Answers for infrastructure and cities.

Manual for KNX sensors

1

Optimum control requires accurate measurements

A control operation is only as good as the measuring accuracy of the sensors which detect the control variable (temperature, humidity, pressure, etc.) and transmit it to the controller as an actual value. While this process hasn’t changed, the measuring technology and methods for mounting sensors are more cutting-edge than ever before.

Legal regulations increasingly appeal for the economic use of energy. At the same time, the indoor climate must meet stringent requirements. Both requirements can be fully met only if all necessary measured data are available and the sensors remain absolutely reliable year after year. Sensors thus form a key basis for optimizing energy efficiency in rooms.

Professional and high-quality products are needed to meet this goal – along with a few practical basic rules.

This manual was written by practitioners for practitioners and has become a popular and indispensable reference book over the last few years.

2

Future-proof building control

Everything you need for a good working climate

Working concentrated while saving energy – products from Siemens improve the atmosphere in rooms and facilitate more economical operations.

The result: perfectly temperature-controlled and air-conditioned rooms with good lighting and reduced energy consumption.

Highlights ■ Saves up to 30 percent energy with individual room control and energy saving functions

■ Protects investments on the basis of reliable products and the ability to add third-party devices via KNX

■ Easy commissioning and adaptation to changes in use due to tested applications

■ Extremely environmentally friendly due to energy-independent variants with EnOcean technology

3

Contents

Legend

Not suitable for mounting

Most suitable for mounting

Check influencing factors when mounting

4

Mounting guidelines for sensors

• Outdoor temperature sensors• Motion detectors• Presence detectors (incl. brightness sensors)• Room sensors for temperature, humidity and air quality• Outdoor brightness sensors• Wind sensors• Door/window contacts• Weather stations/sensors (sun, wind, rain)

5

2.5m

N

Outdoor temperature sensors

Mounting guidelines for outdoor temperature sensors ■ Do not expose to direct sunlight ■ Do not mount on facades with a great deal of ascending heat ■ Do not attach to walls in front of a chimney ■ Do not mount on eaves or a balcony ■ Do not place over windows ■ Do no mount over ventilation shafts ■ Do not paint over sensors ■ Mount sensors in an accessible location (so they can be checked)

Depending on the application, place outdoor temperature sensors as follows:

For control

The sensors should be mounted on the outer walls with the windows of the main living areas. However, they should not be exposed to morning sunlight. In case of doubt, you can mount these sensors on the north or northwest wall.

For optimization

Always attach the sensors to the coldest wall of the building (normally on the north side). They should not be exposed to morning sunlight. The sensors are best placed in the middle of the building or in the heating zone but at least 2.5 meters above the ground.

6

Motion detectors

Mounting guidelines for motion detectors in a room ■ Do not expose motion detectors to direct sunlight ■ Make sure that the sensors cannot be affected by air turbulences, e.g., do not install them near fan heaters

■ Fluorescent and incandescent lamps in the detection zone must be placed at least 1 ‒ 3 meters away from the sensor

■ Mount the motion detector laterally to the direction of walking

Mounting guidelines for motion detectors on a building ■ Do not expose motion detectors to direct sunlight ■ Avoid potential sources of interference, such as nearby hot air flows; mount below and not above a luminaire

■ Make sure that there are no shrubs or trees in the detection zone of the motion detector

■ Do not mount on moving supports such as poles

7

Presence detectors (incl. brightness sensors)

Mounting guidelines for presence detectors ■ Make sure that the workplace is right in the detection zone of the presence detector – without any obstacles such as shelves, plants, glass walls, etc. blocking the detector

■ Keep in mind that moving machines, plants and animals in the detection zone will be interpreted as movement

■ Avoid sources of rapid changes in temperature or light, such as fans, incandescent or halogen lamps; air flows and light in the detection zone simulate movement

■ Mount at least 50 cm away from cables and radiators

Mounting guidelines for presence detectors with brightness sensors

■ Avoid light sources that switch on or off, such as TVs, in the detection zone; they simulate movement

■ Avoid light sources with a high infrared component; they distort the daylight measurement

■ Make sure that the brightness sensor measures only indirect, reflected light; direct sunlight distorts the measurement results

■ Avoid shiny surfaces that are highly reflective ■ Keep in mind that thermal protection glass can influence the daylight measurement; the tripping value will be lower

