Gira has recently expanded their range of glass Esprit frames with an additional design known as glass C. The soft edges and rounded corners of glass C offer a new alternative in the otherwise clearly-cut and linear switch range. The edges of the 6 mm thick glass frame are ground to a semi-circular form with the so-called ‘C grinding process’.

Gira has also added a black glass to the frame variants that corresponds perfectly with the architectural, linear design of the switch and lends Gira Esprit its particularly elegant character. The high-gloss surface of black glass has a distinctive depth and achieves an optical perfection that cannot be achieved with any other material or any other colour. The glossy black surface gives Gira Esprit an expressive presence that nevertheless blends unobtrusively into the surroundings. The range is especially well-suited for use within architecture with a high aesthetic claim, for example with open masonry, exposed concrete and glass. But also in combination with natural materials such as wood and natural stone or on brighter surfaces the black switches of Gira can create an exciting accent.

The switch inserts and covers are in aluminium, which further emphasise the impression of modern functionalism, harmonizing perfectly with the cover frame of black glass. Inserts and covers are also available in anthracite as well as matt pure white and glossy pure white. More than 230 functions from System 55 can be combined with the Gira Esprit cover frame, including Gira’s door communication system.

Dimensions

(in mm)

Frame Height Width Depth
1-gang 95 95 9.85
2-gang 166 95 9.85
3-gang 236.8 95 9.85
4-gang 308 95 9.85

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

The GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

More convenience, more economy, more security… Intelligent building technology from Gira has made Mermaid Cottage, a stunning period property, both beautiful and smart. Centrally controlled house technology, time-dependent temperature control, automatic light control, keyless access and much more – everything is designed uniformly in this stunning South coast home.

Project Description

The smart building technology installed at Mermaid Cottage can be divided into three parts. For conventional installation the cottage features a selection of Gira products for electricity, light, door communication, communication technology and more. In addition to this two intelligent systems are installed that enable a high degree of comfort, security, flexibility and economy: the Gira Instabus KNX/EIB system and the Gira radio bus system:

1. Conventional installation

Mermaid cottage features socket outlets, dimmers, push switches, room temperature controllers, LED illumination, antenna connections, motion detectors, door intercom systems and more by Gira.

2. Gira Instabus KNX/EIB system

Intelligent building technology is realised within Mermaid Cottage via Gira’s flexible KNX bus technology system. Devices communicate with each other and exchange information within the system. For this an Instabus control line is installed parallel to the power line. Possibilities: requirement-specific use of lighting and heating, central control of light, blinds, ventilation and household devices, programming of specific lighting scenes, multimedia or music entertainment in all rooms, automatic watering of the garden, presence simulations and more.

3. Gira radio bus system

Mermaid cottage benefitted from simply retrofitting the intelligence, installation without the usual dirt and noise. A wide spectrum of control options have been realised such as light scenes, blind and heating control and automatic lighting, without walls having to be chopped. Communication occurs via transmitters and receivers.

Customer Comment

With Mermaid Cottage the Architect and the Client both wanted coordination, performance and that all important aesthetic appeal. Gira was selected from the start, it delivered on every level.

Top features

User Interface

Mermaid Cottage can be fully controlled via the Gira HomeServer 3, which features a uniformly structured interface design, whether a Gira/Pro-face Server Client 15, a laptop or the owners iPhone is used. Simple operation of the complex house technology – the concept of the new Gira interface focused mainly upon a high level of user friendliness, fast orientation and and a visually appealing information design. A clear and intuitive menu ensures quick access to all smart aspects of the home.

