Know.
what matters.
Know.
                what matters.

Checklist for building automation


Ambient lightning

  1. Presence detector interior
    Provide one or two presence detectors per room (not to be confused with motion detectors) - minimum recommended for front door, hallway, stairwell and bathroom).
  2. Lamps dimmable
    Control ceiling lights with dimmers - even if they are only to be switched on / off so that the light is only dimmed at night (75%) and an automatic switch-off can be announced beforehand by means of slight dimming.
  3. Bathroom lighting
    Provide bathroom lighting with colored LEDs (ceiling, play gel lighting, shower) - a 5/6-wire cable to a 230V control unit nearby (e.g. behind the mirror) is required for this.
  4. Cabinet / dresser / shelf lighting
    Provide a power connection with (KNX) bus line as Ambilight lighting for all cupboards / towel racks in the bathroom.
  5. Complex lighting with bus connection
    If there are more than three ceiling lamps, a 5-core cable should always be used so that DALI can be retrofitted if necessary.
  6. Facade lighting
    For facade lighting, indirect lighting such as B. recommended through gables or wall lamps.
  7. Illumination of the sidewalks
    It should be possible to switch the lighting on all sidewalks separately.

Smart room sensors and agents

  1. Voice control microphone connection (broadband)
    Provide a central flush-mounted socket for voice control (with power and network connection) in each living room, kitchen and bathroom.
  2. Speech control (narrow band)
    with local AI module for speech recognition, so that only the textual information has to be transmitted. Only works with previously defined terms.
  3. Brightness and color spectrum of the room light
    Determination of the color spectrum of the room light. For the automatic detection of sunrise and sunset, of thunderstorms, faulty lighting control, flashlight detection, television use (up to shipment detection) but also for recording light simulations in the absence.
    In order to feel comfortable and active all around, it is important to have a comparatively bright light with a high blue component during the day. In the evening, however, the light should be dimmed and the "activating" blue light reduced, as this suppresses the release of the sleep hormone melatonin.
  4. Presence detector
    is used to recognize people in a room. This can be done by light field measurement or by means of radar. Better systems also recognize the number of people in the sphere of influence.
    Info: A presence detector can easily be mistaken for a motion detector. However, a presence detector recognizes people even if they are not noticeably moving.
  5. Indoor climate (temperature and humidity)
    Determining the vital values in the room. Consists of the room temperature and the relative humidity.
  6. Speech output (broadband)
    for room announcements, error and alarm messages
  7. Air flow
    Draft detection when windows and / or doors are open. To avoid drafts (jerk the door and window)
  8. Earthquake
    Earthquake detection distributed over several rooms in order to be able to rule out a regional event
  9. Impact sound measurement
    Impact sound from the ceiling (primarily from the room above) for invisible monitoring and noise detection
  10. Indoor air quality (CO2) Gas
    Determination of the current oxygen or CO2 saturation in the room in order to ensure sufficient healthy air.
  11. Carbon monoxide (CO) gas
    The incineration produces the invisible and imperceptible gas carbon monoxide (CO). In larger quantities, it blocks the uptake of oxygen in the blood and therefore leads to death from suffocation. For this reason, rooms with an open fire / open fireplace in particular, but also a kitchen with a gas stove or a closed garage or a boiler room (only if fossil fuels are used to generate heat) should be permanently monitored.
  12. Radon gas
    Radon (Rn) is a radioactive but invisible and imperceptible gas. Which is naturally emitted from the ground. This is particularly common in southern latitudes. It can also penetrate basement walls and concrete tubs. It is therefore advisable to constantly monitor radon levels, especially in basement rooms.
  13. Infrared remote control receiver and transmitter
    Recognition of classic remote controls as well as the simulation of a remote control to control classic devices (radio, TV, projector but also digital picture frames, electric candles, roller motors or for watering flowers)
  14. Radio remote control receiver and transmitter
    Detection of radio remote controls with 26.975 / 26.995 / 27.015 MHz, with 40.685 MHz, with 433.92 MHz or also with 868.30 / 868.80 MHz (garage door, Somfy building control, radio alarm detector, ...)
  15. Light data transmission
    In-room data transmission via light pulses (greater than 60 Hz cannot be perceived by humans)
  16. Bluetooth device discovery
    Bluetooth module for recognizing devices (cell phone, beacon, smartwatch, headset, tablet, key finder, ...) of the users in the room
  17. Bluetooth repeater
    Bluetooth connections to smart devices such as coffee machines, smart picture frames, artificial candles, smart scales (body scales but also for the alcohol shelf).
  18. Spy transmitter detection
    Detection of spy transmitters (wireless microphone, wireless camera, wireless keylogger, wireless repeater) by a broadband wireless receiver (with exclusion filters for known networks)
  19. Jammer
    The use of audio jammers to ward off eavesdropping is permitted in a regionally limited manner. These can be used to ward off imported bug bugs.
  20. Acoustic activity detection
    Used to determine predefined activity groups. In addition to sleeping, listening to music, watching TV, doing sports, sex, reading and learning, this also includes eating, arguing, cleaning the house, barking dogs or shouting toddlers.
     
