Home automation

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elec2007

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Hello guys ,

One of my customers is asking be about home automation. He would like to control lights (and heating/cooling he's not sure yet)
It's about an 8000 sf house, 2 floors .
Most of the switches are 3ways and and it should be capable of dimming,
Is z-wave an option to go or any other idea would be much appreciated,

I'm thinking I would need to add some z-wave receptacles it's should for solid connection,

Which brand is best to go with

Thanks in advance

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Avoid GE "link" units. They are insufferably buggy and now unsupported.
"Wink" devices seem problematic too, with their dependence on Internet connectivity for initial setup.
 
Insteon is another brand that has been around for several years now, and they have a broad range of devices.

Lutron is popular, as well as control4.

We are currently doing a project using control4, and while we are installing all of the devices, a local dealer is handling the programming and support. I would recommend working with a local dealer that specializes in it so you won't have to deal with supporting it.


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brantmacga said:
Insteon is another brand that has been around for several years now, and they have a broad range of devices.

Lutron is popular, as well as control4.

We are currently doing a project using control4, and while we are installing all of the devices, a local dealer is handling the programming and support. I would recommend working with a local dealer that specializes in it so you won't have to deal with supporting it.


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Click to expand...

We have done the control4 systems the same way, install the supplied devices and leave the programming for the dealer.
It's not a bad way to go if you rarely or never want to deal with home control systems. The control4 also integrates with sound and tv a bit better I believe.
If you are wanting to get into control systems a bit, then the Lutron or Insteon would be better.
 
cpinetree said:
We have done the control4 systems the same way, install the supplied devices and leave the programming for the dealer.
It's not a bad way to go if you rarely or never want to deal with home control systems. The control4 also integrates with sound and tv a bit better I believe.
If you are wanting to get into control systems a bit, then the Lutron or Insteon would be better.
Click to expand...
Is it expensive ?

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elec2007 said:
Which brand is best to go with
Click to expand...

the one you can get supported near where you are
is the best one to use.

how much A/V integration will you need? the biggest question
to ask. some folks want to be able to control HVAC, house alarm,
and garage door opener. Others want something from the bridge
of the enterprise, with a transporter room nearby.

Apple is now moving into this stuff. integrates seamlessly
into iOS. i'd look at it in passing. no programming skill required.
the homeowner can screw it up all by themselves.

lutron is probably the best overall.
 
Sierrasparky said:
8000 feet is beyond the limits of Zwave in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Does the Z-wave working model allow for multiple hubs connected by wired Ethernet, or must all communications within a single system be Z-wave RF based with a single hub?
if the former, is the simple time delay (latency) of that interconnection going to cause problems
 
GoldDigger said:
Does the Z-wave working model allow for multiple hubs connected by wired Ethernet, or must all communications within a single system be Z-wave RF based with a single hub?
if the former, is the simple time delay (latency) of that interconnection going to cause problems
Click to expand...

From my recollection the Zwave protocol recommendation limited the use in a home of about 4000 sft. You can use repeater devices to extend a sprawling network topology. However there is a limit on how many devices ( node) on a single network ( Home ID) which is 256. The more node on a network will slow down commands and polling from the controller. You can have multiple networks and link them. There are IP to Zwave devices too. You can make it all work but if you don't have the experience you could get over your head. You don't have the support of a company like lutron, crestron .... for something like this.
 
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