Kitchen

Intelligent functions:

• Blind controllers for time-dependent blind control
• Room temperature controller for heating control
• Push button sensor for controlling, switching and dimming
• Touchdimmer for the right lighting mood
• Control unit M217/M218 for operating the Revox multiroom system
• Flush-mounted radio installed into the wall
• Info Display as a compact display and switching station for the house technology
• Server Client 15 controls the Instabus KNX/EIB system
• Time clock easy to start devices at the desired times
• Radio weather station shows all weather information

Safety:

• Smoke detector basic/VdS warns in the case of smoke formation

Socket outlets:

• Socket outlets with child protection that protects against electrical shocks
• Socket outlets with rotated insert for devices with angled plugs
• Socket outlets with hinged cover above work surfaces – protects against splashes and dirt

Living Room

Intelligent functions:

• Blind controller for time-dependent blind control
• Room temperature controller for heating control
• Push button sensor for controlling, switching and dimming
• Touchdimmer for the right lighting mood
• Control unit M217/M218 for operating the Revox multiroom system
• TV gateway – see who is at the door via TV
• Info Display as a compact display and switching station for the house technology
• InfoTerminal Touch – the central switching unit for house technology
• Time clock easy to start devices at the desired times
• Radio weather station shows all weather information

Data connections:

• Antenna socket outlet – excellent reception for TV and radio
• Telephone socket outlet TAE for the right connection
• Stereo loudspeaker connection box Music enjoyment without tangled wires
• High-end loudspeaker plug connector for optimal sound quality
• Universal/ISDN connection box UAE/IAE for networking of telephone and PC

Safety:

• Smoke detector basic/VdS warns in the case of smoke formation

Socket outlets:

• Socket outlets with child protection protects against electrical shocks
• Socket outlets with rotated insert for devices with angled plugs
• Socket outlets with overvoltage protection avoids damage caused by excessive voltages

Bedrooms

Intelligent functions:

• Blind controller for time-dependent blind control
• Room temperature controller for heating control
• Push button sensor for controlling, switching and dimming
• Control unit M217/M218 for operating the Revox multiroom system
• Flush-mounted radio for installation in the wall
• Info Display as a compact display and switching station for the house technology
• InfoTerminal Touch – the central switching unit for house technology
• Time clock easy to start devices at the desired times
• Radio weather station shows all weather information

Data connections:

• Universal/ISDN connection box UAE/IAE for networking of telephone and PC
• Antenna socket outlet – excellent reception for TV and radio
• Telephone socket outlet TAE for the right connection

Safety:

• Smoke detector basic/VdS warns in the case of smoke formation
• Panic switch – full lighting at the press of a button

Socket outlets:

• Socket outlets with child protection protects against electrical shocks
• Socket outlets with rotated insert for devices with angled plugs
• Socket outlet with LED orientation light for orientation in the dark
• Socket outlet with overvoltage protection avoids damage caused by excessive voltages

Entrance Hall

Intelligent functions:

• Info Display as a compact display and switching station for the house technology
• InfoTerminal Touch – the central switching unit for house technology
• Push button sensor for controlling, switching and dimming
• Push switch with LED insert for better orientation
• Central circuit breaker – switch off everything at the press of a button
• Automatic control switch – there’s always light when it’s needed

Safety:

• Smoke detector basic/VdS warns in the case of smoke formation
• Radio door module Dialog for activating the radio alarm system

Socket outlets:

• Socket outlets with child protection protects against electrical shocks
• Socket outlets with LED orientation light for orientation in the dark

Door communication:

• Home station – informs you who is at the front door

Flush-mounted actuators are used with decentral KNX/EIB installations or in KNX/EIB compound installations (DRA, flush-mounted). They are allotted space in flush-mounted boxes or in cable conduits and utilise the existing power cables. In this way cable material is saved and fire load in buildings is significantly reduced.

Existing installations can be expanded more simply to KNX/EIB with flush-mounted actuators – in addition to the existing 230 V supply – only a bus line is required for operation of the actuators.

Zero-voltage contacts can be connected to the binary inputs and they can carry out various functions independently of one another or as a ‘block’. The functions of the binary inputs are identical for all actuators, other attributes however are configured at the factory in order to make the operation possible without the need for programming.

The flush-mounted actuator is connected to the 230 V supply via a flexible cable, approx. 20 cm in length. The connection of the binary inputs and the KNX/EIB is made via a 6-wire connection cable, approx. 30 cm in length. This can be extended to a maximum of 5 m.

