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Article (2)
  • The three ‘easies’ of home automation
    While we all have our opinions on what’s driving or holding back the uptake of home automation, I’ve personally reached the conclusion that the real ‘gatekeepers’ of the rate of adoption of home automation are electrical contractors. That statement might ‘ruffle a few feathers’, but I’ve drawn that conclusion from lots of market analysis, speaking with home owners, builders, developers, real estate agents, integrators and equipment suppliers. If you’re an electrical contractor, I believe the future of home automation is in your hands. So what’s holding you back?
  • Home automation provides better energy management for homes
    Rising energy costs and concern for our environment are motivating Australians to look for ways to reduce their energy consumption. In recent years, sophisticated energy management systems have been deployed in commercial buildings to help achieve higher energy ratings and lower energy consumption without compromising functionality. The same attitude is now evident with homeowners wanting to make their homes more energy efficient, but without the burden of having to think too hard about it.
Product (36)
  • Phoenix Contact PC Worx RT BASIC software PLC
    The PC Worx RT BASIC software PLC transforms any industrial PC into a control system - combining programming, visualisation and control in a single device.
  • Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays
    The new line of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays features single-wire communication capability that helps eliminate the need for dual-channel connection between relays.
  • Advantech ETM-RES02C touch control board
    A touch control board, the ETM-RES02C, has been released for embedded developers.
  • Allen-Bradley Micro800 controllers and software
    The Allen-Bradley Micro800 controllers and connected components workbench (CCW) software offer fully customisable solutions for nano- and microlevel controller applications. The products are suitable for machine builders and end users who need a cost-effective control solution for their small applications.
  • Lovato Kinco smart relay PLCs
    The Lovato Kinco series of smart relay programmable logic controllers (PLCs) allows the replacement of different traditional control devices such as timers, counters, relays and hour meters into one compact and adaptable device.
  • Unitronix fanless, low-power panel PC
    The PPC-1571, a fanless and low-power panel PC, containing a 15″ LCD, is a PC/display solution in home or industry. The PC realises abundant I/O connectors in an ultraslim structure. Therefore, it can be applied in applications with strict requirements for appearance and dimensions, such as plastic mechanisms, testing devices and home automation among others.
  • Unitronix fanless box PC
    Suitable for either domestic or industrial automation applications, the MEC-4005 is a fanless, low-power, high-performance embedded box PC.
  • Fantech EC series JetVent fans
    The Electronic Commutation (EC) series of JetVent fans has pushed forward energy efficiency in car park ventilation. The brushless DC technology used in the EC motor combined with integrated speed control could reduce noise and lead to massive power savings. At high speed (25.8 r/s), the installed EC fan has a throw distance of 55 m.
  • Hunter Pacific Typhoon ceiling fans
    The Typhoon range of ceiling fans includes styles from the Typhoon timber series to the Typhoon 316 stainless steel fan, as well as a variety of painted and plated-metal finishes.
  • Lutron Grafik Eye QS preset lighting control system
    The Lutron Grafik Eye QS is a customisable preset lighting control system that adjusts lights and blinds for various tasks while helping to save energy.
  • Control4 EMS 100 energy management system
    The Control4 EMS 100 energy management system enables home occupants to monitor and modify their energy usage via an interactive in-home 5″ colour touch-screen display that also communicates with smart meters.
  • TecHome remote control and receiver suite
    The TecHome long-range, multi-channel, 433 MHz/ZigBee protocol remote control and receiver suite are designed to control any electrical device in a home including gates, doors, shutters, blinds, awnings, pool and irrigation pumps, air conditioning, fans and indoor and outdoor lighting.
  • Echelon i.LON SmartServer 2.0 smart energy manager
    The Echelon i.LON SmartServer 2.0 is a versatile smart energy manager that is designed to improve energy efficiency. Designed to connect to IP-based applications such as energy management solutions, demand-response programs, lighting management systems and high-value remote asset management programs, the server can link thousands of electronic devices to control centres. It enables users to access, control and monitor devices, as well as capturing data to save energy and lower maintenance costs.
  • mySmart MWS6 motion sensor
    The mySmart MWS6 is a compact 360° microwave motion sensor suitable for cell offices and open office spaces. It has a range of 16 m (diameter) and can be used to control lights and/or air conditioning, aiding in compliance to BCA Section J as well as Green Star sustainability programs.
  • Quanmax HPC-1000 Home Automation Panel PC
    The HPC-1000 is a fanless panel PC designed for residential terminal applications to control lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning devices centrally and automatically.
  • mySmart Hotel Room Control System
    The mySmart Hotel Room Control System intelligently controls the air-conditioning in individual hotel rooms. Using motion sensing and door switches, the system knows when a room is in use and when it’s not in use.
  • Home automation controller
    The Wiser Home Controller seamlessly connects many different technologies such as lighting control, security, air conditioning, audiovisual equipment, irrigation systems and motorised blinds and curtains to automate many functions within a home.
  • Automated lighting dimmers
    The C-Bus Professional and Architectural range of lighting dimmers provides flexibility in commercial lighting applications. The modular and customisable design of the dimmers makes them suitable for a range of small to large applications including restaurants, clubs, hotels, galleries, theatres and retail outlets.
  • Clipsal Wiser Home Controller
    The Wiser Home Controller seamlessly connects many different technologies such as lighting control, security, air conditioning, audiovisual equipment, media players, irrigation systems, motorised blinds and curtains and more, to facilitate a seamless home automation solution.
  • Home automation touch screen
    The DTP100 Revolution colour touch screen is an easy-to-use interface, allowing users to manage aspects of their environment, including lighting and temperature, while the fascia can be matched to nearly any architectural surface. Typical applications include homes, apartments, boardrooms and hotel rooms.
