The Clipsal CBus system is a microprocessor based wiring system used to control lighting and other electrical devices.
From ON/OFF control of a lighting circuit to analogue type control, such as dimming electronic fluorescent ballasts, CBus can control and automate virtually any type of electrical load.

C-Bus information is held within individual CBus units rather than one central point. This ensures optimum communications speed and reliability. To ensure fast and reliable operation, each device has its own built-in microprocessor, which can be individually programmed via a ‘point and click’ PC-based software, or via ‘Learn Mode’ which doesn’t require a PC.

While a computer is unnecessary for normal CBus operation, CBus PC-based control and management software is available and provides additional flexibility to clients requiring this type of control.

CBus is a proprietary communications protocol for home and building automation that can handle cable lengths up to 1000 metres using CAT5 cable.

It was created by the Clipsal Integrated Systems division for use with its brand of home automation and building lighting control system.

Unlike the more common X10 protocol which uses a signal imposed upon the AC power line, CBus uses a dedicated low-voltage cable or two-way wireless network to carry command and control signals. This improves the reliability of command transmission and makes CBus far more suitable for large commercial applications.

The CBus System can be used to control lighting and other electrical systems and products via remote control and can also be interfaced to security systems, audio/visual products, HVAC, and other third-party systems.

Clipsal CBus products can be used in many ways but to give you an idea of their scope and flexibility, here are some examples:

HOME THEATRE:
Dim the lights, close the curtains and start the movie all via a remote control.

WELCOME HOME:
Step out of your car and activate hallway, kitchen and family room lights, as well as heating or cooling and your favourite music.

MUSIC THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME:
Enjoy your favourite music anywhere in your home. Your kids can even plug in their MP3 players and listen to music in their rooms.

APPLIANCES:
Turn on the coffee machine from the bedroom with a remote control.

TIMERS, DIMMERS AND SENSORS:
Reduce your electricity costs by using dimmers and lights that turn off when you leave the room or as natural light levels change.

OUTDOOR WATERING AND LIGHTING:
Turn on spa or pool pumps, garden sprinklers and outside garden lights by remote control.

NIGHT-LIGHTS:
Create a nighttime scene that dims the lights to a low level to avoid glare or a night-light for children’s bedside lamps.

GOODBYE:
At the push of a button, you can turn off all the lights in the house and arm the alarm system.

With Clipsal’s new Wiser Home Controller, all of this control can now be done from effectively any device, anywhere in the world. The Wiser makes integrating technology in your home easy by providing seamless control of music, home cinema, air-conditioning, lighting, sprinkler systems, curtains and shutters, security systems… you name it.

You get the same look and feel for everything, anytime, anywhere; from a light switch, a touch screen, a home computer, or even from your flat screen TV, as you’re about to watch a movie. You can turn on your air-conditioner from your mobile phone on the way home, or check that everything is turned off over the Internet when you get to work.

The new CBus EDLT switch range adds a whole new dimension to the classic DLT unit. With the ability to have up to 16 function commands, you can eliminate the clutter associated with multiple wall switches, controlling an entire area from one stylish and colourful unit.

The enhanced Dynamic Labelling Technology (eDLT) switch builds on the success of the DLT switch, by enhancing it to a whole new level. Providing more colours, more control and more functionality, the eDLT offers a huge range of installer and user benefits and innovative design features, enabling it to display CBus system information, which was previously only achievable with touch screens.