Posted 29 October 2012
Nowadays buildings that are energy efficiently designed are becoming more and more popular. Most modern buildings incorporate some form of Intelligent Building Technology (IBT) ranging from automatic lighting and climate control to door entry and security systems.
One popular system for intelligent building design is KNX.
KNX is an ideal solution for specifiers, designers, installers and end users as a flexible, user friendly and energy efficient system.
It allows the operation of functions such as heating, lighting and blinds to be aligned with external climate conditions or adjusted by an interface to pre-set levels.
Despite the extended functionality of this intelligent system, the wiring system involved is remarkably simple. A single KNX bus cable is used to send control data to multiple devices on the system, from automatic blinds or curtains, heating or air conditioning systems or entertainment systems.
This simplicity is one of the many benefits to designers, installers and end users.
What is KNX?
The KNX standard is an internationally recognised system for home automation and building control combining ISO/IEC (14543), CENELEC (EN50090) and CEN (13321). It also combines and replaces previous bus systems – EIB, EHSA and BatiBus.
The harmonisation of these standards and systems offers designers, installers and end users a flexible, versatile and ‘problem-free’ solution combining certified devices across a range of approved manufacturers – ensuring conformity, interoperability and quality.
While the KNX/EIB standard celebrates its 20th anniversary this year some areas of the world are still some way behind Europe in terms of adoption of this system. It is estimated around 10% of new projects are being installed using KNX.
Benefits
KNX is particularly attractive to consultants and specifiers at the design stage where the flexibility of an entirely open solution allows for the creation of simple installations right up to complex building management functions.
Installations are made easier through clear and simple wiring and with a KNX certified cable installers can be confident of a hassle free installation.
For the end user, a KNX system represents a modern, cost effective and ‘barrier free’ solution to home automation and building technology.
KNX also offers advances in home or building security. For example, motion detectors, alarm systems and shutter control can all be automated and controlled through the same bus network.
KNX is Green
Substantial energy savings can be achieved through efficient building technologies.
For example, lighting could be altered depending on the amount of natural light detected or people present in the building. Heating, cooling and ventilation can be measured by temperature sensors and adjustments made where necessary.
Green Wiring
Using a KNX shading control system for example can achieve energy savings of 40%. A KNX individual room control can offer savings of up to 50% and a KNX lighting or ventilation control system can provide as much as 60% savings over traditional building management systems.
A single certified 2 x 2 x 0.8mm bus cable provides an open data exchange between multiple devices across the system. Simply featuring two twisted solid conductor pairs with a foil screen in a green jacket, a certified KNX cable will have been tested and approved by KNX as being suitable for use in KNX systems and bear the KNX logo.
The system is wired in a daisy chain format, connecting each device to the next without the need for a central controller. This enables each device to function independently and intelligently.
It also allows for great flexibility in terms of ‘future proofing’ the system as new or additional devices can be added without the need for a total re-wire.
The FSC Global KNX certified bus cable is low smoke halogen free (LSHF) throughout making it ideal for installations in schools, hospitals and other public buildings that may be difficult to evacuate in the event of fire.
The KNX® Registration Mark
All KNX certified equipment has been tested and certified to meet this high standard and only certified equipment this can carry the logo. This ensures the quality, reliability and guaranteed compatibility of all KNX devices and equipment.
FSC are members of KNX international as a manufacturer member to help promote the KNX standard.
The certified range for internal wiring includes the standard green twisted pair cable and a version with a white outer jacket for discrete surface wiring.
A duct grade version with an additional tough, weatherproof polyethylene jacket and an armoured version featuring a steel wire armour and polyethylene jacket are also available as certified cables.
These are ideal for external applications where installers need to run systems outside where environmental or mechanical protection is required.
To complete the range single pair versions have also been added in green and white.
KNX – the Future
Through the use of simple cabling a wealth of options and devices are available to specifiers, installers and end users. As more KNX compatible devices appear on the market KNX will continue to grow in popularity as a flexible, modern and sustainable solution for intelligent building design.
For more information on KNX please visit www.knxuk.org
For more details on the KNX certified range from FSC Global please visit http://www.fscglobal.com/Data/Bus+Cables/KNX/list.htm