8

Room sensors for temperature, humidity and air quality

Mounting guidelines for room sensors ■ Mount room sensors in the living area at a height of approx.1.5 meters and a distance of at least 50 cm from the nearest wall

■ Do not expose to direct sunlight ■ Do not mount on external walls ■ Do not place in alcoves or on shelves ■ Avoid placing near lamps or fans ■ Avoid walls in front of radiators ■ Do not mount in the immediate vicinity of doors ■ Do not cover with curtains

To ensure accurate readings, it is a good idea to keep the following in mind during installation:

Clearances between the cable (4) or plastic hose and the installation pipe (5) need to be sealed. Otherwise, inefficient air circulation will occur, causing mea-suring errors.

When mounting on massive walls (1) made of steel, concrete, etc., you need to place thermal insulation (2) between the room sensor (3) and the wall.

4

5

2

13

9

Outdoor brightness sensors

Mounting guidelines for outdoor brightness sensors ■ When selecting the mounting site, consider the part of the building (heating zone) for which the outdoor brightness sensor is to detect the incident sunlight; attach the sensor to the wall that contains the windows of the rooms to be affected

■ Mount sensors in an accessible location (so they can be checked)

■ Avoid shade due to trees, neighboring houses, etc. ■ Never paint over sensors ■ Mount the sensor at least 3 m from the ground ■ Mount the sensor at least 0.3 m from the window

10

Main wind direction

Wind sensors

Mounting guidelines for wind sensors ■ Mount on the facade with the main wind direction ■ Select a site on the building where the sensor can detect the wind unhindered

■ Mount sensors in an accessible location (so they can be checked)

■ Do not mount under eaves or balconies ■ Do not place in alcoves ■ Consider interference factors such as trees, shrubs and snow ■ Best mounted on a pole ■ Mount the sensor at least 60 cm from interference factors

11

Door/window contacts

Mounting guidelines for door/window contacts ■ Mount on the upper edge of the door or window to reliably detect and signal the reading even when the window is tilted open

■ Attach the door/window contact to the stationary door/ window frame and mount the magnet on the moving door panel or window casement

■ Make sure that the mounting plate and magnet are located in close vertical alignment – with a gap of at least 3 mm, but no more than 10 mm!

12

Weather stations/sensors (sun, wind, rain)

Mounting guidelines for the weather stations/sensors ■ Mount in a location where wind, rain and sunlight can be measured unhindered

■ Mount sensor in an accessible location (so it can be checked) ■ Do not mount under eaves or balconies ■ Avoid shade from trees or neighboring houses ■ Consider interference factors such as trees, shrubs and snow ■ Avoid interference factors 60 cm below the flow monitor ■ Make sure that water dripping from balconies does not land on the rain sensor and distort the measurement

The weather panels must be mounted on a pole or a vertical, south-facing wall.

Pole mounting (recommended)

Attach the bracket with the curved side facing the pole and the crosspiece facing down.

Wall mounting

Attach the bracket vertically with the flat side facing the wall and the half-moon crosspiece facing up. GPS reception

Keep in mind that magnetic fields, transmitters and interfer-ence fields of electrical consumers, e.g., fluorescent lamps/signs and power supply units can impair the reception of GPS signals.

GPS

13

Bus systems

• Open communication standards• KNX – description, highlights and system data• DALI – description, highlights and system data• EnOcean – description, highlights and system data

14

Open communication standards

In building control, open communication is important. It allows easy and secure integration of third-party systems on all levels.

Support for multiple open standards ensures communication and facilitates efficient engineering. It also makes system maintenance and interoperability easier, thereby providing greater investment protection.

Siemens therefore supports different communication protocols in building automation – without limiting this to proprietary protocols or a single standard.

As a result, a wide range of communicating devices can be used. They form the basis for energy-efficient room and building automation.

Additional information can be found at:www.siemens.com/gamma

Highlights ■ Easy and secure integration ■ Easy data exchange between systems and their field devices ■ Comfortable and universal operation ■ Long-term investment protection through further development of standards

■ Basis for energy-efficient rooms and buildings

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KNX

The KNX technology allows flexible implementation of both complex cross-discipline as well as simple solutions in room and building automation according to individual requirements.

