KNX Smart Home [ A Complete Guide and Review]
By: Ishara Fernando
Tags: Smart Home Technology, Smart Home System, Smart Home Automation, Smart Home

Today, Smart Home Automation systems have wide use in home building to make Smart applications. Thus, many automation protocols such as BACnet, C-Bus, 1-wire, and KNX are developed rapidly. The KNX protocol is the famous one among these. Also, there are some specifications such as easy and fast installation process, user-friendly software, and adaption to the current system. KNX system is widely used in a home with the rise of a smart home. It is called KNX smart home.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the KNX smart home?

What is the KNX smart home app?

What are the features of the KNX smart home?

Importance of KNX Smart home

10 best products of KNX smart home

How to start with KNX?

How KNX smart home works?

How KNX smart home control?

Comparison of software package with KNX

Price and color comparison of KNX smart home product?

Which one should I choose: KNX or wireless?

What is the KNX smart home?

KNX is an open standard for domestic and commercial building automation and wired automation. This standard is regulated by the KNX association. Also, KNX devices can manage blinds and shutters, lightings, security systems, HVAC, energy management, white goods, audio, video, and remote control.

Mainly, it can work by confirming all devices, components, functions, and features of any building communicate through one common language remotely. It also gives the best guarantees in terms of future compatibility with all your automated devices.

KNX smart home is any set of devices, appliances connected into automatically controlled and monitored using KNX system. You can able to control a variety of functions using one system for the whole architecture. There is no need for additional control centers. It makes things more comfortable and convenient. It also increases the energy efficiency of our urban habitat. Also, it is the most secure smart home technology according to the encryption standard AES 128.

KNX system might seem outdated with the rise of the smart home. They are hard to extend automation. Also, they don’t feature fancy smartphone apps. It can’t easily integrate with Google Assistant, Alexa, and other new smart home devices such as Sonos, Philips Hue, or Fibaro.

However, there is good news for KNX system owners. They also can combine their wireless smart home devices using the Homey app. You can also control your KNX installations with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant easily.

This can link up to create customized If This Then That (IFTTT) technology functions. The wires running directly through every wall. Hence, it can be considered as the central nervous system for your house. Also, KNX wiring (bus system) integrated into an existing home. It is commonly installed in a newer home.

Hence, the protocol is applied in the standardized technology. There are many KNX products from different manufacturers that are friendly to each other. That is the famous reason why the KNX system is generally used at home.

You can easily adjust or control a range of KNX functions and applications directly from your tablet or smartphone using the KNX smart home app.

What is the KNX smart home app?

There are few KNX smart home apps available such as the iBEMI control app or Homey app. They can be used to adjust switching, light scenes, dimming, temperature, air conditioning, shutter control, RGB, blinds, times and dates, energy indication with scale and offset, as well as a value transmitter.

iBEMI KNX control app is compatible with Android tablets and phones with Android 5.0 and later. Also compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 5.0 or later.

It lets you monitor your home instantly with only a few clicks. Rooms and buttons can be guarded with the secure PIN feature. User-friendly design is simple to navigate via various control features throughout the house.

What are the features of the KNX smart home?

Features of KNX Smart Home

Electrical distribution (domestic wiring cabinet with KNX service shaft, low-voltage switchgear, etc.)

HVAC (Thermostat, heating, ventilation)

Lighting control (light sensor, light variator, presence detector)

Lighting (LED, Energy serving)

Bus configuration and supervision

Video surveillance (Connected IP camera to Home supervision)

Communication (KNX and Ethernet)

Touchscreen for home automation control (Tablet)

Energy and fluid metering and consumption monitoring

Distributed and internetworking application model for the various tasks in building automation.

Scheme for the management and configuration of resources on the network.

Permits the blinding of portions of a distributed application in various nodes.

Capable of hosting a distribution application

Model of the comprehension of these elements when developing real devices to be linked and mounted in an installation

Key features of KNX smart home with Homey

There are several key features when you turn your KNX system into a smart home using the Homey app.