    Can be used, among other things, for "busy house" detection. So when are the residents awake, outside the home or even on vacation.
  21. Acoustic emergency detection
    Detection of potential emergency signals such as fire alarm beeps, glass break detection, pistol shot or other learned alarm signals and code words
  22. Acoustic detection of signals and usage noises
    Automatic learning of noises such as the front door bell, knocking on the door or window, garage door movement, toilet seat, shower, hair dryer, letter box lid, garbage disposal, rain / hail, rattling doors.
  23. Smoke detector
    One or more smoke detectors (with electricity and possibly a bus connection) must be installed in all bedrooms and their entrances (hallway, stairwell). In addition, an additional smoke detector should be provided in HTR (due to the increased risk: heating, dryer, air conditioning, power distribution). A smoke detector with a bus connection (KNX) has also proven itself in the garage.

Smart control

  1. Central control unit
    Provide a control unit in the hallway (e.g. a tablet PC with wall bracket).
  2. Info display
    Provide information panel in the kitchen in the seating area with (electricity and network). Can also be used to watch TV.
  3. Smart Mirror
    Provide power and network connection for a smart mirror in the bathroom.
  4. Presence detector to detect room occupancy
    Presence detectors (not to be confused with motion detectors) should be connected to a (KNX) bus. Several motion detectors can work as a logical unit, status changes can be evaluated as alarm messages or trigger different actions depending on the time of day and lighting conditions.
  5. Invisible buttons
    Provide proximity sensors behind the tiles in the bathroom and shower.
  6. Environment recognition
    In many rooms there is an activity recognition that combines different systems. The extractor hood can then be switched on and off automatically with the stove. (The same applies, of course, to extractor hood lighting), or the concealed infrared (radiant heat) heating in the bathroom is only active when a person is in the room.
  7. VoIP door intercom
    Provide access gate with a VoIP (preferably SIP) interface at the entrance gate (with power and network connection, as well as an additional equipotential bonding).
  8. Front door bell button as a sensor
    Front door bell button as a separate line --> Forwarding to telephone, front door light, alarm function).
  9. Front door bell (sound module) as an actuator
    Front door bell per floor, as a separate line --> Muting individual circles.
  10. Electric radiator control (also with underfloor heating)
    Radiators as well as underfloor heating are to be provided with cables for 48V or 230V servomotors.
  11. Digital water control (smart faucet)
    Showers, bathtubs and whirlpools can also be Smart (controlled by electronically controlled fittings and electric servomotors (make sure that the fittings do not "lock") but are only designed as buttons or stepless controllers.
  12. Mailbox sensor
    The letter box flap can be provided with an opening contact.
  13. Parcel box
    A packet box outside can be provided with an electric opener (as a one-time opening or via a PIN code). Power and network connection as well as equipotential bonding must be provided for this.
  14. Wind / storm alarm
    A wind or storm detector is to be provided from the roof of the house at an exposed point with a bus cable (KNX).
  15. Rain / precipitation sensor
    Rain sensor or precipitation sensor in a central location on the house roof with a. Provide a bus cable (KNX) and a power cable (for heating in winter).
  16. Brightness sensor
    Provide a brightness sensor (with twilight detection) on the east and west side of the building on the side wall.
  17. Smart bar control
    Beverage shelves (in the kitchen or the house bar) can be invisibly checked with a micro-scale. A bus cable (KNX) with 24V is to be provided for this.
  18. Electronic electricity, water and gas meters
    Electronic electricity, water and gas consumption meters are to be provided. A (KNX) bus cable is required for this.

