checklist_design guide integrated home systems_0

CHECKLIST DESIGN GUIDE FOR INTEGRATED HOME SYSTEMS Guy Kasier

August 2012

ECI Publication No Cu0173

Available from www.leonardo-energy.org

Publication No Cu0173

Issue Date: Page i

Document Issue Control Sheet

Document Title: Checklist - Design Guide for Integrated Home Systems

Publication No: Cu0173

Issue: 01

Release: Public

Author(s): Guy Kasier

Reviewer(s): Diedert Debusscher/Hand De Keulenaer

Document History

Issue Date Purpose

1 29-06-2012 Dutch text must be translated.

2 29-08-2012 Final version EN

3

Disclaimer

While this publication has been prepared with care, European Copper Institute and other contributors provide no warranty with regards to the content and shall not be liable for any direct, incidental or consequential damages that may result from the use of the information or the data contained.

Copyright European Copper Institute.

This publication is based on the Design Guide for Integrated Home Automation (Ontwerpgids gentegreerde leef- en woonautomatisering), compiled by the organisations VEI (Flemish Electrical Innovation Centre), In-HAM (centre for assistive technology), BCDI (Belgian Centre for Domotics and Immotics) and NAV (Belgian National Architects Association) with the support of the IWT (Agency for Innovation in Science and Technology). No part of this publication (text and images) may be copied or reproduced without the express permission of these project partners (Contact: [email protected]). Leonardo ENERGY has the written permission of the publisher to copy (text and images), translate and publish Chapters 3 and 4 of the original guide.


Issue Date: Page ii

CONTENTS 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 How to use this design guide ....................................................................................................................... 2

2.1 Make your choice clear ..................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 The symbols ...................................................................................................................................................... 2 2.3 Digital version for frequent use ........................................................................................................................ 3

3 The choice of features .................................................................................................................................. 4

3.0 Overview of features ........................................................................................................................................ 4 3.1 Daily functions .................................................................................................................................................. 6 3.2 You are at home, it is evening or night ........................................................................................................... 10 3.3 You are not at home ....................................................................................................................................... 14 3.4 Youre getting a little older and need care ..................................................................................................... 16

4 The choice of techniques ........................................................................................................................... 18

4.0 Overview of techniques .................................................................................................................................. 18 4.1 Lighting ........................................................................................................................................................... 20 4.2 Sockets ............................................................................................................................................................ 23 4.3 Shutters, awning, and curtains ....................................................................................................................... 25 4.4 Door communication and access control ....................................................................................................... 27 4.5 Low-voltage connections and multimedia ...................................................................................................... 30 4.6 Safety devices and technical alarms ............................................................................................................... 33 4.7 Indoor climate................................................................................................................................................. 36 4.8 Local energy generation ................................................................................................................................. 38 4.9 Manual control elements ............................................................................................................................... 39 4.10 Automatic control elements ......................................................................................................................... 41 4.11 Telemetry ...................................................................................................................................................... 43 4.12 Other devices ................................................................................................................................................ 45


Issue Date: Page 1

1 INTRODUCTION Most people these days are familiar with the term Integrated Home Systems (hereafter abbreviated to IHS). However, when people begin to talk about IHS it quickly become apparent that nearly everyone interprets this term differently. For one person it is a lighting control system, for another a sound distribution system, and for yet another it is a system which ensures that older people are able to go on living independently at home for longer. IHS is therefore a container term into which people put all manner of things, but no one now knows quite what is in the container. This design guide has two objectives. Firstly, the guide provides information on the possibilities of IHS by describing specific features and techniques. In this way the owner or occupant is introduced to possibilities he or she did not know existed. The second objective is to detect and realize the customers wishes. This is necessary to ensure that the installation fully meets the customers requirements. This design guide enables the customer to determine what features and techniques should or should not be present in the installation.


Issue Date: Page 2

2 HOW TO USE THIS DESIGN GUIDE

2.1 MAKE YOUR CHOICE CLEAR Chapters 3 (features) and 4 (techniques) present options. You can tick whether you want to integrate a particular function or technique into the installation immediately, later, or never. Those wishing to design the system themselves can describe a variant.

Figure 1: For the above function, the user of the design guide placed a tick alongside the Required box.

2.2 THE SYMBOLS Each function and each technique is accompanied by five symbols. These indicate whether the function or technique in question is beneficial (green), neutral (grey), or detrimental (red) to comfort, communication, energy saving, safety, and care components. The items comfort, communication, and energy saving speak for themselves. We understand item safety to mean both safety in connection with fire or break-in, but also personal safety. We use the symbol for the care components to indicate whether a particular feature or technique is beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to people with a care requirement. Here we are thinking primarily of older people who are able to continue living independently at home for longer by implementing certain functions and techniques.

Technique beneficial

Technique neutral

Technique detrimental

Comfort and user-friendliness for the user

Communication

Energy saving

Safety

Care components

Figure 2: Overview of the symbols used in the design guide.


Issue Date: Page 3

2.3 DIGITAL VERSION FOR FREQUENT USE You can also download a spreadsheet for Chapters 3 and 4. This can be reused for all of your projects and sites. It is also possible to add more text under Variant. This electronic version also enables you to describe additional features and techniques, giving you a personalized list of functions and techniques.


Issue Date: Page 4

3 THE CHOICE OF FEATURES When designing a house, apartment, service flat, or other residence we start with the features that must be present in the building. These features depend on the function of the building, the architectural vision, and above all the people who will live there. We must therefore first determine what functions are required. Only then can we establish by means of these features what appliances, techniques, and technologies we need. Determining the features first is not only logical; it also facilitates the process of efficiently integrating an IHS. You can use the following list as a tool and indicate your choice by placing a cross or tick next to required, later, never, or variant.