Two auxiliary unit inputs (or three inputs with window actuators, blind actuators and heating actuators) are for on-site operation via conventional switches or buttons, or can be freely used as binary inputs for zero-voltage contacts (with applied bus voltage).

Window actuator

The window actuator combines a blind actuator with a heating actuator. It has three binary inputs with which in delivery state the connected blind or shutter can be controlled.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

• Blocker for blocking individual inputs
• Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
• Telegram rate limiting

Blind output

• Behaviour after bus voltage failure and return can be set
• Separately parameterisable movement times with movement time extension for movements into the upper end position
• Feedback of the curtain position or slat position – Active or passive (object can be read out) cyclical feedback functions
• Feedback can be delayed until after the return of bus voltage
• Assignments to up to 5 different safety functions (3 wind alarms, 1 rain alarm, 1 frost alarm), or with cyclical monitoring
• Forced setting function can be realised for each blind output
• Solar protection function with fixed and variable curtain or slat positions can be activated
• Inclusion in scenes possible, maximum of 8 internal scenes can be parameterised per channel
• Memory function for light scenes

Heating output

• Output controllable with a corrected variable (1 bit or 1 byte)
• Status feedback (1bit or 1byte) automatically or on read request
• Valve control (open/closed while deenergised) can be configured
• Summer or winter operation can be selected via an object
• Cyclical monitoring of the corrected variable; if a corrected variable telegram remains off within a monitoring period, the output switches into emergency mode and an alarm message is sent
• The output can be locked in a forced position, and different values are possible for summer and winter operation
• Behaviour when the bus voltage returns and fails can be configured separately for each output
• Overload or short-circuit message via an object can be set
• Control of valve drives with switching operation or PWM operation
• Protective function for locked valve

Technical data

• Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50 Hz
• Connected load of blind output: switching current AC1: 3 A, motors: 600 VA
• Connected load of heating output: contact type: Triac, switching current 5 to 25 mA, drives per output: max. 2
• Number of inputs: 3
• Protection type: IP 20
• Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
• Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)
• Load line connection: with enclosed spring plug-in terminal
• Installation: flush-mounted wall box (Gira recommend the electronics box from Kaiser)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

Heating actuator

The heating actuator is used for switching electrothermic valve drives for heating systems. It has two binary inputs to which zero-voltage contacts can be connected for monitoring of a window contact for example.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

• Blocker for blocking individual inputs
• Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
• Telegram rate limiting

Heating output

• Output controllable with a corrected variable (1 bit or 1 byte)
• Status feedback (1bit or 1byte) automatically or on read request
• Valve control (open/closed while deenergised) can be configured
• Summer or winter operation can be selected via an object
• Cyclical monitoring of the corrected variable; if a corrected variable telegram remains off within a monitoring period, the output switches into emergency mode and an alarm message is sent
• The output can be locked in a forced position, and different values are possible for summer and winter operation
• Behaviour when the bus voltage returns and fails can be configured separately for each output
• Overload or short-circuit message via an object can be set
• Control of valve drives with switching operation or PWM operation
• Protective function for locked valve

Technical data

• Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50/60 Hz
• Connected load of heating output: contact type: Triac, switching current 5 to 25 mA, drives per output: max. 2
• Number of inputs: 3
• Protection type: IP 20
• Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
• Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

Blind actuator

The blind actuator controls blinds, shutters and awnings and has two inputs factory-assigned to the blind actuator.

Functions of inputs

Functions of switching inputs: two independent switching objects for each input present and can be enabled individually, command for rising or falling edge can be set independently (ON, OFF, CHANGE, no reaction).

Dimming: Single and double-surface operation, time between dimming and switching and dim-step size can be set, telegram repetition and stop-telegram transmission possible blind: Command can be set with rising edge (no function, UP, DOWN, CHANGE), operating concept can be configured (Step – Move – Step or Move – Step), time between step and moving mode can be set, slat adjustment time can be set.

Value transmitter and light scene auxiliary unit: Edge (push button as NO contact, push button as NC contact, switch) and value with edge can be configured, value adjustment with push button by pressing and holding button for value transmitters possible, light scene auxiliary unit with memory function and saving of the scene without previously calling up is possible.

