The design of a CBus system is normally completed by a certified CBus integrator usually following a site visit. They will run through all aspects of the project with you making a list of your requirements and then put together a specification for the units you will require.
It is always advisable to go this route as you will avoid pitfalls like purchasing the wrong equipment or being unable to utilise the full functionality of the CBus system, some of which can be quite techinical.
If you have decided to install and program the system yourself, there are a number points to consider when putting a specification together. However, the first step is to download a copy of the product guide from our downloads page as it contains a lot of information you will need.
Switching Circuits – Make a list of all of the switching circuits you will want to control via CBus. Each one will require a relay channel. CBus relays are available in 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 channel versions.
Dimming Circuits– Likewise, do the same with all of the dimming circuits. CBus dimmers are available in 4 and 8 channel versions but also in several variations for leading/trailing edge dimming, DALI, DSI, and analogue 0-10V.
Switches & Boxes – Make a list of all of the wall switches you will require for your system. Please note that all ‘Australian’ style switches (rectangular) will require a CBus back box to mount into. All ‘UK style switches (square) can use a standard UK size back box.
Programming – Make sure you have a unit in your system specification that you can use as a computer network interface for programming. There are a number available with RS232, USB, and Ethernet connections. Alternatively, if you are including a Wiser Home Controller on your system then you can also use this for programming wirelessly.
Wireless – If you wish to have the ability to control your CBus system wirelessly via a smart phone or tablet app, then you will need a Wiser Home Controller. This provides the wireless control functionality and also the ability to control the system remotely through your internet connection.
PIRs & Sensors – Make a list of any PIR’s, light level sensors, etc that you would like on your system and their mounting points on the project. These can be used as triggers for security systems, lighting scenes, etc.
Temperature – Internal and external temperature sensors are available as part of the CBus product range. One popular use for these is to display the current ambient temperature on the EDLT wall switch.
Cable – Allow enough CAT5 cable to sufficiently wire your premesis including to all of the switch and sensor points you have already listed. You need to use the CBus pink CAT5 cable to do this.
Accessories – There are a number of accessories in the CBus range which you may wish to consider as part of your system. These are all listed in the CBus product guide.
Considerations
Power – Please read our How do I calculate CBus power requirements? page for more information.
Network Considerations – Please read our CBus Network Design Considerations guide.
Enclosures – Most CBus system units are DIN rail mounted and need to be housed in an appropriate enclosure. Please see our DIN Rail Enclosures page for more information.
Expansion – It is best practice to allow a few spare relay and dimmer channels for future expansion.
Circuit Protection – Best practice dictates that each dimmer channel be protected by individual 1A or 2A MCB (depending on the dimmer version). The input feed to relays and dimmers comes from your electrical consumer unit which should be protected with a 10A MCB. This will prevent circuit overloads damaging these CBus units.
This brief overview to the system specification process is by no means comprehensive and if you are in doubt you should always consult a certified CBus integrator. If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call on 02380 003320 to discuss.
