Advances in technology and the availability of increasingly sophisticated appliances at affordable prices means homes contain more electrical equipment than ever before. And that's just the start. With Internet availability, the increase in home working, and the changing roles of homes, the need for a system that can support these technologies is becoming essential and the likelihood is that multi-functioning 'smart homes' will exist in the next few years.
The basic structure of the multi-functioning domicile brings local area networks traditionally used in commercial environments to the home. Several companies are beginning to offer solutions which link the various technologies contained in a house through a single system.
Ortronics introduced InHouse last year (EMC, Nov 2000, page 54) and ITT Industries Network Systems and Services launched DiLAN on 1 February this year. ITT Industries' business manager John McLaren says DiLAN (domestic integrated local area network): "allows the creation of a flexible home – by moving away from the traditional purposes of rooms they can be swapped over later, for example from a bedroom to a living-room." And this is made possible through the electrical installation.
DiLAN is supported by a common twisted pair structured cabling system, which is installed throughout the house and linked between a centrally located control cabinet and the socket outlets in each room, of which there will typically be 40-50 in a three-bedroom house. Cat 5 or 5e cabling is used for the system, chosen for its size, cost, ease of installation and suitability to the demands of the domestic market. "Cat 6 and 7 are too high spec for the domestic market," states McLaren.
Telephones, audio, data, television and security are all controlled from this central system. There is no need for additional cabling or specialised engineering for telephones, with sockets installed throughout the house, a plug and play environment is ensured.
The DiLAN system will provide support for up to eight televisions and integration and remote control of up to five set-top boxes such as a DVD player. The security system is integrated into the televisions so that occupants are immediately alerted to any movement outside the home; six cameras can be supported.
One of the key issues is the lifetime expectancy of systems: an office lan network would only be expected to last around 5-7 years; in a home, this system would be required to last around 20 years before any major rewiring was carried out. ITT claims a 15-20 year lifespan for its systems and the cabling itself has a 25 year guarantee.
RW Data offers a similar system with HomeCabling. Again, fax, telephone, Internet, tv, security cameras and access control are all controlled by a single networked system. The system can be adjusted to supply different needs and sizes of house.
The telephone system uses an eight-port distribution panel, with extensions being capable of being routed to 16 locations. Video, satellite and terrestrial television can be distributed around the home by a six or eight-way Labgear amp and it is also possible to connect a security camera into this system.
Both systems are aimed primarily at the new-build market. A refurbishment would only be practical when a full rewiring of the premises was needed. It would also be much more expensive to retrofit due to the labour costs involved.
The first DiLAN installation is currently being completed in a show house in Ashford, and ITT is discussing partnership agreements with several developers and house builders.
ITT is using preferred contractors for installation. To get onto this list, contractors must first complete a two-day accreditation course run by the company's distributor Pronet.
RW Data also has its own team of City & Guilds trained professionals but states that other electrical contractors may complete the installation. The company will provide a commissioning engineer to test the cabling on completion of the network.
The number of homes being installed with networked systems is set to rise considerably over a very short timescale. Any contractor ready to take up the challenge of smart homes can expect a surge of work.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