• Blocker for blocking individual inputs
• Behaviour when the bus voltage returns can be configured separately for each input
• Telegram rate limiting

Output functions

• Behaviour after bus voltage failure and return can be set
• Separately parameterisable movement times with movement time extension for movements into the upper end position
• Feedback of the curtain position or slat position, active or passive (object can be read out) cyclical feedback functions
• Feedback can be delayed until after the return of bus voltage
• Assignments to up to 5 different safety functions (3 wind alarms, 1 rain alarm, 1 frost alarm), or with cyclical monitoring
• Forced setting function
• Solar protection function with fixed and variable curtain or slat positions can be activated
• Inclusion in scenes possible, maximum of 8 internal scenes can be parameterised per channel
• Memory function for light scenes

Technical data

• Rated voltage: AC 230 V/50/60 Hz
• Connected load: motors 600 VA
• Number of inputs: 2
• Protection type: IP 20
• Temperature range: – 5 °C to + 45 °C
• Dimensions: 51 × 48 × 28 mm (L × B × H)
• Load line connection: with enclosed spring plug-in terminal
• Installation: flush-mounted wall box (Gira recommend the electronics box from Kaiser)

Installation

The actuators are installed flush-mounted in a wall box (electronics box from Kaiser recommended). Sufficient insulation must be provided between the 230 V cable and the bus or auxiliary units. The minimal distance between bus/auxiliary unit wires and 230 V wires is 4 mm.

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

The GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

The 5.7” TFT touch display enables intuitive navigation and provides an overview of the status of the entire building technology. With the colour display, functions such as switching, dimming and blind control can be executed, light scenes can be saved and called up, and a variety of bus functions can be linked with ease. The user menu is freely definable and can be individually structured.

Functionality

• Maximum of 50 pages with a maximum of 8 operating and display elements or 25 pages with a maximum of 16 operating and display elements
• Background images (jpg, bmp)
• Switching status can be shown with a symbol
• Freely programmable user menus
• Password protection
• Switching, dimming, blind and the display of measured values can be configured
• Light scene function with auxiliary unit operation
• Saving and calling up of 24 light scenes with up to 32 outputs (1 bit or 1 byte)
• Limit-value calculation
• Alarm function via pop-up functions or via acoustic signal
• Internal real-time clock for time functions
• 16-channel time-switch function (weekly program)
• Extensive logic functions, e.g. timers, multiplexers and logic gates

Planning

The Gira InfoTerminal Touch is configured via a configuration software integrated in the ETS. A preview function provides assistance here. The page layout is freely definable. Operating and display elements can be positioned anywhere on the display. Configuration is carried out via the USB interface accessible from the front, or when making changes in the configuration via the KNX/EIB.

Installation

Gira InfoTerminal Touch can be installed either horizontally or vertically. The desired type of installation must be set at the start of configuration.

Technical data

• Dimensions (W x H x D): approx. 228 x 146 x 8 mm
• Illuminated touch display, size: 5,7”, with a resolution of: 320 x 240 pixels
• Power supply: AC 230 V, 50 to 60 Hz
• Connections: power supply (L, N) via screw terminals up to 2.0 mm, Instabus via connection and branch terminals
• Ambient temperature: -5 °C to +45 °C
• Protection type: IP 20

Product assortment

• Black glass/aluminium = Order No. N 2071 05
• Mint glass/aluminium = Order No. N 2071 18
• White glass/aluminium = Order No. 2071 12
• Flush-mounted installation housing for the installation of the Giro Info Terminal Touch = Order No. 0639 00
• Subject to technical modifications.