Entertainment

  1. Hifi speaker connections
    HIFI speaker cable for living room, kitchen and music room.
  2. Multi-room loudspeaker
    Multi-room loudspeakers - in addition to a power connection, also require network access - do not forget the stairwells and corridors in order to ensure a uniform sound image.
  3. Mu-MiMo capable WiFi hotspot
    When using more than 4 multi-room loudspeakers with WLAN connection at the same time, a MU-MIMO capable access point should be used, otherwise delays (audible as reverb or echo) can occur.

Digital infrastruktur

  1. Fiber optics instead of copper cables
    Networking using fiber optic cables (single mode) is preferable to classic twisted pair (RJ45) cabling (the end of the performance of UTP cabling - regardless of Cat. 5e, 6 or 7 has already been reached).
  2. Network power distribution box
    Connect the power distribution box via a network - ideally via fiber optics; Under no circumstances use a shielded (SFTP) network cable, as the metal plug could fall onto an electrical cable when it is pulled out.

Building safety

  1. Central multi-function button
    In addition to the inputs, a control panel should be provided that is particularly suitable for input authorization and for activating the alarm systems.
  2. Alarm sound module indoors
    Provide an alarm sound module (buzzer) per floor, as well as in the house technology room.
  3. Alarm siren outside
    Provide an alarm siren with an alarm light in the outdoor area of the house.
  4. Heated access routes
    Driveways and footpaths could be provided with heated floor plates (no snow shoveling in winter).
  5. Floor area sensors
    Floor area sensors (proximity sensors) can record movements and thus recognize people who are supported (lying on the floor), among other things.
  6. Emergency exit for electric shutters
    A roller shutter with an additional hand crank is to be provided on each floor as an emergency exit. The crank must not be removed. Therefore, a room should be selected where the crank is as little noticeable as possible.
  7. Theft warning for oil and gas tanks
    Monitor the fill level of the oil and gas tank for unusually high withdrawal quantities.

Access control

  1. Electric door lock
    Smart locking cylinder for house, basement and garage doors - a 4-pool cable is provided in the door leaf for this.
  2. Peephole camera
    Camera as a replacement for a peephole - a 4-pin cable must be provided for this.
  3. Electronic access control
    Access / access control reader next to the house, basement and garage door
  4. Door alarm contacts
    Door-open contact in the door leaf of the house, basement door and the garage door
  5. Alarm contacts window
    Provide a cable for alarm contacts (window open, glass breakage) (the position of the window handle can also be retrofitted by radio)
  6. Roof window alarm contacts
    Roof windows and ventilation dormers are provided with open / close contacts

