The best defence is a good offence

The best defence

is a good offence

Being able to automate and remotely control electrical functions at home used to be the stuff of sci-fi movies. Lights could be switched on when no-one was home, curtains could be opened and closed automatically and a security camera could detect an unfamiliar face.

Legrand

Home automation systems are now not only a reality and a convenience, but are critical for security and energy efficiency, offering significant savings on utility bills.

Housebreaking has been identified by authorities as the number one crime in South Africa.

And as burglaries continue to rise throughout the country, homeowners are looking for effective and affordable ways to improve security. According to security specialists, it now requires more than burglar bars, an alarm system, caring neighbours and a “beware of the dog” sign to protect a home from intruders.

As an example, one company active in this space, Legrand, tells us that it specialises in electrical and digital infrastructures, while offering a comprehensive range of products and systems used in commercial, residential and industrial buildings. Legrand advises that an effective home automation team work closely with local designers, installers and homeowners, to provide reliable security solutions for connected homes that greatly reduce the risk of crime.

A radio technology and Wi-Fi enabled solution that simplifies usage, by making complex functions in home automation easy to use. Intelligent products in the installation communicate with one another via radio ZigBee, which means there is no need for complicated cabling.

Real time alerts for immediate action

Smart indoor cameras, with a facial recognition facility, provide real-time intruder alerts if an unfamiliar person is filmed entering the home. To protect a family’s privacy, the facial recognition feature is used to pre-record familiar faces and to disable notifications and video recordings of them. The indoor cameras can also be programmed to offer additional protection in an emergency. The system provides a real-time alert if a fire alarm, smoke detector, or safety siren goes off, enabling immediate action to be taken, from anywhere in the world.

Specially designed accessories include smart door and window sensors, designed to offer further protection at home. Sensors operate in conjunction with indoor cameras, by detecting vibrations, or a door or window being opened.

An immediate alert is sent to a smartphone, saving valuable time in the event of an attempted break-in. A quick glance at the App will indicate if a home's doors and windows are open or shut – an important feature for absolute safety and peace of mind.

The company offers its Arteor™ with Netatmo home automation system which it says is accessible, affordable and easy to use. A combination of connected switches and socket outlets has been developed to enhance safety and convenience in the home and to also improve energy efficiency.

Freedom to create a smart customised home

A flexible system should offer the freedom to create a smart customised home by linking controls and features, to manage scenarios, create centralised functions and allow remote-control of individual functions, from anywhere in the world, to suit exact requirements.

Using a smartphone application called Home + Control App, users can control everything and stay connected to their home, no matter where they are in the world. At home, by using voice commands, the installation can be managed without having to move or lift a finger.

A smart system can integrate easily into existing installations, requiring no additional wiring, as it uses the current electrical infrastructure. Selected scenarios can be modified and upgraded at any time and with wireless switches, users have control always exactly where they want it.