Smartphone control from everywhere in the world

You can incorporate your KNX system into the Homey app. So, you can be able to control your all KNX devices on your smartphone or tablet from anywhere. Your favorite devices are now at your fingerprint at any time. Also, you can control your devices from Apple Watch using the iOS app.

Integrated with your KNX system with smart home devices

There are many smart home devices compatible with Homey such as smart thermostats, Spotify connects speakers, and many more. You can easily expand your KNX system with your smart home device and control them in a single place.

Voice control for KNX

You can use your favorite voice assistant to control your KNX system using the homey app. It also can available in Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri shortcut.

Insights and energy management

Homey is a fantastic smart home hub when making a KNX smart home. There are so many functionalities. This is ranges from the hardware antennas in Homey pro on Z-wave, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, and infrared to energy management, Homey Apps Store with Homey energy.

Importance of KNX Smart home

Blinds

Close or open your shades with only one click on your tablet or smartphone. You can regulate your settings according to the weather. Also, you can able to close your screen remotely to guard your home against heavy storms and winds.

Lighting

You can easily control your light when you leave or go to bed. Switch on the light when you enter the room using movement sensors. Also, you can color your every occasion using light scenes and adjust scenes according to your mood with only one touch.

Heating, Ventilation, and air conditioning

According to the time of the day, you can manage the temperature in your room. You can preheat your bathroom before taking a shower in the morning. You can save your energy cost by automatically deactivated heating when you are not at home. During a high temperature, control your ventilation or air conditioning remotely. This creates a comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Security

When you lock the door, this allows you to activate automatically your alarm. Inform you or the local police when recognizing suspicious movement at your door. When you are not at home, it can manage your alarm remotely and set up a routine to give the impression.

Door communication

You can see visitors at your doorstep with a door entry system before opening your door. Also, you can check your visitor on the entry system when the doorbell rings. There has a warm welcome for visitors when opening the door.

Visualization

With visualization tools, keep your smart house and energy usage up to date anywhere. You can get insights into your energy usage and customize your interface to your needs.

10 best products of KNX smart home

KNX offer variety of design option and unique range of products. This lets you create your own unique smart home that answers your requirements perfectly. KNX devices are generally connected by a twisted pair bus.

ZENNIO Z70

ZENNIO Z70 is a color capacitive touch panel with a 7” display. It is a built-in luminosity and proximity sensor. Also, it has an internal temperature probe, 4 analog-digital inputs, and a thermostat. It is easy to install using a standard double mounting box and has Ethernet and USB port for program update.

ZENNIO Z41 TOUCH PANEL

ZENNIO Z41 TOUCH PANEL is a KNX touchscreen with 6 pages of 8 functions. It is also available in silver, white and black colors. It can be installed in round European back boxes only. It can display timers, graphs and also offers a smartphone app with push notifications. Also, It integrated with a temperature controller.

ZENNIO Z35

ZENNIO Z35 is a KNX touch screen with 7 pages of six functions. Also, it available in silver, white, anthracite and gloss white color. But it can only be installed in round European back boxes. It is integrated with a temperature controller, luminosity sensor, and proximity.

ZENNIO TOUCH MY DESIGN ROOM CONTROLLER

It is a KNX capacitive touch room controller with a display and 8 buttons. It is available in black, white, or custom printed finish. Also, It can be installed in round European back boxes only and has 4 pages with 32 functions. It is also integrated with a temperature controller and LED backlight.

LITHOS KNX KEYPADS

LITHOS KNX KEYPADS is a KNX keypad with several buttons with an extensive range of finishes. It can be installed in round European back boxes only. It is also integrated with LED backlight and temperature sensors.