3.0 OVERVIEW OF FEATURES DAILY FUNCTIONS .................................................................................................. 6

Leaving the bedroom in the morning ........................................................................................... 6 Lighting for landing, stairs, and hall .............................................................................................. 6 Everything off function ................................................................................................................. 7 Im at home function .................................................................................................................... 7 Operating heating locally or centrally .......................................................................................... 7 Operating shutters locally or centrally ......................................................................................... 8 Switching off kitchen boiler .......................................................................................................... 8 A button for every intention ......................................................................................................... 8 Getting up button ......................................................................................................................... 9 Odour-free toilet .......................................................................................................................... 9 Steam-free bathroom or shower .................................................................................................. 9 Automatic lighting in traffic areas ................................................................................................ 9

YOU ARE AT HOME, IT IS EVENING OR NIGHT ................................................................ 10 Getting up during the night for the children ................................................................................ 10 The panic button .......................................................................................................................... 10 Controlling the garden lighting from the bedroom ...................................................................... 10 Sleep well button .......................................................................................................................... 11 Light path to the toilet .................................................................................................................. 11 Little Eve wakes up in the evening ............................................................................................... 11 Landing lighting ............................................................................................................................ 12 Lighting on in case of fire .............................................................................................................. 12 What happens if there is a break-in? ........................................................................................... 12 Is little Dennis asleep yet? ............................................................................................................ 13

YOU ARE NOT AT HOME ........................................................................................... 14 Presence simulation ..................................................................................................................... 14 Safe access for the cleaner and carers ......................................................................................... 14 Controlling your house remotely .................................................................................................. 14 Inspecting your holiday home ...................................................................................................... 15


Issue Date: Page 5

YOURE GETTING A LITTLE OLDER AND NEED CARE .......................................................... 16 You live alone and are occasionally faced with a problem ........................................................... 16 You occasionally fall...................................................................................................................... 16 Fighting loneliness ........................................................................................................................ 17 The day is starting or ending ........................................................................................................ 17 Notification in case of wandering ................................................................................................. 17


Issue Date: Page 6

3.1 DAILY FUNCTIONS In this section we shall discuss functions that can be used every day.

Leaving the bedroom in the morning

Your choice Problem: In the morning you leave the bedroom and go into the living room. You have to reduce the temperature in the bedroom manually, raise the shutter and switch off all the lights in the bedroom. You also have to operate the lighting on the landing and stairs. Half-way down the stairs, you wonder whether you did in fact turn down the heating. Solution: You leave the bedroom and simply press one button. This drops the temperature of the bedroom to a lower setting, after one minute the shutter raises itself, and all the bedroom lights slowly go out. In this way you are not immediately left in the dark the minute you press the button. The lighting on the landing and stairs also comes on for five minutes, for example. Every room can be fitted with a similar button, so that everything in that room is switched off when the last person leaves. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Lighting for landing, stairs and hall

Your choice Problem: Children (and adults too) sometimes forget to switch off the light on the landing, stairs, and hall. We make a note to mention it at the next family meal. But that does not help. Unnecessary use of energy equates to waste and a high energy bill. Solution: We enable the lighting in high traffic areas to switch off automatically after a predetermined period. To avoid having to keep switching the light on repeatedly while cleaning the stairs, we provide the option of leaving the light on for a longer time. To activate this function, instead of pressing and immediately releasing the button, you press it and keep it held down for a few moments. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 7

Everything off function

Your choice Problem: Every day, whenever you go out, you always have to check that all the lights are off, the heating is in eco-mode, the shutters are up or down, et cetera. You can be almost certain that you will subsequently ask yourself whether you did in fact turn the iron or other dangerous device off at home. Solution: We fit an everything off function by the front door, the garage door, and any other entrances This switches off all the lights, disconnects dangerous appliances, switches the heating to the right mode and, if it is dark, lowers the shutters. If you are the last to leave the house in the dark, the light in the hall or garage stays on for a few moments, as does the outside light. Presence simulation can also be initiated. You can leave home with peace of mind. There are several possible ways of starting this function: with a button, a keyswitch, an alarm keypad, et cetera. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Im at home function

Your choice Problem: When you walk in, you are in the dark and it is cold. You have to walk round the house setting all the thermostats to comfort mode and turning on the lights. Solution: If you have regular hours away from home, we have the heating turn itself up shortly before you come home. When you come home and press the Im home button, the heating switches to comfort mode. If it is dark, you get a light path to the kitchen or living room. Your home knows you are there. There are several possible ways of starting this function: with a button, a keyswitch, an alarm keypad, a motion detector, et cetera. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Operating heating locally and centrally

Your choice Problem: If you want to control the heating or air conditioning of a particular room, you have to go to that room to operate the thermostat or thermostatic valve. Solution: We provide a variable thermostat or simply buttons with which you can set the room temperature to comfort or eco-mode for each room. If desired, buttons can also be provided that adjust the set temperature by plus or minus 0.5 C each time they are pressed. We install a display panel in one or more rooms. This panel enables us to set the temperature of each room centrally without having to go to each room separately. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 8

Operating shutters locally and centrally

Your choice Problem: You have to go to each room every day to raise the shutter manually, a time-consuming and cumbersome task. Solution: A button is installed in every room for operating the shutter locally. In one or more rooms in the home we install an everything-down and everything-up button. All shutters are thus raised or lowered together. Now there is no need to wander all around the house. If desired, the shutters can be controlled automatically, taking into account the time of day and the daylight (or lack of it) outside. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Switching off kitchen boiler

Your choice Problem: The kitchen boiler beneath the sink is on day and night, even when you do not need any hot water in the kitchen. Solution: The kitchen boiler is switched on automatically when we are using the kitchen. If we are not at home or are asleep, it is switched off. This leads to lower energy bills. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

A button for every intention

Your choice Problem: You have one or more switches or dimmers for each lighting circuit in the living room. Every day you have to set all these controls to watch TV, receive visitors, play with the children, read, or create a romantic evening. You also have to bend over the backrest of the chair to operate the floor dimmer of the standard lamp. The table lamp on the cabinet also has to be operated separately. Solution: Several buttons are installed by the doors of the living room that correspond to specific intentions. Depending on the intention, a TV atmosphere or a visitors atmosphere will immediately be created. This can include not only the lighting, but also the heating, the shutters, the TV, the audio, et cetera as well. The standard lamps are also included in certain atmospheres. You can perform separate operations with the remote control. For example, you can switch the reading light on or off from your armchair. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 9

Getting up button

Your choice Problem: When we get up in the morning, we are often not yet fully awake. The kitchen light comes on at full brightness. This is far too much light for our still sleepy eyes and can be an annoyance. The same can be said for putting the coffee on and having to wait. Solution: We install a getting up button next to the bed. Soft lighting in the bedroom, on the landing, in the bathroom, on the stairs and in the kitchen. By the time you reach the kitchen, the coffee is ready. You can enjoy your cup immediately. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Odour-free toilet

Your choice Problem: Unpleasant odours are sometimes left hanging in the air after the toilet has been used. Not pleasant for anyone wanting to use the room after you. Solution: When you leave the toilet and turn off the light, a fan continues for a few minutes to remove any remaining odours. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Steam-free bathroom or shower

Your choice Problem: You are having a bath or shower. After a few minutes the entire room is filled with steam. Moisture is dripping from the walls. The steamed-up mirrors are useless in that state. So we wipe them with a towel, resulting in unsightly streaks. The clothes you have laid out are also damp. Solution: If you remain in the bathroom for more than a few minutes, there is a good chance that you are in the bath or shower. After this time a fan starts up automatically, extracting the damp air from the room. After bathing you will find the mirrors can be used straight away. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Automatic lighting in traffic areas