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

You might think there’s nothing exciting about another range of switches, well you’d probably be right, and most of the time I wouldn’t argue with you.  Most of the big European manufactures seem to think ‘sheds’ and shun aesthetics whenever they start a new round of development.  Mind you, I also have to hold my hands up and admit that I have some ‘classic’ polished chrome dimmer switches in my home and they were recently criticized by a colleague when he spotted them in the background during a ‘Skype’ meeting.  ‘They came with the house’ was my defence, but he was right and at some point I must replace the big shiny DIY store monstrosities!  It’s funny how I’m involved with delivering Smart Home Technology into other people’s homes, but never get around to my own…

Anyway, the German system supplier Gira has a switch range that is a little special and you can actually get a little excited about it (well I did anyway).  It’s special because the Gira E22 range can be mounted flat on the wall and the product range is available with the full depth of functions.  To the majority of architects the switch on the wall is more of a necessary evil than the subtle under stated smart home design statement they’re looking for.  Especially when it’s big and shiny, sticks out like a sore thumb and generally spoils the overall impression of the room.  But all this is not necessary.  The E22 is a range of switches that can be mounted flat on the wall – the switch cover frames and inserts extend just 3mm above the surface and has an overall elegant, high-quality appearance with a very precise shape.  And the flat design is supported by a vertical switch toggle, which does not break through the flush surface.

The Gira E22 also offers another special feature – the switch range is available in three different materials – stainless steel, aluminum and thermoplastic in pure white glossy finish.  So Architects can open themselves to the fascinating possibility of completely equipping a smart building with one and the same switch range, not as easy as it sounds with many of the competitors.

In addition to the visual design and the large number of different installation options, this switch range convinces in all three material versions with the full depth of its assortment, which consists of more than 200 functions for modern smart building management.  These include push button sensors for controlling the KNX/EIB Instabus, the home stations of the Gira door communication system, the Gira flush-mounted radio, the Gira radio weather station and a comprehensive range of LED orientation lights, which can also be integrated into the new switch range.  With them attractive lighting accents can be produced, however they can also be used quite pragmatically for increased safety and information in buildings when they are expanded with illuminated information signs.  An extensive selection of pictograms is also available for Gira E22 range, which are lasered out of the stainless steel and aluminum finishes.

I really need to get around to updating my own home, embrace smart home technology, and I will definitely be going for a full selection from the E22 range!

About Gira

Gira places great value on product design. Through intensive cooperation with external and in-house design teams, Gira develop products, which are repeatedly recognized for their exceptional and simple design.

The modern electrical installation from Gira offers a broad range of intelligent building technology for convenience and security. Devices for networking home technology, music control for all rooms and comprehensive switch ranges, plus numerous functions for door communication, energy and light outdoors – and it all fits together. All functions and devices can be easily combined, and the uniform design lines always offer the right cover frame for every purpose.

GiraShop.co.uk supplies the complete range of products that are currently available in the English language catalogue.

Full integration of all the essential building services (DALI lighting, heating, blinds, AV, Access control) in this busy and critical intensive care ward. Reliabilty not optional.

Project Description

Imperial College London Healthcare, QEQM Adult intensive care unit was moved into a new floor of an existing building. The challenge was to incorporate the all service requirements of such a sensitive space with the simple usability that is required for 24 hour use by a rotation of staff. KNX delivered a wide ranging solution from straightforward lighting control to more complex control of HVAC, TVs and access control.

• All functions are controlled from 21 x Gira InfoTerminalTouch 7″ touchscreens with KNX interface
• Lighting – DALI control of all luminaires by constant brightness and motion
• Blinds – venitian blinds lift and tilt to provide brightness control and privacy

Customer Comment

“We were suprised that there was such a comprehensive solution available. We had tried other systems in the past, but they were invariably not fit for such comprehensive applications On every occasion we asked more of KNX the answer was, “Yes”. The end result is an excellent solution for the hospital, and has been operating faultlessly since being commissioned.” Hospital M&E Services Manager.”

Top features

1. Wall mounted touch screens for nurse control of all room variables including the TV and a ‘crash’ situation
2. DALI lighting control throughout. Flexible levels and energy saving
3. HVAC control via BACnet from touchscreens
4. Control of wall mounted TVs from a Gira touch screen via IP
5. Access control to wards opening doors
6. Motion sensors on all corridors and rooms
7. Venitian blind control for brightness and privacy
8. Control of ‘Intelligent Glass’ for privacy between treatment rooms