Elektric plugs and power

  1. Optional switchable sockets
    Sockets should always be dated via a 5-core cable so that they can be switched to different circuits. For this purpose, the sockets should be designed as double sockets if possible so that they can be switched differently (e.g. hi-fi in the living room off, switch and media center remain in standby). Four or more sockets are usually not useful, as multiple sockets have to be used for the media center anyway.
  2. Provide a sufficient number of sockets.
    A (double) socket should be provided every 2 meters on every inner wall of a room.
  3. Sockets on the balcony and terrace
    Provide an external socket on both sides of each balcony. Since an electric grill or a radiant heater is sometimes set up here, these should be designed with 2.5 sqmm cross-section cables. You should also provide a socket (for lighting purposes, multi-room loudspeakers and the like) on the ceiling (outer edge) of a canopy or pergola.
  4. No low voltage (230V) in the spray area (from bathroom and kitchen)
    In the bathroom in the so-called splash area and other wet areas, no high-voltage connections (230V) may be laid. However, devices with a SELV voltage (max. 50V) can be used. Therefore, in these areas, for. B. LED lighting (ideally with 24 V) can be used.
  5. Protect external sockets from attacks
    In the case of external sockets, the phase and the neutral conductor must always be switched separately (two switching actuators) so that the entire FI (residual current circuit breaker) area cannot be paralyzed from outside.
  6. Window decoration lighting
    Provide sockets for some windows in the window reveal (window inside wall) for decorative lighting (also here on the hinge side of the window)
  7. Roller shutter junction boxes
    Always run connection sockets for roller shutters on the window reveal (window inside) and work with a 5-core cable to enable a (switched) socket on the inside (such as an illuminated poinsettia) at any time. Make sure that these are always on the hinge side (opposite the window handle).
  8. Sockets in the bathroom
    Position sockets in the bathroom (for razors, electric toothbrushes, ...) below the toy, if possible, but above the shelf (where these objects are). It usually makes sense to have a separate socket in the bathroom for the hairdryer within easy reach for storage or for hanging on the wall.
  9. Power connection for cabinet, sideboard and chest of drawers Ambilight
    Provide a power connection with (KNX) bus line as Ambilight lighting for all cupboards / towel racks, especially in the bathroom. A power connection for the mobile phone charging cable or the DECT telephone is also helpful with a sideboard in the hallway.
  10. Socket for coffee machine (switched)
    A separately switchable socket (and a network connection) should be provided for the coffee machine.
  11. Socket for milk cooler (continuous current)
    Provide a separate socket for the milk cooler next to the coffee machine.
  12. Sockets for white goods
    White goods (washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, dishwasher, refrigerator) each have a separate power connection (and their own fuse). Pay attention to a larger wire cross-section of 2.5 sqmm.
  13. Socket for projector and power outlet for projection screen
    If necessary, provide a socket for projector and screen on the ceiling.
  14. Power connection for car charging station
    Provide one (or more) charging current connections for electric vehicles in the garage (using a dedicated line). If the garage is located at a distance from the main building, a correspondingly thick cable is required. to be provided as equipotential bonding.

Intelligent assistants

  1. Automatic damage control of the vehicle when entering the garage
    One camera each to the right and left of the garage door which automatically checks the vehicle for visible damage (such as scratches, dents and parking bumps) via AI.

Minimum Requirements

  1. Provide buttons and sockets with a bus connection (KNX)
    If possible, provide all buttons and sockets with a (KNX) cable.
  2. Concealed boxes, if possible as deep boxes
    If possible, all flush-mounted boxes should have a deep version (6 cm). ==> in order to be able to retrofit sensors / actuators later. This applies in particular to ceiling outlets (lamp connection). In the case of lamp connections, these sockets should have a screw connection in the middle of the cup.
  3. Labeling of ALL connections
    Each flush-mounted box as well as each ceiling outlet must be labeled with a unique number (consisting of room identifier and cable connection number) in the cable plan. The numbering is always clockwise, starting from the front door on the left. A speaking abbreviation (e.g. KIT for kitchen) makes sense for the room names. If a power connection supplies several devices (e.g. a ceiling outlet is used for three hanging lamps), we recommend a sub-number: '3.1' would be the third flush-mounted socket, the first lamp. It is recommended to separate the electrical circuits for light (which should be protected by their own fuses and FI circuit breakers) from the sockets and motor controls. Example: living room ceiling lamp group 3 lamp 1: 'LIV-LI3.1' or bathroom socket 3 left: 'BAT-ST1.1'. Living areas (dining area, sofa corner) should also be separated by lines.
 
Further Information