Your choice Problem: You regularly operate certain switches with your nose or elbow because your hands are full with shopping, the children or their schoolbags, et cetera. Not so handy. Solution: In high traffic areas, the light comes on automatically as you approach. If you open the front or back door, the outside lighting comes on automatically. The light automatically switches itself back off just like a fridge. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 10

3.2 YOU ARE AT HOME, IT IS EVENING OR NIGHT Features that apply when you are at home in the evening or at night.

Getting up during the night for the children

Your choice Problem: One of the children is crying during the night. It wakes you up. Half-asleep, you switch the light on. Your partner wakes up. Discussion about who is getting up and what to do follows. Next time you do not switch the light on. You trip over your slippers or bump into something. Solution: You press a button next to your bed. The lighting comes on at a 20% level just on your side of the bed. You can see your slippers, do not bump into anything, your partner does not wake up. Meanwhile, on the landing and in the childs bedroom the lighting has come on 50%. The little one knows that mummy or daddy is coming. Back in bed you press the same button again. The lighting gradually switches off. Tip: give your partner a similar button. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

The panic button

Your choice Problem: You hear a noise during the night. You head downstairs in the darkperhaps a little scaredopen the door to the living room and switch the light on. The bright light blinds you. For a second you cannot see a thing. You cannot instantly respond to a situation appropriately. Solution: The panic button in the bedroom switches all the lights on in strategic places. This distracts any burglars, who make off. Your eyes have adjusted to the light before you reach downstairs. You can see what you are doing. The panic button does not touch the lighting in the childrens bedrooms. Children do not need to be woken just because you are a little worried. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Controlling the garden lighting from the bedroom

Your choice Problem: During the night, you hear a noise in the garden. You have to go downstairs to switch on the garden lighting. You may then find yourself face to face with someone or something that should not be there. Solution: You can control all the garden lighting from upstairs with a button in the bedroom. You can see anything that may be happening in the garden or on the drive. You yourself are not seen. Unwanted intruders err on the side of caution and make off. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 11

Sleep well button

Your choice Problem: Before going to bed you rush around the whole house to turn off all the lights, set the heating in each room to night mode, lower all the shutters, check the doors are locked and the garage door is closed, et cetera. Solution: A sleep well button is installed next to the bed. This switches all the above functions to the correct setting. Certain appliances (iron, electric cooker, et cetera) are switched off as a precaution. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Light path to the toilet

Your choice Problem: You or the children occasionally have to get up to go to the toilet during the night. This often takes place in the dark. At such moments our eyes are averse to bright light. A fall, bumping into something or, for the boys a damp patch next to the toilet, cannot be ruled out. Solution: Every bedroom has a toilet button. This creates a light path from the bedroom to the toilet. The light in the bedroom comes on softly to 20%, on the landing, to 50% and in the toilet to 70%. Our eyes can adjust gradually, and safety is assured. Back in bed you switch the light path off with the same button. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Little Eve wakes up in the evening

Your choice Problem: Little Eve wakes up in the evening. She crawls out of her bed and heads off into the dark, down the dangerous stairs, looking for Mum and Dad. Solution: Eve presses a button next to her bed. The room light comes on 35%. In the living room the message Eve is awake and needs you appears on the TV or another display with a buzzer. Eve knows that Mum or Dad will soon be there. If desired, this message can also be activated if the little one gets out of bed or goes onto the landing. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 12

Landing lighting

Your choice Problem: At present, the lighting on the landing is either off or fully on. At certain times, however, we want something a little less intense. That is not currently possible. Solution: All the buttons that control the landing lighting switch this lighting either off or fully on during the day. After all, cleaning on a cloudy or overcast day requires a great deal of light. At night, the same buttons will switch the landing lighting between off and soft (35%, for example). This creates a calmer atmosphere during the night. You also save money on your energy bill. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Lighting on in case of fire

Your choice Problem: Hundreds of people die in house fires every year. If you are sleeping and you do not wake quickly, you can suffocate as a result of the smoke. Even if you do wake up, you may be unable to see anything through the smoke. Your family is in great danger. Solution: Every room is fitted with a smoke detector. This makes a loud noise, ensuring you wake up if smoke is detected. Linked to the integrated system, the lighting comes on at strategic points. The outside lights flash to make it clear to the emergency services that it is your house that is in trouble. You still have time to get your children and yourself to safety. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

What happens if there is a break-in?

Your choice Problem: You have a burglar alarm system. You are at home when someone breaks in. You are frightened. Your neighbours in the meantime hardly even register yet another siren going off. You are standing there alone in the dark. Solution: The alarm system is linked to the integrated system. This means that if the alarm sounds, all the lights come on, the shutters are raised and the outside lights start to flash. The audio system starts playing music at full volume. The burglar is distracted and makes off. You can then calmly take stock of the situation. The police are on their way. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 13

Is little Dennis asleep yet?

Your choice

Problem: When he goes to bed, little Dennis is in the habit of playing for a while in his room. Occasionally you have to go and check if the light is out. If he is already asleep, you may well wake him by opening the door. Solution: As soon as Dennis switches on the light in his bedroom after the agreed bedtime, this is reported in the kitchen and living room by means of a noise or a message on a display or TV. You still have to go to the childs bedroom, but only because it is necessary. Your variant:

Required Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 14

3.3 YOU ARE NOT AT HOME At times when you are not at home, the integrated system is still working for you and your home.

Presence simulation

Your choice Problem: It can often be very easy to tell from the outside that you are not at home. Burglars know the tell-tale signs. You become the victim of a break-in. Solution: When you are not there, a presence simulation is begun. This gives the impression of activity in the house. You dont get a visit from burglars. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Safe access for the cleaner

Your choice Problem: Both of you work and there is no one in when the cleaning lady comes. You give her a key. However, this can be copied and used/misused by anyone. Your access security is like a fishing net in which the holes are much too big. Solution: The cleaning lady is given an intelligent access card. This only gives her access to the property on the agreed days and at the agreed times. The card is impossible to copy. If the cleaning lady quits, taking the card with her, we deactivate the card and produce another one for the new cleaner. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Controlling your house remotely