JUNG SMART CONTROLLER 5

JUNG SMART CONTROLLER 5 is the latest extension to the smart control series with a slim, compact design. It fits into a standard flush wall box. It also has a high-resolution touch display. Also, it is an integrated brightness sensor and proximity sensor to wake up and adjust the display. It is available in any size upon request.

JUNG F40 AND F50 ROOM CONTROLLERS

It is a KNX room temperature controller with a 2/4 button. It is also available in a wide range of finishes. Also, color or laser engravings are available through an online tool. It is integrated with temperature regulation.

ABB TACTEO KNX KEYPADS

ABB TACTEO KNX KEYPADS is a KNX capacitive touch keypad and room temperature controller. It is finished in black glass or white glass. It can be installed on EU or UK back boxes only. It comes with a different model for vertical and horizontal. Online configurator used to finish and labeling selected.

BASALTE ELLIE

It is an elegant touch-sensitive panel with a slim design and premium finish. It can be used to control climate, lights, music, and many around the house. Ellie blends in beautifully with any interior. It comes with a wide range of high-quality finishes. It also requires Basalte Core Mini or Basalte.

GIRA KNX KEYPAD WITH TEMPERATURE CONTROL

It is with a KNX keypad with 4 buttons with an extensive range of finishes. It can be installed in round European or square UK back boxes. It is integrated with the scene controller and temperature regulator. It is available in red, blue, or green LEDs with variable brightness for feedback and status.

How to start with KNX?

There are several options to start with KNX technology.

Find a certified professional

You want to find a certified professional for the setup of your KNX smart home. They will help you to plan your smart home and create routines in every room. There are many professionals worldwide. They will help you with installation and wiring with hardware and software.

Learn the basic of KNX technology yourself

It is better to learn yourself. You can connect with their online course and successfully finish your test. Then you can gain additional chances to get your first KNX software license.

You can purchase their ETS home edition

If you are already a KNX expert, the ETS home edition is the best solution for homeowners. It allows you to configure up to 64 smart home gadgets. It will also give complete ownership of your setup and data.

You can connect with the unlimited option with unique choices of products

You can simplify and automate your daily life with KNX. It can combine different kinds of home products.

How KNX smart home works?

It has a main central nervous system for all automation. It is called the KNX bus line. It also a green cable installed in addition to the conventional core supply. It can be installed during a new renovation project and a new building.

According to the KNX standard for building automation, all of the different technology components are connected via the main KNX bus line. The cable system can be managed by sensors, parameters, detectors, etc. It also can be easily controlled by end customers with a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. This bus is routed in equivalent to the electrical supply to all of the devices and systems on the linking network.

How KNX smart home control?

There are different options available to homeowners. A wall unit, a smartphone such as Gira G1, or you can use something like the Gira pushbutton sensor 4. And yeah! The smart home hub can link it all together between the bus system and the control device. Ii has an important component that links it all together such as the Gira Home Server.

Comparison of software package with KNX

This is the comparison of ETS lite, ETS inside, and ETS professional. It helps you to choose which software package is the best for you.

Price and Color comparison of KNX Smart Home Product?

KNX smart home system is the best option. Because it has the future-proof solution for cutting edge houses. It is the globally accepted standard for wired building technology. It offers the best guarantees in terms of future flexibility and compatibility. Their networks are very robust offer exceptional performance. It also can install in virtually any single-family home or apartment to a big complex with multiple talents. It can be used to take your functionality outdoors. For instance, you can use it to automate your garden.

However, building a KNX system is expensive to already built houses. Hence, new ducts and cables need to be replacing in the wall to every light point, wall switch, sensors, or outlet. It is also inflexible. You want new wiring for relocated or new devices.

Which one should I choose: KNX or wireless?

It depends on what you need, also your living situation. Both systems have their advantages. if you want to build or renovating a home for long-term use, KNX smart home is the best option. It can be customized to your wants and needs. It built using an international standard. Meanwhile, your house will probably be larger; appropriate with a Gira Home Server confirms that you have full command of your home at every time.