Articles and whitepapers

Retrofitting Intelligent Light Switches and Dimmers (1/6/2006)

By Mike Hinden, World of Wireless Homes

Historically, in order to achieve mood and scene lighting, it has been necessary to rewire the house back to a centralised point. This is of course costly, time-consuming and disruptive. Whilst new builds are more likely to accommodate centralised wiring, pre-1990's properties are unlikely have these facilities, so the advent of retro-fit solutions opens the opportunity to install mood and scene lighting to all.

Retrofit systems are cost-effective and modular. In terms of installation, generally the only requirement is to change an existing light switch or dimmer for one with built-in intelligence. Furthermore, if the customer is not inclined to mood/scene light the whole house, but just the common areas and the master bedroom for example, they can easily add to the system at a later date.

The two methods for installing automated lighting are 'wired' and 'replacement', where 'wired' refers to additional cabling over and above standard lighting cable.

Wired systems

Wired systems are connected back to a 'centralised' hub - the electrical equivalent of an Ethernet switch. Each light switch is wired directly back to this, as are the wall-mounted control panels. Lighting is then controlled from the wall panels or a PC-style user interface. To install a wired system therefore, all the traditional light switches must be replaced, and additional wiring must be installed for the wall panels and existing switches. The benefits of a wired system are that full integration is possible with other products and systems. The disadvantages are the disruption and cost of installation.

Replacement systems

A typical replacement system comprises intelligent switches and dimmers to replace as many of the original switches and dimmers as possible. These are controlled via infra-red or radio frequency by one or more battery-powered wall-mounted and/or hand-held remote control units. The system we offer uses radio frequencies at 315MHz or 434MHz, and the controllers use a unique 19-bit ID code that supports over 520,000 different codes, thus avoiding internal interference.

Replacement system switches, remotes and control panels

This replacement system offers all the same features of the standard switch/dimmer, plus a remote control functionality, from anywhere within the house and outside, within a 100m distance.

A typical domestic setup might have a one- or two-gang dimmer, a one- or two-gang switch, an inline lamp dimmer, a hand-held remote, and a wall-mounted control. The control panel we use looks like a switch. Each panel has up to six options, and each option can have up to eight switches/dimmers programmed into it, so it is down to your imagination as to how many scenes you want. If there is one downside to the product range, it is that you can only have a maximum of two gangs on either a switch or dimmer. However our current installations show that where originally there has been a three- or four-gang switch, this can either be replaced with two switches or combined into one.

Typical location of replacement switches, dimmers, hand-held remotes and wall-mounted control panels

The advantages of replacement

In terms of the end result, once installed, both wired and replacement systems perform in a similar manner. Both use either wall-mounted and/or hand-held remote control units to allow the homeowner to control their lighting from anywhere.

In terms of automation and interfacing with other systems, the replacement system does have limitations, although the system we use offers integration with other systems in the home using X10 protocols.

So why would you opt for a replacement system in preference to a wired one? There are a number of good reasons:

Cost

Using replacement switches, a whole-house solution for a four-bed, three-storey town house with kitchen, two receptions, three hallways/landings, and three balconies for example, could be implemented from around £3,500 fully installed and programmed.

Compared to a wired system, this is extremely competitive. Installation can be completed in approximately half a day, and there are no hidden costs. A wired system is likely to require routine maintenance. If the hub goes wrong it would need to be repaired, and most companies that provide a wired solution also offer an annual maintenance contract - similar to an alarm company. The most you require with the 'replacement' option is to change the easily-accessible fuse in the switch/dimmer or replace a battery in the remote.

Simplicity of installation

All you need to do is replace an existing switch or dimmer with an intelligent one. There is no need to pull up carpets, floorboards, or get into ceilings for additional wiring. All existing electrical cabling is used. No additional expense is likely to be incurred in relation to plastering, decoration etc. It is not necessary to be an electrical expert - most people can change a plug, and this is just one step up from that.

Modular approach

If you want to start with a small area of your house that's fine. A typical modular install would consist of replacement switches in the dining, lounge and TV areas, and hallways and landings. Adding to this scenario is simple. By comparison if you tried this approach with a wired system and wanted to add to your initial scenario at a later date, you would either have had to pre-wire during the initial installation - in which case you would have tied up capital which may not be used, or you would have to run new wires, with all the disruption that involves.

Planning

For replacement switches, very little planning is required. It is worth noting that two-way switching becomes redundant as the light wired on a two-way basis can be controlled via the remote from anywhere. Back boxes should be at least 25mm deep. In the event that you are in a new build before final fix, from an aesthetic point of view, all switches could be pre-programmed and hidden in ceilings or cupboards for example, giving a 'clean lines effect' in each room. If you are planning to mount the switch/dimmer on the wall in traditional style, all that needs to be considered is where you want the switch. Wall-mounted remote controls have no electrical requirement, so a decision on where to place these can be made at the last minute.

Security

If you keep a hand-held remote in your pocket or bag at all times, you can turn lights on/off before entering/after leaving your property.

Age friendly

When the kids come home late and leave the lights on downstairs, you can have them turned off from your bedroom. If the young and old need lights on whilst getting up/going downstairs, they can have this facility before leaving/ascending to their bedroom.

Future-proof

Whilst no-one can ever claim to have a totally future proof product, provided electrical wiring remains within its current standards and formats, the replacement solution comes very close. For decorative purposes, face plates can be easily replaced, and if an upgraded product becomes available, it will work on the same principle of simply replacing the switch.

Faceplates in various finishes

Conclusion

Using intelligent replacement switches allows installers to use their time more efficiently by spending less than half a day on a four-bedroom house. This should increase productivity and base line profits. For the customer, the replacement option offers an extremely competitively-priced solution to their mood and scene lighting requirements. Entry-level solutions comprising two switches/dimmers and a hand-held remote can be implemented for around £500.

Unlike the wired system that requires an 'all or nothing' approach, the modular replacement system can grow as budgets allow. For new builds, this is a low-cost way of providing a scene lighting solution for that 'smart home' effect, and for older properties, it is the ideal way to modernise lighting control without compromising the traditional ambience of the house.

Mike Hinden is the Managing Director of World of Wireless Homes Limited, provider of home solutions where technology meets design. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8424 9614 Fax: +44 (0)70 7502 4445 Email: info@wow-homes.co.uk

www.wow-homes.co.uk