Your choice Problem: You rushed off to work this morning. After numerous traffic jams and parking problems your stress levels are already peaking. You suddenly think of the iron at home. Did you switch it off? You ironed a pair of trousers just before you left. What now? Ask your boss if you can pop home? Maybe just the once. Solution: You switch the iron off at home via your mobile phone, the phone on your desk, or the Internet. You can get back to work with peace of mind. Obviously you can also control other things remotely, such as switching the heating to comfort mode because you will be leaving work early. If desired, you can grant access to your home once you have checked who is at the door via the IP camera. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 15

Inspecting your holiday home

Your choice Problem: You have a holiday home or flat, here or abroad. You occasionally rent it to third parties. You have no idea of the condition of your holiday home when you are not there. Solution: Via an Internet connection you can inspect the home you are not in at any time. For example, you can set the heating of your holiday home to prevent freezing, or switch off the air conditioning after a rental period. Obviously you can also switch off all the lights and lower the shutters. If you yourself are staying in the holiday home, you can if desired call up camera images from your main residence, to check doors and windows. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 16

3.4 YOURE GETTING A LITTLE OLDER AND NEED CARE In addition to the above circumstances, certain functions also apply to occupants who, because of their age, functional physical or mental limitations, could use a little help or care. In addition, specific functions are available that are only used for people who, because of their limitation(s), need a technical solution to be able to continue living independently.

You live alone and are occasionally faced with a problem

Your choice Problem: You live alone. One day you become ill or fall, there is a technical problem in the home (the light above the dining table is not working), or you have some other inconvenience or problem. Should you disturb the doctor, an ambulance, an engineer, or a good neighbour for what may only be a minor problem? Perhaps not, but then you are still stuck with the problem. Solution: If you have a problem, inconvenience, or question, you no longer need to resolve it alone. Via a button on the PAS (Personal Alarm System), or a button on a bracelet or necklace, you can connect to a care centre. You can explain the problem verbally to the carer without having to use the telephone. The carer can decide on the best solution and send the right people to you as required. In emergencies, he or she will ensure that the carers who are on their way gain access to your home. Problem solved. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

You occasionally fall

Your choice Problem: You have taken a fall. Your partner has just popped out to do some shopping. You have hurt yourself badly and cannot stand up on your own or operate the PAS button. You have to fight off the pain and wait until someone comes. That could be hours! Solution: If you fall over frequently, or there is a fairly good chance of it happening, you should wear a fall detector. This independently records the fact that you have fallen and engages the two-way connection of the PAS without you having to do anything. Before you know it, help is at hand. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 17

Fighting loneliness

Your choice Problem: You live alone and are less mobile. The children and grandchildren live far away and can only visit occasionally. The days are long and lonely. Solution: You switch the TV on in the evening. You switch to the family channel with the remote control. At the agreed time, your son or daughter does the same at their home. You can see and hear one another via a camera and a microphone. You can already hear the grandchildren calling grandma or grandpa in the background. You can make arrangements for next weeks shopping. If you want you can help the grandchildren with their homework. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

The day is starting or ending

Your choice Problem: When you get up you have to do everything yourself. You have to turn the heating on, and the ventilation system has to operate at a higher speed. All these things have to be re-adjusted when going to bed. A challenge every time. Solution: Next to the bed is a day/night switch. When you wake up you set the switch to day, and to night when going to bed. In day mode, not only are certain functions carried out automatically, the activity alarm is also switched on. The reverse happens when you go to bed. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant

Notification in case of wandering

Your choice Problem: You as a partner, neighbour, or family member care for someone who suffers from dementia. Sometimes they leave the house during the day or at night without knowing where they are going and without knowing where they are wandering. Only after some time do you notice he or she is not there. Where have they got to? Solution: A wander detector records that the person is leaving the house. The detector sends a text message to the carer (i.e. to you). The integrated system can switch on certain lights, or attract the carers attention in some other way. So you are immediately aware of the situation. Certain systems are also equipped with GPS, allowing you to see straight away on your smartphone where the wandering person is. Your variant:

Required

Later

Never

Variant


Issue Date: Page 18

4 THE CHOICE OF TECHNIQUES Now that we have decided on the functions, we should examine what techniques we will use to implement the chosen functions. Here too you can indicate your choice by placing a cross or tick next to required, later, never, or variant.

4.0 OVERVIEW OF TECHNIQUES LIGHTING ............................................................................................................. 20

Switching lights on/off .................................................................................................................. 20 Dimming lights .............................................................................................................................. 20 Altering light colour ...................................................................................................................... 20 Switching on lights automatically with a motion detector ........................................................... 20 Switching on lights automatically with a light sensor................................................................... 21 Switching on lights automatically with a time delay switch ......................................................... 21 Switching off lights automatically with a timer ............................................................................ 21 Orientation lighting ...................................................................................................................... 21 Emergency lighting ....................................................................................................................... 22 Outside lighting ............................................................................................................................ 22

SOCKETS .............................................................................................................. 23 Sufficient sockets .......................................................................................................................... 23 Sockets at low height above the floor .......................................................................................... 23 Sockets placed higher above the floor ......................................................................................... 23 Sockets above work surfaces ........................................................................................................ 24

SHUTTERS, AWNING, CURTAINS ................................................................................. 25 Electric shutters ............................................................................................................................ 25 Electrically operated curtains ....................................................................................................... 25 Automatic awning and sun blinds ................................................................................................ 26

DOOR COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS CONTROL ............................................................ 27 Bell system .................................................................................................................................... 27 Intercom ....................................................................................................................................... 27 Videophone .................................................................................................................................. 28 Electric locks ................................................................................................................................. 28 Electronic locks ............................................................................................................................. 28 Proximity reader ........................................................................................................................... 28 Keypad .......................................................................................................................................... 29 Fingerprint readers ....................................................................................................................... 29 Iris scanner ................................................................................................................................... 29

LOW-VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS AND MULTIMEDIA ........................................................... 30 Data cabling (structured cabling) ................................................................................................. 30 Computer network ....................................................................................................................... 30 Telephone network ...................................................................................................................... 31 Connections for radio and TV ....................................................................................................... 31 Audio distribution system ............................................................................................................ 31 Multimedia network ..................................................................................................................... 32 Radios in the wall.......................................................................................................................... 32 USB sockets .................................................................................................................................. 32


Issue Date: Page 19

SAFETY DEVICES AND TECHNICAL ALARMS .................................................................... 33 Fire protection .............................................................................................................................. 33 CO detectors ................................................................................................................................. 33 Gas detectors and gas shut-off ..................................................................................................... 33 Water leak detectors and water shut-off ..................................................................................... 34 Level sensors ................................................................................................................................ 34 Break-in protection ....................................................................................................................... 34 Presence detectors ....................................................................................................................... 34 The PAS system............................................................................................................................. 35 Lightning protection ..................................................................................................................... 35 Overvoltage protection ................................................................................................................ 35

