Technology has advanced to Star Trek levels, and some enterprising builders are offering home automation systems to technology-inclined buyers. These systems can monitor who's at the front door over the television set, buy electricity from the cheapest source, or turn the coffee pot on via the Internet.
Home automation systems can control a home's systems (e.g. sensors, wiring, appliances) from a single control center. The control center is the point where, similar to an electric service panel, communication lines are brought inside and from which they are distributed to the rest of the home. Unlike electrical wiring, however, each multimedia outlet has dedicated cables that run from the central hub to the outlet and back again. The cables, multimedia outlets, and control center that make up the framework of a home automation system are referred to as structured wiring. Wireless (radio frequency) systems are on the horizon that do not require this type of structured wiring.
Available systems offer varying degrees of functionality and interconnection of home systems such as lights, appliances, computer networks, TVs, VCRs, and digital satellite connections. Interconnection of home systems allow a variety of systems control including in-home local area networks, TV monitoring of security or baby room cameras, and programmable control of devices such as lights and appliances. Home automation systems can save energy by turning off appliances when they are not needed, programming appliances so that two don't run simultaneously (if, for example, customers are charged a demand rate for electricity), setting back thermostats at night or when no one is home, or shopping for the best real-time electric prices. Automation systems add value to security networks by allowing security camera images to be viewed on a television monitor.
Instead of using conventional wiring, home automation systems rely on new cabling that facilitates fast, high-quality electronic communication. Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cable is the best option for telephone and computer networking because it is fast and offers less interference than standard telephone wire. RG-6 quad-shielded coaxial cable can deliver clear signals from digital satellite or high-definition television transmitters.
The special multimedia outlets used in structured wiring are standard-size receptacles that can accommodate multiple jacks for telephone and coaxial cable, plus binding posts for remote audio transmission.
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If advanced systems are used to control the home environment, energy savings can result.
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Home automation systems are fairly expensive and are currently geared toward high-end homes. Wireless systems are expected to reduce costs, but may not be as reliable. The systems are not entirely new, but the market has been slow to accept systems due to misconceptions about system capabilities. In addition, kinks, splices, and excessive twisting can reduce the capability of Category 5 wiring.
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The Home Phone Network Alliance (HomePNA) is developing a phone line network standard. CEBus is setting the industry standard for home automation systems. All components of a structured wiring system should be UL listed.
Wireless communication standards are being developed by groups such as Bluetooth Organization and HomeRF Working Group. Wireless systems may require an Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and frequency-band assignment. Energy management systems may need the approval of the state public utility commission.
Section 800-10(c) of the National Electric Code gives provisions for grounding wiring systems for power and communication, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394 covers the transport of data.
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Most commercially available systems are installed by manufacturer-certified installers. Some electricians are qualified to wire a home with Category 5 and RG-6 cables, but these low-voltage systems require special skills from a qualified installer. Some proprietary whole-house automation systems can only be installed by a manufacturer-certified installer.
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A home equipped with information age wiring can have very high speed internet connections and an advanced energy management system designed to reduce unnecessary energy consumption and energy charges.
Costs for running structured wiring in an existing home will be about $1000 to $3000, or between $600 and $2000 for new homes, not including the cost of a central controller. Wireless systems are expected to cost between $100 and $150 per connected device. Additional costs for the central controller, programming and set-up may be incurred. Most complete home automation systems on the market run about $3500.
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