  • Philips Dynalite DIR-TX8 infrared transmitter
    The DIR-TX8 infrared transmitter is designed to provide cost-effective integration and control of all types of infrared-controllable devices, such as AV equipment.
  • Home automation controllers
    The second-generation DR2P Revolution series user control panels feature a slimline design and provide a wide range of grid and button configurations, colours, cover finishes and backlighting options, including dynamic OLED text display.
  • Home climate controller
    The Bticino Light Tech NT4442 room thermostat controller can be interconnected with both heating and air conditioning systems for convenient climate control within a home.
  • Wall plate with thermostat
    The expanded Berker TS Sensor can be used to control additional room-based KNX/EIB control functions such as heating, air conditioning or ventilation. This version features an integrated temperature sensor and built-in bus coupling unit, so no additional push-button interfaces are required.
  • Wireless switch
    The Control4 wireless switch is a lighting control device that can be seamlessly integrated with home automation systems or added to existing electrical wiring.
  • Home climate control
    The C-Bus air-conditioning thermostats are simple to use and are designed to complement Clipsal Saturn wall switches.
  • DIN rail-mountable energy controller
    The DDMC802GL is a multipurpose controller designed for home automation and hotel suite control applications.
  • Energy-saving dimmer
    The Control4 wireless dimmer is designed to save energy by enabling lighting to be dimmed marginally with minimal impact on lighting levels.
  • Keyboard video mouse switches
    The SwitchView 100 range of desktop keyboard video mouse (KVM) switches is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and home offices to support multimedia applications.
  • Touch screen controller
    Home Touch System (HTS) is a package that combines home automation with web-based services and functions and provides the home owner with access to these services through a full-size LCD touch screen, typically mounted on a wall in a central location.
  • Touch plate switch
    The Berker TS Sensor is a touch plate switch designed for switching and control of building management systems.
  • Wireless home automation
    The Italian-manufactured Techome range of wireless home automation products are supplied in kit form comprising a number of units with transmitters and receivers pre-programmed and suitable for specific automation applications and situations.
  • C-Bus certified pool controller
    PC Aqualine pool and spa controllers are certified by Clipsal for interface to C-Bus automation systems, providing full two-way communications for control and monitoring of pools and spas.
  • Wall mount IR controller
    The Calypso CB-1000 is a single-gang, wall mount IR button panel that offers eight programmable backlit tactile buttons, useful for controlling projectors, DVD players and other AV gear.
  • Lighting dimmers
    HPM Legrand has released a range of flicker and noise-free lighting dimmers that offer features including soft-start, over-temperature and short circuit protection.
  • Clipsal 31VSSR sunset switches
    The 31VSSR switches are part of Clipsal's 'Livingreen' product range designed to help electrical contractors lower greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency and assisting in obtaining a superior Australian Building Greenhouse Rating and more Green Star points.
News (6)
  • Australia’s first ‘smart home’ family
    Australia’s first smart home family recently moved into EnergyAustralia’s Smart Home in Sydney to live rent-free for 12 months while they test new technologies in the house.
  • HomeGrid Forum and G.hn standard gain momentum
    Service providers and PC and consumer electronics manufacturers accelerate their interest and support for the next generation of wired home networking standards.
  • Debate over powerline home automation standards
    International home-automation standards seem to have stalled over interoperability issues. Meetings being held by standards bodies in October will work towards resolving many of these issues.
  • Dynalite dealer program
    Home and building automation equipment manufacturer, Dynalite has expanded its accreditation and training infrastructure in response to the growing global demand for intelligent building systems.
  • Powerline Smart Grid developments
    The Universal Powerline Association (UPA) has issued two market requirement documents for Powerline communication-based Smart Grid and C&C (command and control) applications to improve interoperability and meet regulatory requirements.
  • UPA plug test for interoperable 200 Mbps Powerline products
    The Universal Powerline Association (UPA), an international organisation focused on global standards for high-speed Powerline applications, recently hosted its fourth UPA Plug Test event in the UK for new multimedia Powerline products.
Case Study (4)
  • Project: Giving a prestige home that ‘wow’ factor
    A recently built, four-storey home in Melbourne’s prestigious Toorak was an obvious candidate for home automation. To cope with the home’s complexity and sophistication, five separate Clipsal C-Bus networks were installed to control 29 motorised blinds, motorised plasma-lifts, irrigation, swimming pool, over 600 light fittings, motion sensors and colour-changing LED lighting.
  • Using home automation to optimise energy efficiency
    AVD Australia was recently awarded the 2009 AMX Best Project Award for its state-of-the-art home automation system installation in a new residence in Sydney that made a significant contribution to the home’s energy efficiency. From conceptualisation and design, through to installation and commissioning, AVD provided a fully integrated and customised system.
  • Project: High-tech electrical control system for cutting edge home
    A couple building a large home in Melbourne's seaside suburb of Mornington wanted to accentuate their cutting-edge design with the implementation of the latest high-tech electrical infrastructure and a selection of stylish switching devices
  • Home automation system
    Home automation installer Connected Living was challenged by a brief to integrate already roughed-in traditional wiring with a sophisticated home automation system in a builder's showcase home
Standard (2)
  • Home automation standards
    With demand for home automation rising, more and more electrical contractors are being asked to install it. But virtually every home automation brand has its own protocol and specification - there's no local standard
  • Home Automation standards
    With demand for home automation rising, virtually every home automation brand has its own protocol and specification - there's no local standard. So how many different systems will you need training on to service this market demand?

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