INDOOR CLIMATE ................................................................................................... 36 Ventilation system ........................................................................................................................ 36 Cooling with air-conditioning systems ......................................................................................... 36 Heating and cooling with a heat pump ........................................................................................ 36 Central heating system running on gas or fuel oil ........................................................................ 37 Electric heating ............................................................................................................................. 37 Micro-CHP..................................................................................................................................... 37

LOCAL ENERGY GENERATION ..................................................................................... 38 Solar panels .................................................................................................................................. 38 Micro-CHP..................................................................................................................................... 38 Wind energy ................................................................................................................................. 38

MANUAL CONTROL ELEMENTS .................................................................................. 39 Buttons ......................................................................................................................................... 39 Buttons with feedback LED ........................................................................................................... 39 Keypads ........................................................................................................................................ 39 Touchscreens ................................................................................................................................ 39 Hand-held remotes ....................................................................................................................... 40 The computer ............................................................................................................................... 40 Tablets and the smartphone ........................................................................................................ 40 RF transmitters (buttons) ............................................................................................................. 40

AUTOMATIC CONTROL ELEMENTS .............................................................................. 41 Window and door contacts .......................................................................................................... 41 Weather station ............................................................................................................................ 41 Temperature sensors .................................................................................................................... 41 Humidity detectors ....................................................................................................................... 41 CO2 sensors ................................................................................................................................... 42

TELEMETRY .......................................................................................................... 43 Sphgymomanometer .................................................................................................................... 43 Glucose meter .............................................................................................................................. 43 Heart rate monitor ....................................................................................................................... 43 Scales ............................................................................................................................................ 44

OTHER DEVICES ..................................................................................................... 45 TV interface .................................................................................................................................. 45 Audio interface ............................................................................................................................. 45 Gateway or home server .............................................................................................................. 45 Wander detector .......................................................................................................................... 45


Issue Date: Page 20

4.1 LIGHTING Lighting is extremely important inside the home or residential unit. Adequate lighting is not only good for the eyes while doing things (cooking, writing, et cetera), it also determines the mood and can boost the sense of security.

Switching lights on/off

Your choice This is the most common way of operating a lamp or lighting group. The lamp or lighting group has just two positions: on or off. The lamp or lighting group will switch from on to off each time the button is pressed. Your variant:

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Dimming lights

Your choice Apart from switching on and off, you can set the lamp to any dimmed setting using one or more buttons (depending on the integrated system chosen). One button generally suffices. Pressing the button briefly causes the lamp to switch between off and the last dimmed setting. Holding the same button down for a few moments lets you change the dimmed setting of the lamp. Your variant:

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Altering light colour

Your choice By using LED luminaires or LED strips with three-colour LEDs, you can also alter the colour of the light emitted. This can be done automatically or be set by the user. Your variant:

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Switching on lights automatically with a motion detector

Your choice It may be advantageous to fit motion detectors in specific areas or rooms in a home or building. They are often installed in high traffic areas such as corridors and stairs. We generally also see them on driveways and around the exterior of a house. The ambient light level which causes the lighting to switch on if movement is detected can be predetermined, as can the duration of the lighting. Your variant:

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Switching on lights automatically with a light sensor

Your choice If we install a light sensor on the outside of the house, this can be used, among other things, to automatically switch the outside lighting on when it gets dark and off again when there is sufficient daylight. Your variant:

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Switching on lights automatically with a time delay switch

Your choice If we use time delay switches (clocks in integrated systems) we can switch certain lights outside or even inside on or off at set times. Shutters, curtains and any other clients can also be time-controlled. Your variant:

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Switching off lights automatically with a timer

Your choice We can have the lighting switch off automatically after a predetermined set time in stairwells, corridors, et cetera. This can be instantly (from 100% to 0% at once) or gradual (from 100% to 0% over a period of two minutes, for example). In the last case, people are not suddenly left in the dark when the set time has elapsed. Your variant:

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Orientation lighting

Your choice At night, orientation lighting can increase the occupants safety. It can be fitted in corridors, halls, and stairs. In care rooms, care flats, and service flats, orientation lighting can be installed in the bedroom to boost the sense of security. Some people do not like a completely dark room. Your variant:

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Emergency lighting

Your choice In buildings with multiple residential units it is obviously advisable to install emergency lighting in the communal corridors and stairwells. In residential units, apartments, or single-family houses, emergency lighting can be provided in corridors, on stairs, in the bathroom, and the kitchen to increase safety. It is precisely these places where something can go seriously wrong if the power fails when it is dark. Emergency lighting is also recommended near the electric fuse box. Your variant:

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Outside lighting

Your choice An outside light is generally fitted near the front door, the back door, or the patio door. If the house or residential unit also has a garden, this is normally not sufficient. In that case, lay the necessary cables or pipes at the outset, to facilitate the installation of garden lighting at a later date. Many people later come to regret not having done this. Your variant:

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4.2 SOCKETS Everyone occasionally has one power socket too few. This element therefore merits the necessary attention in the design stage. Where do we put sockets, how many are required, and at what height?

Sufficient sockets

Your choice If we fit only a minimum number of sockets, we very soon encounter problems. We end up juggling loose socket blocks, but these present an aesthetic and ergonomic problem. The cable can increase the risk of tripping. We are therefore better off fitting sufficient sockets at the outset, depending on the room and the furniture (bed, desk, kitchen, TV corner, et cetera). If there are several possible positions for a bed in a bedroom, sufficient sockets next to the bed are required for each option, so that the occupant can choose where to put the bed. Your variant:

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Sockets at low height above the floor

Your choice In most cases, sockets are fitted at 15 to 20 cm above the finished floor. This can be too low for people with a physical disability. Your variant:

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Sockets placed higher above the floor

Your choice We can also fit the socket between 90 and 120 cm above the finished floor. People with a physical disability can then use the sockets with ease. Because everyone ages, this choice provides for the continued ease of use of your home over the years. Your variant:

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Sockets above work surfaces

Your choice Sockets are ordinarily placed above kitchen work surfaces. But we can also install sockets above desk tops, so that we no longer have to rummage around under the desk to change something. In the case of tables standing against a wall, we can also consider fitting two sockets, for example. The toaster and juicer can then easily be used at the table during breakfast. No extension cables are then needed for an electric table barbeque, stone grill, or raclette grill, lowering the risk of tripping or a fall. Your variant:

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4.3 SHUTTERS, AWNING, AND CURTAINS Shutters are best operated electrically. That way, older occupants can also use them. Automatic changes can also be made, depending on the time and the intensity of the light. Awnings can save energy because the indoor climate can be kept under closer control. Less air conditioning (cooling) is then required. In winter the sun can be allowed to penetrate the home and warm the rooms. Electrically operated curtains are a luxury for some occupants, for others a necessity, given their physical limitations.