KNX products for controlling lighting, shading and room climate as well as for energy management and security functions are characterized by easy installation and commissioning.

The vendor-independent ETS Tool is used for commissioning.

KNX is an international standard complying with the European Norm EN 50090, ISO/IEC 14543 and the Chinese standard (GB/Z 20965).

Additional information can be found at: www.knx.org

Highlights ■ Harmonized products and systems for cross-discipline building and room automation

■ Easy integration into higher-level building management systems on the basis of the open communication standard

■ Uniform commissioning, due to the use of vendor- and product-independent commissioning software (ETS)

■ A well-known system that is widely used in building control with guaranteed interoperability

■ Corresponds to the previous European Installation Bus (EIB) and is backward compatible

The world- wide standard for home and building control

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System data

Bus connection

Cable type YCYM 2 × 2 × 0.8 mm2

one wire pair (red, black) for signal transmission and power supply, one wire pair (yellow, white) for additional applications (SELV or voice)

Cable lengths

Total length of one line (wire diameter: 0.8 mm)

max. 1,000 m (including all branches)

Length between two bus devices

max. 700 m

Length between a bus device and the power supply (320 mA)/choke

max. 350 m

Length between power supply (320 mA) and choke

mounted side by side

Bus devices

Number of areas max. 15

Number of lines per area max. 15

Number of bus devices per line

max. 64

Topology linear, star or tree structure

Power supply

System voltage DC 24 V (safety extra-low voltage ‒ SELV)

Power supply per line one power supply (160, 320 or 640 mA)

Transmission

Transmission technology decentralized, event-controlled, serial,

symmetrical

Baud rate 9,600 bit/s

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Device properties

Protection class acc. to EN 60529

IP20

Safety measure Bus: safety extra-low voltage SELV DC 24 V

Overvoltage category III

Rated insulation voltage Ui

250 V

Pollution degree 2

EMC requirements complies with EN 50081 1 and prEN 50082 2 (severity grade 3), prEN 50090 2 2, KNX/EIB manual

Resistance to climate changes

prEN 50090 2 2, KNX/EIB manual

Conditions for use

Application for fixed installation indoor for dry rooms for installation in power distributors

Ambient temperature during operation

-5 °C to +45 °C

Humidity during operation

max. 93%

Storage temperature -40 °C to +55 °C

Humidity during storage max. 93%

Certification KNX/EIB-certified

CE certification acc. to EMC directive (residential and commercial buildings), low-voltage directive

System data

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DALI

DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a standardized interface for lighting control.

Electronic ballasts, transformers and sensors in a lighting system communicate with the building automation system via DALI.

Additional information can be found at: www.dali-ag.org

Highlights ■ High installation capacity and system flexibility due to support for up to 64 ballasts, 16 groups and 16 scenes

■ Increased reliability due to bidirectional communication with feedback of the operating device status (dimming level, lamp errors, etc.)

■ Polarity-free, two-wire cable in linear, star or mixed topologies with a maximum cable length of 300 m

■ Emergency lighting integrated into general lighting systems

Source: DALI/DIM Technische Fibel, OSRAM, 2009

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System data

Bus connection

Cable type NYM 5 x 1.5 mm2 for mains power input and DALI, excluding the polarity. Ballast and control device can be operated at different line voltage phases.

Cable lengths

The length of the con-trol line is limited only by the voltage drop

Maximum voltage drop on the cable is 2 V at 250 mA. The maximum total cable length between the control unit and the connected ballasts is 300 m.

Cable cross-section A is calculated from the following formula:

A = L x I x 0.018

L = Cable length (m)I = Max. current of the supply voltage (A)0.018 = Spec. resistance of the copper

Bus devices

Possible addresses max. 64

Possible groups max. 16

Number of bus devices per line

max. 64

Number of possible scenes per ballast

Up to 16 light values (scenes) per ballast can be stored, regardless of any group assignments that may be programmed.

Topology Parallel, star-shaped wiring, excluding possible groups.

Ring-shaped wiring is not permitted.

Terminating resistors are not needed.

Status messages of DALI operating devices

On/off, dimmer setting, length of operation, lamp error

Control input Galvanically isolated from the line voltage (potential-free); all bus devices operate on different phase conductors.

