FAQ

At Design and Integration Control Technology, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us on +44 1429 870900 or admin@designandintegration.co.uk.

Q. What is KNX?

A. KNX is a Building Management System with a Control Bus tailored to suit electrical installations. 150 leading UK and European companies in electrical installation engineering belong to one organisation.  The ‘European Installation Bus Association’ with the aim to achieve a Single Standard Building Control System for the European market.

European Installation Bus Association (EIBA) is a ‘Societe Co-operative’ under Belgium law with its headquarters in Brussels.

The trademark EIB visually underlines the system compatibility of the products.

Q. If I want to use devices from different manufacturers how do I know that they will work properly together?

A. For a manufacturer to develop a KNX product they must first become a KNX member and hold a current ISO9001 certificate.  Then, fully abiding to the KNX specification develop the product. Once developed a finished production unit is submitted for EMC testing in accordance with the KNX specification. The next step is to submit the production unit to a KNX accredited test laboratory where the software is extensively and certified.  When this is complete and the final application is submitted to EIBA, they declare the product ‘certified’ but only if fully satisfied with the application and results.  It is now a member of the KNX family. Of course it does not stop there, EIB maintain a market surveillance system to ensure only certified products carry the EIB trade mark.

Q What assurance do I have that one installed my KNX installation will be reliable and provide me with years of trouble free service?

A During the product development cycle the EMC tests ensure that the product is fit for purpose and neither interferes with or is interfered with by any other CE compliant device.

During the submission of technical reports it must be proven that both the components and the design will serve reliably for a minimum of 10 years.  This often involves the selection of higher grade components and the structure and operation of the software.

Q If KNX is as good as you say then surely it must be expensive?

A. On the contrary, with a single Communication Bus in a building there is an immediate saving in installation costs and time.  Then consider the combination of separate functions within the same device. For example, a wall switch with display and internal temperature sensor. This single device can control the lights providing scene setting as well as dimming, open and close the blinds/curtains and control the heating or air conditioning.

If the installation needs to be changed or extended then it is easy to add on without any restrictions in topology.

New products are always being developed and because it is fully interoperable they will work fully with an existing installation.  You are also safe in the knowledge you are protected from obsolescence, 150 Manufacturer’s are not going to change their minds!