DIY Home Automation systems

Brand specific systems

A lot of switch/power outlet/.. manufactures have their own home automation system. Most of them are easy to configure and are good candidates for a DIY home automation system. There is Nikobus from Niko, QBus, BTichino,… The back draw of this manufacturer specific home automation systems is the dependency. When a component fails you need to stick to the manufacturer, buying the same component. If a manufacturer stops producing a certain system…you’re screwed.

Standard bus systems

EIB/KNX is a standard bus system supported by many manufacturers. A lot of brands make components for the KNX home automation system. This is a gigantic pro because you can be sure that in the future spare parts will still be available. It can be easily installed as a DIY home automation system but you need software (or someone with the software) to configure the components on the bus. This is a favorite for DIY home automation!

X10 is a home automation system widely used in the US and a bit less known is Europe. It can be used as a wireless bus automation system. X10 is a very easy to install system, perfect for DIY home automation.

Central systems

In a centralized system every button and every light has a wire to a central cabinet. The controller has some (or a lot) inputs and outputs to switch lights, blinds,…  A central system has the advantage that it can easily be replaced by another central system. It can be hard wired with ‘teleruptors’ or a logic controller can be used. Depending on the system it can be configured by anyone or only by a ’system expert’.

The industrial way

Industrial systems must be reliable, more reliable as home automation systems (unfortunately). So, why not use them for home automation? A PLC (Programmable Logical Controller) can be used as a centralized home automation system but can also be configured with remote input and output islands. Most industrial controllers are guaranteed to have 10 years or more manufacturer support. Which is nice. Maybe a little bit harder to configure as a DIY home automation system but certainly worth the effort.