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Power supply

System voltage DC V DALI bus voltage: approx. DC 16 V, potential- free, short-circuit-proof, where 0 V can range from -4.5 V to +4.5 V, and 16 V is in the range of 9.5 V to 22.5 V.

Acc. to DIN VDE 0100, Part 520, Section 528.11, main circuits and associated auxiliary circuits can be laid together, even if the auxiliary circuits conduct a lower voltage than the main circuits.

Maximum system current

Maximum current of the central interface supply is around 250 mA.

Each connected device can consume a maximum of 2 mA.

Power supply No dedicated power supply is needed.

Transmission

Transmission technology serial, asynchronous

Baud rate 1,200 bit/s

Device properties

Protection class EN 60529 (DIN VDE 0470 -1) and DIN EN 50102

Safety measures Basic insulation required according to IEC 60 928; safety extra-low voltage (SELV) is intentionally not used in order to permit cost-effective installation

EMC requirements EN 50081/VDE 0839-81 and EN 50082/VDE 0839-82

Ballast standards Safety (EN 61347)

Functionality (EN 60929)

Line current harmonics (EN 61000- 3 -2)

Radio interference suppression from 9 kHz to 300 MHz (EN 55015: 2006 + A1:2007)/CDN measurement

Immunity (EN 61547)

Conditions for use

Ambient temperature for reliable lamp ignition

From -20 °C (preheating of both lamp filaments)

Permissible temperature range for reliable lamp operation

-20 °C to +75 °C

System data

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EnOcean

Leading global companies in the building industry formed the EnOcean Alliance to implement innovative wireless solutions for sustainable building projects.

The core technology is EnOcean’s battery-free wireless technol-ogy for maintenance-free sensor solutions that can be flexibly positioned. The EnOcean Alliance promotes the further de-velopment of the interoperable standard as well as the future viability of innovative wireless sensor technology.

Additional information can be found at: www.enocean-alliance.org

Highlights ■ EnOcean combines wireless communication with power generation methods

■ Access to a large number of easy-to-integrate field devices, due to standardized EnOcean communications

■ Environmentally friendly because no batteries need to be disposed of and radiant energy is low (less than with wired sensors)

■ Maintenance-free ■ Short installation times ■ Reduces fire load

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System data

Bus connection

Radio frequency 315 MHz; 868 MHz and 902 MHz

Ranges

… dependent on the nature of the building

Up to 300 m (outdoors) and 30 m in a building ( see page 33)

Bus devices

Number of transmitters/transmit protocols

500/minute (99.9% transmission probability)

Telegram duration 0.6 ms

Topology Routing or direct communication between sensor/actuator

Power supply

System voltage Battery-free, maintenance-free wireless modules (sensor/actuator), and variants of line-connected actuators, repeaters and gateways

Transmission

Transmission technology Bidirectional and unidirectional possible, serial

Baud rate 125,000 bits/s

Device properties

Standby current demand 0.08 µA

Protection class Device-dependent

Safety measures Device-dependent

Coexistence with other wireless systems

No interference with DECT, WLAN and PMR systems, etc.; system design verified in industrial environment

Conditions for use

Permissible temperature range

-25 °C to +85 °C (wireless module)

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Commissioning assistant

• Commissioning a KNX/Ethernet system (LAN)• Commissioning a KNX/Ethernet system (WLAN)• Coupling KNX lines via Ethernet (LAN)• Remote access to KNX via the Internet (DSL)• KNX visualization via Ethernet (LAN)• Monitoring properties with KNX via Ethernet (LAN)• Using DALI luminaires with easy KNX commissioning• Wireless remote control (KNX/EnOcean)• Range planning for EnOcean wireless systems

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Commissioning a KNX/Ethernet system (LAN)

In GAMMA instabus projects, the devices are commissioned after installation. Once the physical addresses have been assigned, application programs, parameters and addresses are loaded to the devices. This can take some time, particularly in large projects with many devices.

The LAN connection from Siemens makes it all go much faster, saving you time and money. Just connect your notebook to the GAMMA instabus via the IP interface and start the download. With a LAN connection, the download takes only half as long as it does with USB.

