighting control technology.

“The completely revised design features new icons and colours, and the user interface has been improved even further.

Thanks to the link to the BEG website, end users can now also access operating instructions, application descriptions, images and much more about the products via the app. It’s one app for all remotecontrolled BEG products.”

BEG Lighting Controls, beg-luxomat.com

LUXOMAT ® net

DALI-LINK LARGE OFFICE SOLUTION ■ Addressable multi-master Lighting Control System

DALI Power supply

DALI Multisensor

DALI push-button module

PS-DALI-LINK-FC Part no. 92846

PD4N-DALI-LINK Part no. 93377

PBM-DALI-LINK-4W-BLE Part no. 92732

■ Supports DALI and DALI-2 luminaires ■ Ideal for retrofitting ■ Super flat multisensor available ■ Simple, intuitive operation ■ Free Bluetooth app with 2 functions: - Scene control for end customer - Commissioning tool for installers m 2.5 0 1

0870 850 5412

BEG.indd 15

info@beguk.co.uk

3

2

6.40 m 8m 24 m

1

på tværs 452m� walking across

frontalt 50m� 2 walking towards siddende 32m� 3 seated

beg-luxomat.com

25/02/2021 16:08

DANLERS

ECOSYSTEM CONTROLS FOR LIGHTING Product ‘ecosystems’ are increasingly being installed where previously a conventional, wired lighting control system would have been used.

A

n ecosystem can be described as a network of intercommunicating products which perform a range of functions within a building, or even beyond. The different products typically use Bluetooth communications, or similar, to form an intercommunicating meshed network.

An example ecosystem may include occupancy and light level sensors, light fittings, CO2 sensors and air conditioning units.

One of the key advantages of ecosystems in lighting applications is the absence of wiring between lighting controls and the light fittings which are being controlled. The lights can be switched on or off, dimmed or brightened, or even have their colour or colour temperature changed - all based on the ecosystem’s programming and triggered by signals received from the sensors which form part of the ecosystem. There is no need for wiring to carry mains power from lighting controls to lights, nor is there need for bus wiring to carry transmitted signals.

This has major implications both in reducing installation time, materials and costs, and in greater flexibility if an area of a building undergoes a change of use. An ecosystem can typically be programmed or reprogrammed by an authorised user – rather than needing time-consuming and costly rewiring, as would be the case for a conventional, wired lighting control system.

The programmed memory of the whole ecosystem is usually replicated in every device. Hence, if there is a power loss or other failure with one device, the rest of the ecosystem continues to operate. If that device is restored, or if a new device is added, it learns the latest

16 | March 2021

Danlers.indd 16

Smart Buildings

programming of the ecosystem and continues to work seamlessly.

Ecosystems have made viable many more functions than were previously considered plausible from lighting control systems.

One emerging use of ecosystems is asset tracking. An appropriately tagged asset can be tracked and located in a building – particularly useful for finding a pallet of goods in a warehouse, or an important piece of medical equipment in a hospital. As light fittings are normally spread across the whole area of a building, this provides an ideal grid via which the tagged assets can be tracked.

Ecosystems are capable of achieving sophisticated control set-ups which are very difficult and impractical to achieve with conventional, wired systems. For example, in an ecosystem, general lights, signage and ventilation units can all be programmed to operate in a certain manner in response to a person detector signalling that people are present.

There are many other functions which, although not exclusively the domain of ecosystems, are relatively straightforward with the programming flexibility and range of products that ecosystems encompass.

Footfall monitoring and direction of travel measurement is of particular importance in retail applications. To know where people are walking and where people are stopping is powerful information when deciding how merchandising should be arranged in retail environments.

Ultra-violet light is increasingly being used to disinfect communal areas,

electricalcontractingnews.com

such as changing rooms, when they are not occupied.

Energy usage monitoring is also common, and easily achieved, with ecosystems.

As techniques continue to develop, there is a trend towards buildings offering more seamless adaptations of the environment to meet the requirements of the building users.

We are seeing enhanced smart building user experience with everyday practicality, such as automatic control of air temperature and quality, lighting intensity and colour temperature which is sympathetic for the time of day and timed lighting scene-setting as appropriate to each area of a building.

There are numerous ecosystem protocols now on the market and each has its specific strengths. Good advice will point you towards the right type of ecosystem for your own applications and the environments you wish to control.

DANLERS, danlers.co.uk

@ElecConNews

/electricalcontractingnews

26/02/2021 13:30

Occupancy and daylight sensors for wireless meshing ecosystems Casambi

Mymesh

Ingy

Wirepas

IQRF

Silvair

Ideal for the energy saving automatic control of lighting and other loads

DANLERS Ecosystem Controls

DANLERS Limited, DANLERS Business Centre, Vincients Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 6NQ, UK T: +44 (0)1249 443377

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E: sales@danlers.co.uk

www.danlers.co.uk

26/02/2021 11:55

STEINEL COM1 & DALI-2 sensors For Electricians

Best in reach.

Best in sensitivity.

Best in price.

Sensor technology for better buildings.

Untitled-7 2 STL-11754-21_Schnelldreherliste_COM1+DALI_UK.indd 2

26/02/2021 12:27 26.02.21 11:59

Application

Product

Detection area

Interface

EAN

IR Quattro DALI-2 APC

7 x 7m (49m2)

DALI

4007841 002749

IR Quattro COM1

7 x 7m (49m2)

COM1

4007841 000349

HF 360 DALI-2 APC

Ø 12m (113m2)

DALI

4007841 002817

HF 360 COM1

Ø 12m (113m2)

COM1

4007841 002800

IS 345 DALI-2 APC

23 x 6m

DALI

4007841 033866

IS 345 COM1

23 x 6m

COM1

4007841 033804

Office

Washroom

Corridor

Warehouse Highbay (mounting height up to 14m) IS 3360 MX DALI-2 APC

Ø 36m (1,018m2)

DALI

4007841 010577

IS 3360 MX COM1

Ø 36m (1,018m2)

COM1

4007841 033569

IS 345 MX DALI-2 APC

30 x 4m (120m2)

DALI

4007841 010591

IS 345 MX COM1

30 x 4m (120m2)

COM1

4007841 010492

Production hall & parking areas IS 3360 DALI-2 APC

Ø 40m (1,257m2)

DALI

4007841 033507

IS 3360 COM1

Ø 40m (1,257m2)

COM1

4007841 033446

steinel.co.uk

Untitled-7 2 STL-11754-21_Schnelldreherliste_COM1+DALI_UK.indd 3

26/02/2021 12:28 26.02.21 12:00

ELTAKO, THE SMART HOME SOLUTION PROVIDER.

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26/02/2021 09:36