This white paper is one of a series of thematic white papers covering various aspects of electrical installations in houses, flats and residential units. They are aimed at architects, designers, specification writers, decision makers and students. Over time, the electrical installation in our houses and apartments has changed. Originally there was a single lighting point in each room with a switch and a socket near the door. Then, over the years, more and more electrical appliances came onto the market and, pretty soon, the electrical installation became too small to accommodate them. Expansion with more lighting points, switches and sockets was necessary, followed by the possibilities of dimmer switches, time switches, automated stair lighting and motion detectors. Nevertheless, the basic structure of the traditional electrical installation remained the same, but with certain disadvantages. Flexibility is non-existent, and functionality is extremely impaired: two important aspects we need today and in the future. The functions required by a young couple employed outside the home and who have children will differ from those of an elderly person living alone. These days we are much less static in the home. Doing a different job often means moving to a different place so the electrical installation must have the flexibility to satisfy our changing needs. Today, opting for a modern electrical installation with an Integrated Home System (IHS) is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Our cars, televisions, telephones (especially smartphones) and heating systems are all already digitised to an advanced degree. It is therefore time to turn our attention to the buildings in which we live and spend most of our time. We have reached a pivotal point where the traditional electrical installation is at its end and the obvious choice is to replace it with a modern, contemporary installation with sufficient functionality and flexibility. We are at the dawn of a new era.

1. A MODERN RESIDENTIAL I
ECI Publication No Cu0253
Available from www.leonardo-energy.org
WHITE PAPER
MODERN RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION WITH AN
energy.org
HITE PAPER
NSTALLATION WITH AN IHS
Guy Kasier
February 2017

2. Publication No Cu0253
Issue Date: February 2017
Page i
Document Issue Control Sheet
Document Title: A modern residential installation with an IHS
Publication No: Cu0253
Issue: 01
Release: Public
Content provider(s) Guy Kasier
Author(s): Guy Kasier
Editorial and language review Carol Godfrey
Content review: Bruno Dewachter
Document History
Issue Date Purpose
1 February
2017
Initial public release
2
3
Disclaimer
While this publication has been prepared with care, European Copper Institute and other contributors provide
no warranty with regards to the content and shall not be liable for any direct, incidental or consequential
damages that may result from the use of the information or the data contained.
Copyright© European Copper Institute.
Reproduction is authorized providing the material is unabridged and the source is acknowledged.

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CONTENTS
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 1
2. A matter of perception ............................................................................................................................... 2
3. Choice or no choice? ................................................................................................................................... 3
4. What are the benefits? ............................................................................................................................... 3
5. IHS and energy consumption ...................................................................................................................... 4
5.1. The energy bill .................................................................................................................................................4
5.2. Direct feedback................................................................................................................................................4
5.3. Stand-alone energy meters .............................................................................................................................4
5.4. Direct feedback through the IHS .....................................................................................................................4
6. Making a choice.......................................................................................................................................... 5
6.1. Gather information..........................................................................................................................................5
6.2. Functionalities .................................................................................................................................................5
6.3. Contacting installers ........................................................................................................................................5
6.4. A standard or not?...........................................................................................................................................6
6.5. The IHS company .............................................................................................................................................6
7. Useful links ................................................................................................................................................. 7

4. Publication No Cu0253
Issue Date: February 2017
Page 1
1. INTRODUCTION
This white paper is one of a series of thematic white papers covering various aspects of electrical installations
in houses, flats and residential units. They are aimed at architects, designers, specification writers, decision
makers and students.
Over time, the electrical installation in our houses and apartments has changed. Originally there was a single
lighting point in each room with a switch and a socket near the door. Then, over the years, more and more
electrical appliances came onto the market and, pretty soon, the electrical installation became too small to
accommodate them. Expansion with more lighting points, switches and sockets was necessary, followed by the
possibilities of dimmer switches, time switches, automated stair lighting and motion detectors.
Nevertheless, the basic structure of the traditional electrical installation remained the same, but with certain
disadvantages. Flexibility is non-existent, and functionality is extremely impaired: two important aspects we
need today and in the future. The functions required by a young couple employed outside the home and who
have children will differ from those of an elderly person living alone. These days we are much less static in the
home. Doing a different job often means moving to a different place so the electrical installation must have
the flexibility to satisfy our changing needs.
Today, opting for a modern electrical installation with an Integrated Home System (IHS) is no longer a luxury
but a necessity. Our cars, televisions, telephones (especially smartphones) and heating systems are all already
digitised to an advanced degree. It is therefore time to turn our attention to the buildings in which we live and
spend most of our time. We have reached a pivotal point where the traditional electrical installation is at its
end and the obvious choice is to replace it with a modern, contemporary installation with sufficient
functionality and flexibility. We are at the dawn of a new era.