Benefits ■ Convenient planning, configuration, commissioning and diagnosis with ETS (Version 3 or later)

■ Simply connect your notebook and start the download ■ The download is twice as fast, which substantially shortens the commissioning time

Follow these steps ■ Connect the IP interface to the KNX bus ■ Connect the notebook to the IP interface using the Ethernet crossover cable

■ Start the download

You will need ■ An IP interface, with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), if necessary

■ Ethernet crossover cable ■ LAN-enabled notebook ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

KNX device

LAN-enabled notebook

KNX device

IP interface

KNX device

LAN (Ethernet cross. cable) KNX

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Commissioning a KNX/Ethernet system (WLAN)

In GAMMA instabus projects, the devices are commissioned after installation. First, the physical addresses must be as-signed. To do this, select the device in ETS on the notebook and press the programming key on the device. If you have various devices at different places such as flush-mounted bus coupling units, this can require intensive walkways. That’s the reason why two people usually perform the commissioning.

You can save yourself this extra work by connecting your notebook wirelessly to the KNX bus via WLAN. This lets you move about freely during commissioning ‒ just take your notebook with you to each room.

Benefits ■ Wireless planning, configuration and diagnosis with ETS (Version 3 or later)

■ Convenient commissioning via WLAN ■ Only one person is needed to commission the system

Follow these steps ■ Connect the IP interface to the KNX bus ■ Connect the WLAN router to the IP interface using the Ethernet cable

■ Take the notebook along to the individual rooms and commission the devices with ETS

You will need ■ An IP interface with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet, if necessary

■ WLAN router ■ WLAN-enabled notebook ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

KNX deviceNotebook WLAN-enabled

WLAN router

KNX device

KNX device

WLAN (wireless)

LAN (Ethernet cable)

IP interface

KNX

26

Coupling KNX lines via Ethernet (LAN)

The new KNXnet/IP standard enables KNX telegrams to be transmitted via Ethernet (LAN), which leads to new appli-cations and solutions.

Existing network infrastructure and technologies are used to transmit KNX data over longer distances.

Connections between buildings and between floors can be clearly and easily implemented with KNXnet/IP.

Benefits ■ LAN as the main and backbone line ■ Data can be transmitted over longer distances ■ Existing data network and components (LAN) can be used

Follow these steps ■ Connect each KNX line with one IP router (instead of a line coupler)

■ Connect the IP router via a multicast-enabled LAN ■ Commission each IP router just like a “conventional” line/backbone coupler using ETS (Version 3 or later)

You will need ■ IP router, 1x per line, with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet, if necessary

■ Ethernet patch cable or LAN, depending on the size ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

KNX device

KNX device

KNX device

LAN (multicast-enabled)

IP routerIP router

KNX KNX

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Remote access to KNX via the Internet (DSL)

During the course of completing a building project or after the building goes into operation, changes, such as the light-ing times, are often requested. Up to now this meant making an appointment with the customer, driving to the property, changing the parameter settings, driving back again.

Now you can make these changes immediately and very com-fortably from your office. A LAN/Internet connection lets you easily parameterize the installation remotely. Most buildings already have a LAN and Internet connection. Since access is from outside the building, a VPN DSL router or dial-up router must be used to ensure data security.

Benefits ■ Change parameters quickly ■ Save driving time and costs ■ High data security ■ Flexibility boosts your image in the customer’s eyes

Follow these steps ■ Connect the IP interface to the KNX bus ■ Connect the IP interface to the LAN ■ Configure the VPN DSL router or dial-up router

You will need ■ An IP interface, with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet, if necessary

■ VPN DSL router or ISDN/analog dial-up router ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

DSL router with VPN or ISDN/analog dial-up router

Internet (via VPN connection or dial-up modem)KNX device

KNX device

KNX device

IP interface

DSL router or modem

KNX LAN

LAN

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KNX visualization via Ethernet (LAN)

When retrieving large numbers of data points cyclically for visualization in large projects, it can take a long time to update the values.

Use your LAN as the main and backbone line and connect your PC for visualization to the LAN. This makes visualization up to 200 times faster ‒ and you can monitor larger numbers of data points. You no longer need any data concentrators, and the data volume is also no longer important.

Remote visualization serves best for managing multiple prop-erties at the same time and checking parameters as cooling temperature, fan failure or temperature and humidity.