Electric shutters

Your choice Every room is provided with a control for any shutters present, plus an automatic control. The latter can allow for light levels outside (bright or dark), as well as the time of day. After all, there is little point raising the shutters in summer when it becomes light in the early morning. Certain systems work with a so-called Astro function. The device registers when the sun rises and sets in a particular region. As a result, the shutters open and close at a different time on successive days. Obviously it is also possible to combine this function with time settings. Thus, the shutters never open before a certain time in the morning and always close before a specific, pre-set time in the evening. If you like, the shutters can be controlled via a hand-held remote. In winter, shutters reduce the amount of energy consumed by the heating system. Your variant:

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Electrically operated curtains

Your choice Because of comfort or care components, it may be advantageous to hang electrically operated curtains in certain parts of the house or residential unit. Their operation can be incorporated into the atmosphere functions. Separate manual control via a button or a remote is also possible. This is a good solution for people with a mobility problem enabling them to determine the degree of privacy without having to call on someone else. Your variant:

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Automatic awning and sun blinds

Your choice Normally, the awning is controlled automatically. There are various solutions, but the most recent involve horizontally retractable awnings (for patios and verandas) and vertically movable screens or sun blinds fitted directly in front of the window. If there is a lot of sun, these are extended. In strong winds they are retracted to prevent damage. A rain sensor ensures that the awning is retracted if it starts to rain. The user can also operate the awning by means of a button or via a remote control. Smart energy savings are possible when combined with an integrated system. The awning is not automatically extended if the sun is shining in the winter. This enables the home to profit from the free heat of the sun. If the temperature in the home threatens to rise above a comfortable temperature during the other seasons, the awning is extended to prevent the sun heating up the home further and thus having to use cooling (air conditioning). Studies show that an energy saving of 10 to 15% is possible. Your variant:

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4.4 DOOR COMMUNICATION AND ACCESS CONTROL How do you know someone is at the door? There are several options in this regard. Normally there is a doorbell. Sometimes the person has to knock. Some have a dog that raises the alarm throughout the neighbourhood. Those who opt for home automation can choose from a whole range of other surprising options as well. Sometimes, an access control system is appropriate. For example, we can grant certain people (family, cleaning lady, gardener, et cetera) access to the house or garden. We can even make certain rooms inaccessible to certain people. Perhaps you would rather not let the cleaner into your study. Less mobile, older, or chronically ill people can grant the nurse, doctor, carer, et cetera access via an access control system. Access control can sometimes be combined with camera surveillance.

Bell system

Your choice The simplest way of knowing whether a visitor is at the door is a simple bell system. This can be an ordinary bell or an electronic variant. For hard-of-hearing or deaf occupants there are bells that trigger flashing lights if someone rings them, or which cause all the control LEDs of the buttons to flash briefly. The major disadvantage of a bell system is that the occupant does not know who is ringing. Your variant:

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Intercom

Your choice With an intercom system, one or more outside units and one or more inside units are installed. If someone rings, you can hear who it is and unlock the door if you so wish. In apartments, as well as the main unit at the front door a floor unit at the door of each apartment is also possible. This floor unit can be a bell system or an intercom system. Most intercom systems can be integrated into a homes telephone system. This allows each phone (wired or wireless) to act as an inside unit. Your variant:

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Videophone

Your choice With a videophone system, one or more outside units and one or more inside units are installed. If someone rings, his or her image appears on the inside units and possibly even on the TV. The occupant can take the call and unlock the door if desired. A floor unit at the door of each apartment is also possible in apartments as well. [In apartment blocks it is possible to install a floor unit at the door of each apartment, next to the main unit at the front door.] This floor unit can be a bell system, an intercom or a videophone system. Systems with hands-free inside units are appearing on the market. Multiple cameras can be connected to the system. Your variant:

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Electric locks

Your choice Electric locks can be operated remotely. They are normally combined with an intercom or videophone system. The occupant then knows in advance to whom he or she is granting access to the building. Traditional electric locks are not especially burglar-proof since most do not have a double lock. However, burglar-proof models are also available. Your variant:

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Electronic locks

Your choice Electronic locks replace traditional locks with keys and the traditional standard electric locks. The lock becomes operable if a card or tag (a sort of key fob) is held in front of the lock. If the card is lost or stolen, the right of access for this card can be withdrawn from the system. On the other hand, extra cards can be produced to allow family, carers, and helpers access to the home or residential unit. With certain variants for large projects, access control is centralized and it is possible to record who unlocked a door and at what time. Your variant:

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Proximity reader

Your choice A proximity reader is fitted next to the entrance door, in or on the wall. If someone holds a card or tag with access rights in the vicinity of the reader, the door is unlocked. Here too, extra cards and tags can be produced and cards and tags can be removed from the system. Other functions can be activated when combined with an integrated system, depending upon the card, the day, and time of day. Your variant:

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Keypad

Your choice A keypad is placed outside the zone or room to be protected. To gain access, the correct combination must be entered. The user therefore has to remember a code, which not everyone finds easy (e.g. the elderly). If used frequently, the code numbers may become apparent on the keypad. Dust and dirt accumulate on the less used numbers (from rainwater, for example) because these keys are rarely if ever pressed. Your variant:

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Fingerprint readers

Your choice A fingerprint reader is placed at the point of access. Anyone wanting to gain access has to have one or more fingers scanned. If the fingerprint pattern matches that stored in the database, access is granted. This method of access control offers a high degree of security. The system can also be used inside a building, for example to grant only authorized personnel access to certain areas (nurses post, office, et cetera). Your variant:

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Iris scanner

Your choice An iris scanner is placed at the point of access. The device reads the iris (the coloured part of the eye) of the person requesting access. This information is compared with the data stored in a database. If a good match is found, access is granted. This method of access control offers a high degree of security. The system could also be used inside a building, for example to grant only authorized personnel access to certain areas (nurses post, office, et cetera). This system is rarely if ever used in residential properties. Your variant:

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4.5 LOW-VOLTAGE CONNECTIONS AND MULTIMEDIA A modern home is generally equipped with computers, digital radio, TV, telephones, et cetera. In addition to the 230 V network, these appliances require other networks for lighting and sockets. In many cases, these additional networks can be connected to an integrated system.

