Are you struggling to repair an ageing automation system?

The idea of a smart home has been around for a long time. Some forward-thinking people jumped onto this way of controlling their (then) modern home a long time ago and well done to them for ‘seeing the light’ and taking the plunge early. Unfortunately, much of the earlier tech was not based on open standards technology like KNX, and also perhaps a bit too early and now it no longer exists, or it is not locally supported, or there are no spare parts!  

The most common complaints we hear from clients with a failing legacy system include:

“I love my smart home but it doesn’t work properly” 

or 

"the dodgy dimmer is costing me $100’s in electrician call-outs” 

or 

“home automation – never again!”    

Unfortunately, this was and still is the biggest risk to choosing a proprietary system over a system based on open standards and protocols.

The five main reasons why KNX is the obvious choice to replace an ageing or legacy system.  

1. KNX is an open protocol

KNX is not owned by a single individual company or manufacturer.  If hardware fails then there is always replacement hardware available from either the same manufacturer or another one that can do the same job.  It is also backward compatible which makes it easy to add new hardware into an older version of the system.  KNX has been around for over 30 years and it is still possible to service a KNX system from the 1990s with products available on the market today.

2. KNX gives you a lot of choices

There are over 500 manufacturers making products that are certified and guaranteed to interoperate with each other. This means there is a huge range of products to suit all styles, all budgets and all applications. With so many manufacturers it is a constant race to make the best products with the nicest aesthetic and the most functionality at a competitive price.  

3. Wiring 

Chances are, your failing legacy system is a wired one. Despite all the advancements in technology since the legacy system was installed, the preference for a wired system over a wireless one still remains. This is simply because wired systems are often still the fastest, the most reliable and last the longest. A new KNX system can often use the existing cabling of a legacy system if it is not practical to rewire, which means that most of the infrastructure already exists in the home and it is just a matter of replacing the hardware. KNX also offers enhanced data security so the man in the cloud can’t see when and how the system is configured or how it is used.

4. Form and function

Modern KNX hardware is very compact and loaded with features so it is often possible to expand a system without the need to physically expand the existing space it is housed in. With KNX, all the electrical and technology such as lighting, heating, air conditioning, blinds, audio, energy management etc can be integrated into a single system. Some KNX hardware can perform multiple functions, for example, many of the newer KNX switches and keypads have temperature sensors and controllers built in. Therefore the underfloor heating system doesn't need to have separate thermostats. This not only reduces costs but more importantly reduces unsightly wall clutter!

5. A vast selection of user interfaces 

There is a seemingly endless range of gorgeous (and not so gorgeous!) KNX switches, keypads, touch screens and apps. There is something for every taste and every budget. Gone are the days of having to choose between a white plastic switch and another white plastic – although KNX has plenty of white plastic switches too!

If your customers have any of the following ageing or failing automation systems: 

• Kristil
• Ebos
• Hager Tebis
• Bticino
• Vantage
• Cbus
• Dynalite
• Lutron

replacing it with another proprietary system will likely suffer the same fate sooner or later.  Our team has a wealth of experience and will be able to guide you on the best solution for your situation. 

As a specialist KNX wholesaler, we work with a wide range of the most well-known and respected KNX manufacturers and have built close working relationships with them. Whether you are new to KNX and are looking for training, or are a seasoned installer looking for product information and availability, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to discuss your options.