Follow these steps ■ Connect one IP interface to KNX for each property ■ Connect the IP interface to the LAN ■ Configure the IP interface via the Internet/intranet for accessibility

■ Define the IP interface in the visualization or ETS software

You will need ■ IP interface, 1x per property, with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet, if necessary

■ IPAS ComBridge Studio visualization software ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

KNX device

KNX device

KNX device

LAN-enabled PC with visualization

IP routerIP router

LAN (multicast-enabled)

KNX KNX

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Monitoring properties with KNX via Ethernet (LAN)

Some distributed properties need to be checked regularly for certain conditions and maintained accordingly. Such checks include the fill levels of oil tanks in distributed apartment buildings or the operating hours of electrical consumers.

These states can now be reported centrally to any location, eliminating the need for cyclical inspection walkthroughs. Instead, maintenance is carried out precisely when needed, e.g., refilling the oil tanks. You can even select the best time to do this, for example, when oil prices are lowest.

Benefits ■ Central status messages for distributed properties ■ Less maintenance required ■ Optimization of maintenance costs

Follow these steps

■ Connect one IP interface to KNX for each property ■ Connect the IP interface to the LAN ■ Configure the IP interface via the Internet for accessibility ■ Define the IP interface in the visualization software

You will need

■ IP interface, 1x per property, with an additional power supply or Power-over-Ethernet, if necessary

■ IPAS ComBridge Studio visualization software ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

Internet VPN connection or intranet/LAN

KNX device

KNX device

KNX device

Property 1IP interface

Property 2IP interface

Property 3IP interface

KNX

KNX

KNX

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Using DALI luminaires with easy KNX commissioning

Ballasts with a DALI interface are used in lighting controls, e.g., to report lamp failure. The switch/dimmer actuator now makes it possible to completely replace DALI devices with GAMMA instabus devices without any knowledge of DALI or DALI commissioning procedures.

The switch/dimmer actuator switches and dims eight indepen-dent groups of fluorescent lamps with dimmable ballasts and DALI interfaces. Up to eight DALI ballasts can be connected to each of the eight channels.

Benefits ■ Individual lighting control ■ Flexible luminosity from 0% to 100% ■ High operating safety due to targeted shutdown in the event of an error

■ Error messages for luminaire groups Follow these steps

■ Connect the switch/dimmer actuator to the KNX bus ■ Connect each group of DALI ballasts to be controlled jointly to one output of the switch/dimmer actuator

■ Configure each channel in ETS just as you would a conven-tional actuator and program the device

You will need ■ Switch/dimmer actuator or KNX/DALI gateway ■ Dimmable ballasts with DALI interfaces ■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

DALI-EVG

Up to 8 DALI ballasts per channel

Switch/dimmer actuator or KNX/DALI gateway

KNX

DALI

31

Wireless remote control (KNX/EnOcean)

In some areas of a building, cables are not wanted. In other cases, laying cables is too labor-intensive or not possible at all.

Maintenance-free switches and room devices based on the open EnOcean communication standard are the ideal solution for these applications.

Benefits ■ Battery-free and thus environmentally friendly and maintenance-free

■ Communication via open standard ■ Can be easily glued/screwed to any surfaces ■ Can be upgraded without new cables ■ Can be connected to GAMMA instabus: KNX via KNX/ EnOcean gateway

Follow these steps ■ Connect the KNX/EnOcean gateway to the KNX bus■ ■ Configure and program the KNX/EnOcean gateway in ETS ■ Program the EnOcean devices

You will need

■ KNX/EnOcean gateway ■ Further EnOcean devices, depending on the application – Lighting/sun protection applications: EnOcean wall trans-

mitter with energy generation at the press of a button – HVAC applications: room operator units with solar cells

■ ETS (Version 3 or later)

KNX device AP 222wall

trans-mitter

Room operator units QAX9x.y

KNX/EnOcean gateway

KNX device

KNX device

KNX

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Range planning for EnOcean wireless systems

Tip 1

The range is limited by wall materials that block free-field propagation (300 m):

■ Wood, plaster, uncoated glass, no metal 0 – 10% ■ Brick, press boards 5 – 35% ■ Ferro concrete 10 – 90%

Tx: Transmitter, Rx: Receiver

Tx Rx

Tip 2

An adequate range reserve ensures robust and reliable installa-tion in the building.

