Posted 12 October 2012
FS Cables have joined the KNX association as a KNX certified cable supplier.
KNX is an ideal solution for consultants, specifiers, designers, installers and end users as a flexible, user friendly and energy efficient system.
What is KNX?
Buildings that are energy efficiently designed are becoming increasingly 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.
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.
All KNX certified equipment has been tested and certified to this high standard and only equipment meeting this can carry the logo. This ensures the quality, reliability and guaranteed compatibility of all KNX devices and equipment.
KNX is ‘Green’
The operation of heating, lighting and blinds among others can be aligned with external climate conditions or adjusted by an interface to pre-set levels.With the increasing demand for ‘green’ buildings, KNX systems can contribute to significant energy savings over time.
For example, lighting can 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.
Substantial energy savings can be achieved through efficient building technologies.
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.
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.
Notwithstanding the complex technologies it controls, a KNX cabling system is actually remarkably simple with devices and systems interconnected using a single twisted pair cable. This simplicity is one of the many benefits to designers, installers and end users.
FS Cables twisted pair cable (TP1)
FS Cables as part of its growing product range now offers a KNX certified cable. This features two twisted solid conductor pairs with a foil screen in a green jacket. It has been tested and certified as being suitable for use in KNX systems and bears the KNX logo.
As you would expect from an FSC cable it also benefits from being low smoke halogen free throughout making it ideal for installations where the safety of people or sensitive property could be compromised in the event of fire.
A quad version of the cable is also available although this is not yet certified.
What are the benefits of KNX?
The main benefits of the KNX system are twofold. Firstly, the interoperability of devices across a range of manufacturers and regions and secondly, quality assurance whereby product quality is ensured through testing and certification.
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. Tremendous flexibility is offered as any changes or upgrades to the system over time are possible without the need for rewiring.
Further information about the KNX standard can be found at www.knxuk.org