Data cabling (structured cabling)

Your choice A system is referred to as having structured cabling if all network connection points for computers, network disk, network printer, et cetera and all points for a telephone or fax connection and one or more data sockets (RJ45) are installed that are connected to a patch box by means of a UTP or FTP cable. The individual data sockets in this box can be patched with the computer or telephone network. The connections can be patched over to the other network at any time, depending upon the specific requirements. See also multimedia network. Your variant:

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Computer network

Your choice We will probably want to make use of an Internet connection, a network disk, a network printer, et cetera at various points in the home. This is because more and more devices such as TV set-top boxes, Internet radios, MP3 players, et cetera are using the computer network. While a wireless network is possible, a wired network is safer and much faster. Make sure, therefore, that you provide sufficient connection points. Connections to computer networks are now commonplace in service flats for the elderly or even in care rooms within rest and care homes. Ever more elderly people are using the Internet and social media. The Internet provides a window onto the world, and social networking sites offer the elderly a chance to keep in touch relatively easily with friends and family. An Internet connection is also essential if the occupant needs to use e-health services. See also multimedia network. Your variant:

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Telephone network

Your choice Allow for multiple connections for telephone and fax. The importance of fixed landline connections is on the wane now that much of the population use mobile phones. Nevertheless, a small telephone exchange has many advantages. Calls can be forwarded if you are not at home, certain telephones can be blocked for outgoing calls, door calls can be answered (integration with intercom or videophone), internal communication is possible, et cetera. Apart from the normal telephone and fax, the telephone is also used, for example, by the PAS (Personal Alarm System) devices with which older, independent people can make an emergency call in case of accident or illness. See also multimedia network. Your variant:

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Connections for radio and TV

Your choice There must be sufficient connections for radio and TV. People no longer watch TV only in the living room. Today, televisions also feature in the kitchen, the bedroom, the study, et cetera. Consider fitting multiple radio and TV connections in certain rooms (living room, bedroom, et cetera) within apartments, houses, and service flats; preferably in diametrically opposite walls. The occupant can then decide where he or she wants to position the TV in the living room. See also multimedia network. Your variant:

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Audio distribution system

Your choice If you want to listen to music or a radio broadcast in different rooms, a multi-room audio system can offer a solution. In that event, you only need to set up an audio system in one room. In the other rooms a control panel is mounted on the wall with speakers in the ceiling or the wall. If you want to listen to different sources at the same time in multiple rooms (radio, CD, satellite radio, et cetera), you will need a multi-source system. Multi-room systems can be perfectly integrated with certain integrated systems. They can be controlled via standard buttons, keypads, remote control of the integrated system, or by a smartphone. Your variant:

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Multimedia network

Your choice We need several connections in the home; for the computer, the TV, the radio, the phone, the Internet, et cetera. We can provide universal connections in various places by means of a multimedia network. We can use these for TV, radio, computer, or telephone. This technique increases flexibility, since we are not tied to one place when, for example, positioning a TV or telephone. Wherever there is a connection, we can connect one or more devices to the appropriate network. Your variant:

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Radios in the wall

Your choice Nowadays built-in radios (including the speaker) are fitted in a double in-wall mounting box. There is no need for a separate aerial connection, since the 230 V supply can supply this. A docking station for iPod or iPhone can also be provided, allowing the radio system to play all your stored music. There are also models into which a memory card or USB stick can be plugged. Your variant:

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USB sockets

Your choice We use all manner of wireless devices that require a charger in an ordinary power socket. Following a European decision, every wireless device will shortly have to be fitted with a USB connection for charging purposes. You will therefore be able to charge your wireless device with cable connected to for example the computer. A cable with a USB socket can also replace traditional chargers. That will put an end to the jumble of connections and chargers for all the different devices. With USB sockets, every module will fit a standard in-wall mounting box. They have two USB ports. A 230 V supply is sufficient. Your variant:

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4.6 SAFETY DEVICES AND TECHNICAL ALARMS Safety demands attention. A connection with the integrated system can often expand the possibilities of the various standalone systems.

Fire protection

Your choice In some countries, smoke detectors are compulsory in houses and apartments (renovations and newbuilds). We are best off choosing smoke detectors with a 230 V supply and a back-up battery. Preference should be given to smoke detectors that can be interconnected via radiofrequency or two wires. If a detector sounds the alarm, the other detectors do the same. Everybody in the house or residential unit thus knows it is time to evacuate. It is also important that a contact can be made with the integrated system. This can then react appropriately in case of alarm. Fire protection is mandatory for service flats and rest and care homes. These generally use a fire alarm panel to which the smoke detectors are connected. In case of alarm, you can check where that alarm was triggered and close the fire doors. Here too, a connection with the integrated system is important. For example, the integrated system can react appropriately to a smoke alarm, by switching on all the lights. Your variant:

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CO detectors

Your choice A considerable number of Europeans die every year from CO poisoning. CO detectors can be installed to prevent this. Preferably they should be fitted in rooms where naked flames are used (gas kitchen stove, open-combustion gas boiler, open hearth, gas or fuel oil heater). A connection with the integrated system is important so that it can react appropriately (for example, the ventilation can be turned up). Your variant:

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Gas detectors and gas shut-off

Your choice Gas detectors are recommended if there is a gas connection in the home or if the occupants use gas cylinders. However, by themselves gas detectors only emit an audible alarm. By linking with the integrated system, a solenoid valve can be activated to shut off the gas. Your variant:

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Water leak detectors and water shut-off

Your choice Water leak detectors can be fitted at certain points (e.g. below the washing machine, the dishwasher, and in the bathroom). If water spills onto the floor, the water leak detectors send a signal to the integrated system, which reacts appropriately by shutting off the water supply. Your variant:

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Level sensors

Your choice Level sensors measure the height of a fluid in a tank, vessel, or well. The signals are passed on to the integrated system. The feedback is visible via signal lamps, on a touchscreen, a computer screen, or a smartphone. Your variant:

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Break-in protection

Your choice A break-in protection system increases the safety of the home and its occupants. A break-in triggers an acoustic (siren) and/or a silent alarm. Transfer to a dispatching centre is possible through programming. If contacts are also passed on to the integrated system, this can react appropriately in case of alarm. Your variant:

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Presence detectors

Your choice Presence detectors are well established in offices, schools, and the like, but are not normally found in houses or residential units. In certain cases, however, they are used in these locations out of safety considerations. For example, they are commonly found in the kitchens and bathrooms of service flats. In conjunction with the integrated system, these detectors can switch off certain appliances or sound an alarm. Your variant:

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The PAS system

Your choice Older people who live alone can use a personal alarm system (PAS). The PAS system is connected to an analogue telephone line. Make sure the PAS device is positioned centrally in the house or flat, thereby guaranteeing a good two-way connection. A connection with the integrated system is without doubt beneficial (for example: switching off the radio or TV, switching on lighting in case of alarm). Your variant:

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Lightning protection

Your choice Protection against direct lightning strikes is not very common on houses in Belgium. It all depends on the situation. Take into account the height of the building, the location (on a hill or mountain), the proximity or lack of other buildings, et cetera. External lightning protection with conductors must always be supplemented by internal protection against direct lightning strikes and by overvoltage protection (see next block). Your variant:

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Overvoltage protection

Your choice Because we are increasingly using sensitive electronic appliances (flatscreen TV, integrated system, telephone exchange, computers, et cetera), overvoltage protection is recommended. As well as the 230 V wires, this must also be affixed to all other cables entering the house (telephony, coax). Without overvoltage protection, an indirect lightning strike (within a radius of 2 km from the house) can cause faults in appliances in the house or significantly reduce the life of these appliances. Your variant:

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4.7 INDOOR CLIMATE A healthy indoor climate is important for any building. For this, a well-tuned system (ventilation, heating, et cetera) is required. A combination with home automation can further increase your comfort and ease of use.

Ventilation system

Your choice Houses are becoming more and better insulated. This is necessary in connection with saving energy. A properly functioning ventilation system is therefore extremely important. There are systems in which the heat is extracted from the air to be removed (heat recovery). Ventilation is not always required to the same degree. Although the ventilation should never be completely switched off, the EPB (energy performance and indoor climate) legislation, for example, allows ventilation flow rates to be adapted on the basis of CO2 detection. After a shower, a higher ventilation flow rate is advantageous in removing the humid air. This can be done manually or automatically, in combination with the integrated system. Your variant:

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Cooling with air-conditioning systems

Your choice Before choosing an air-conditioning system, you should first check whether adequate measures have been taken to counter excessive temperatures in the indoor climate. These measures may be of a structural nature (large copings for windows, smaller panes of glass, et cetera). Another solution is an automatic awning system that keeps the sun out. If an air-conditioning system still seems necessary, this can be connected to the integrated system. In this way, by analogy with the heating system, energy can be saved. The integrated system can also switch off the air-conditioning system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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Heating and cooling with a heat pump

Your choice Heat pumps obtain some of the energy required to heat from the outside air or the ground. The extracted heat is released into an air or a water circuit in the home. It can also be fed to the boiler for hot water for sanitary purposes. Most systems can be reversed in the summer. The heat pump then extracts heat from the home to cool it. Surplus heat is released into the ambient air or the ground. Integrated systems can also switch off the system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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Central heating system running on gas or fuel oil

Your choice This is a traditional heating system that may also be equipped with a high-efficiency boiler or a condensing boiler. Even more energy can be saved by using a system with an outside sensor. In addition, 10 to 15% of energy can be saved by connecting the heating system to the integrated system and controlling it from there. Additional feedback (on a touchscreen, computer, or smartphone) on energy consumption can produce further energy savings. The integrated system can also switch off the system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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Electric heating

Your choice Electric heating may become much more important in years to come. Low-energy and passive houses, because of their extreme insulation, require only a small amount of energy to compensate for heat losses. Electric heating then becomes a viable option. Installation costs are minimal compared with other heating systems. Depending on the room, electric heating is possible with under-floor heating, dynamic storage heaters, static storage heaters, electric heating via the ventilation system, and direct electric heating. Electric heating can also be precisely controlled by an integrated system. This system can also switch off the heating system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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Micro-CHP

Your choice Micro-CHP (combined heat and power) is a system that uses fuel to heat the home and simultaneously generate electricity. Micro-CHP can also produce hot water for sanitation purposes. Up to 50% of an average familys electricity needs can be met in this way. The integrated system can switch off the system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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4.8 LOCAL ENERGY GENERATION More and more homes are being fitted with a local energy generation system. The most familiar are solar panels. These panels are not always appropriate however and depend upon the location and orientation of the building and the level of overshadowing. Micro-CHP or wind energy may offer a better alternative. The latter solution is, however, bound by town planning rules.

PV (photovoltaic) solar panels

Your choice PV solar panels can generate a significant part of a homes electricity needs locally. Electrical energy is generated when the sun shines. Any surplus energy generated is fed into the public electricity network and the houses electricity meter runs in the opposite direction. Thanks to subsidy schemes, the recovery time is relatively limited. Your variant:

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Micro-CHP

Your choice Micro-CHP (combined heat and power) is a system that uses fuel to heat the home and simultaneously generate electricity. Micro-CHP can also produce hot water for sanitation purposes. Up to 50% of an average familys electricity needs can be met in this way. The integrated system can switch off the system in a particular room if the windows are opened or it is not needed. Your variant:

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Wind energy

Your choice If wind energy is mentioned we immediately think of large wind turbines in the landscape or at sea. But there are also smaller wind turbines. Obviously the location must be suitable, and town planning and/or environmental regulations taken into account. There are experimental systems on the market that are incorporated into the building. They involve a sort of vertical cylinder that is rotated by rising heat. The efficiency of this type is on the low side however. Your variant:

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4.9 MANUAL CONTROL ELEMENTS One button is all you need to operate a function in an integrated system. But there is a whole range of buttons and other tools for using your home automation, both from the home and remotely.

Buttons

Your choice An integrated system can generally be operated with standard buttons mounted on the wall. The integrated system chosen obviously has to allow this. In certain cases, multiple functions can be performed with the same button by pressing it briefly or holding it down. However, user-friendliness should always be kept in mind. Your variant:

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Buttons with feedback LED

Your choice Buttons can be fitted with a feedback LED. This informs the user that a particular function has been performed. In some systems, RGB LEDs are used. Thus, all buttons for lighting the LED can, for example, be blue and for shutters and awnings yellow or another colour. Your variant:

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Keypads

Your choice Manufacturer of an integrated system offer panels with buttons which may or may not have feedback LEDs. These panels sometimes have an infrared receiver or are equipped with a display for setting and reading the temperature. Sometimes space is reserved for labelling the keys, so that the user can read the function of the buttons. This label can also be electronically and dynamically controlled. Your variant:

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Touchscreens

Your choice Touchscreens are normally used as summary and control screens. They are often built into a wall. Most touchscreens are dynamic. This means that the content displayed on the screen can change by itself. Static touchscreens are also available. As well as controlling and providing a summary of the integrated system, these systems often allow the touchscreen to be used as an inside unit for a videophone. Some models can even play videos, TV and radio, or consult the Internet. Your variant:

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Hand-held remotes

Your choice Hand-held remotes increase your comfort. There is no longer any need to move in

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