Recommendations based on practical experience: ■ > 30 m under excellent conditions: large free space, optimal antenna design and good antenna positions

■ Planning reliability with furnishings and people in the room, through up to 5 plasterboard drywalls or 2 brick/gas concrete walls: > 20 m for transmitter and receiver with good antenna design and good antenna positions> 10 m• for receivers built into a wall or corner of a room• for small receivers with internal antennas• if receivers are mounted on metal together with switches• if wire antennas are located near metal• in a narrow hallway

■ Vertical penetration of 1 ‒ 2 ceilings, depending on the reinforcement and antenna designs

33

Tip 3 ■ Important factors that reduce the radio range:– Metal partitions or hollow walls with fiberglass insulation

on metal foil– False ceilings with panels made of metal or carbon fiber– Steel furnishings or metal-coated glass– Switch mounted on a metal wall

(typically 30% loss in range)– Use of metallic switch plate series

(typically 30% loss in range) ■ Fire walls, elevator shafts, stairwells and supply areas should be regarded as barriers.

■ Barriers can be removed from the radio shadow by repositioning the transmitting and/or receiving antenna – or by using a repeater.

Tip 4

Based on experience with practical applications, unfavorable conditions and all typical shortcomings must be planned for. Planning a range radius of 10 ‒ 12 m provides adequate safety – even if common changes to the ambient conditions are made later on (lightweight walls, furnishings, people in the room, etc.) Due to the reserve, one meter more or less hardly matters when it comes to positioning the gateway as well as during later execution.

34

Tip 5

An extremely robust wireless system can be created by implementing a redundant radio reception path. This can be achieved by programming two adjacent wireless gateways for parallel reception of a wireless transmitter.

Tip 6

Even with careful planning, range tests using a field strength test instrument should be carried out on site during installation. Unfavorable conditions can be improved by suitably repositioning the device (antennas) or by using a repeater.

Source:EnOcean, Application Note A001 http://www.enocean.com/de/application-notes/

35

Glossary

Definitions and explanations of certain technical terms used in the previous chapters

36

DALI DALI stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. DALI is a digital interface that is integrated into the ballasts of luminaires and permits flexible wiring and commissioning. In addition to switching and dimming functions, it also detects and transmits lamp failures.

www.dali-ag.org

DEC Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunica-tions (DECT) is a standard for wireless data transmission.

EMC Electromagnetic compatibility

EnOcean The EnOcean Alliance was formed by leading companies in the building automation industry with the goal of implementing innovative wireless solutions for sustainable building automation projects.

ETS The Engineering Tool Software (ETS) is a vendor-independent commissioning software for all KNX devices.

Interopera-bility

The ability of independent, heterogeneous systems to work seamlessly together in order to efficiently exchange useable information or make it available to the user without the systems having to negotiate the transfer separately.

IP Internet Protocol

37

KNX Association

The KNX Association is an amalgamation of over 300 companies in 34 countries who have agreed on a standard technology known as KNX for exchanging telegrams between sensors and actuators within building automation systems. The Engineering Tool Software (ETS) is a vendor-independent commissioning software for KNX devices.

www.knx.org

KNXnet/IP KNX bus communication via the Internet Protocol

LAN LAN is the abbreviation for Local Area Network. Data transfers on LANs is organized by IP (Internet Protocol) – the standard network protocol on the Internet.

PMR Private Mobile Radio is a radio application for the layperson. It is assigned the UHF ultra-high frequency band (446.000 – 446.100 MHz).

PoE Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) refers to a method for supplying power to network-enabled devices over the 8-wire Ethernet cable.

SELV Safety extra-low voltage

VPN VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are used to set up a secure subnetwork over an open, unprotected network (Internet, radio network), in which the communication is protected against monitoring and access by external users. This is done by “tunneling” the data traffic over a VPN server, where the connections must be authenticated during setup, and by simultaneously encrypting the data.

WLAN Wireless Local Area Network, e.g. a local radio network.

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www.siemens.com/gamma

Siemens Switzerland Ltd Infrastructure & Cities Sector Building Technologies Division International Headquarters Gubelstrasse 22 6301 Zug Switzerland Tel +41 41 724 24 24

The information in this document contains general descriptions of technical options available, which do not always have to be present in individual cases. The required features should therefore be specified in each individual case at the time of closing the contract.

© Siemens Switzerland Ltd, 2013

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