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Issue Date: February 2017
Page 2
2. A MATTER OF PERCEPTION
What’s the difference between your car and your home? Of course, you cannot live in your car, nor can you go
from point A to point B in your home. Today, you have much more integrated technology in your car than in
your home. Consider the windscreen wipers that turn on automatically as soon as it starts raining, or the
headlights that switch on automatically when it gets dark. And let’s not forget the overhead light that switches
on when you turn off the engine and turns itself off when you get out the car and lock the door with the
remote.
The car also has an on-board computer that provides you with all types of information: current and average
consumption, number of kilometres we can drive until it is time to refuel, etc. We must also mention the cruise
control, the electric windows and sliding doors, the sat-nav to help us find our way, the audio installation, the
climate control and all the other things we love and no longer want to do without. They make driving safer,
more comfortable and more economical.
Figure 1: A flexible and functional IHS installation brings the technology in the
home to the same technical level as the car. (Photo source: Fotolia)
There are also a few other examples of our love affair with all things digital. We are witnessing the end of
analogue television. With our set-top box we can rewind, pause and record TV programmes. Everyone in the
family also carries a smartphone and we download apps to make our lives easier and happier.
However, attitudes have changed little when it comes to the home electrical installation and we are still
extremely traditional in this regard. Although life is hard to imagine without the TV remote, somehow we don’t
see the need for remote controlled lighting. “We would get lazy” or “I’m not decrepit yet, I can still get up to
turn off the lights” are examples of typical prejudices resulting from a different attitude. Yet give someone an
app to control the lights from their smartphone and they will think it is amazing.

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3. CHOICE OR NO CHOICE?
If you buy a standard car with no options, it will still come fitted with a number of convenience functionalities
whether you like it or not. Electric windows or manual? Well, electric windows now generally come as
standard. Automatic wipers, lights and a trip computer are also already standard. Saying we don’t want them
would really be like commanding the tide not to come in. Not only that, but asking for the standard options to
be removed would actually cost more. So why not simply enjoy all the standard functions? They’re thrown in
with the package anyway.
Home owners are sometimes asked if they would like a traditional installation or an IHS. Once the advantages
of the IHS have been explained, there is a pretty good chance they will want it. But many installers don’t offer
the choice and will simply install a traditional system for their customers. There are a few, however, who fit an
IHS by default, even if the customer hasn’t specially requested it. In their case, it will be easier to modify the
system and add functionalities at a later date.
4. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The Integrated Home System is fairly well-known to the consumer and those who recommend it. Less well-
known, however, are the benefits of such an installation for end users. They are aware of some of the
functionalities, such as the all-off button at the front door, but know little about many of the system’s other
functions and possibilities. The functionalities of an Integrated Home System have to be specified. Only when
the user specifies a list of functions designed to suit him or her personally will he or she experience all the
benefits of the installation.
Its takes a little time and effort to work out specific functions, but using a design guide makes it all easier. In
the past we have already put together and published a brand-independent checklist (see link in Section 7). As
you look through the checklist you will be introduced to quite a few everyday IHS functionalities of which you
are probably not yet aware. You can then specify the functionalities you require. If necessary, you can even
suggest an alternative. A symbol beside each function tells you if it relates to comfort, communication, energy
consumption, security or care.
Figure 2: Each function on the checklist describes the problem and offers a solution. (Illustration source: E&D Systems)
The process of specifying the functionalities gives the end user an installation that satisfies his or her
requirements, rather than one which was designed solely by the installer without taking into account the end
user’s wishes, needs and lifestyle.

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5. IHS AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION
5.1. THE ENERGY BILL
In most European countries, people pay the energy bills for their houses and apartments monthly, using a
system of interim predicted billing. Once a year the meter is read and the account is settled in the customer’s
or company’s favour according to the actual consumption. At that point, residents are faced with the fact that
energy prices have risen once again, and that instead of going down, their consumption has gone up. But will
that one annual message inspire them to take some action next year? Probably, in the first two weeks; but
their resolve will weaken and they will forget - until the next year when the account is settled again.
5.2. DIRECT FEEDBACK
Several years ago, Sarah Derby (Oxford University) published a study (see link in Section 7) looking into the
effectiveness of indirect and direct feedback in controlling how we consume energy. Depending on the
situation, she found that indirect feedback resulted in a 0-10% savings in energy, whereas direct feedback led
to 5-15% in energy savings. For North American ‘pay-as-you-go’ systems with a clear link between
consumption and payment, savings amounted to 10-20%.
5.3. STAND-ALONE ENERGY METERS
There are stand-alone energy meters that plug into an ordinary electrical socket between the mains and the
appliance. These measuring devices indicate the appliance’s energy consumption and show the daily, weekly
or, in some cases, even monthly average consumption. That is a good start, especially in determining whether
an ageing refrigerator or other appliance needs replacement by a new model with an A+++ energy label.
Unfortunately the measuring unit will soon lose its usefulness when the new refrigerator is installed.
Another disadvantage of stand-alone measuring devices is that they are spread throughout the home and the
display (or feedback) is not always easily accessible. Reading the display at socket level - just above the floor -
can often require some uncomfortable physical contortions. It becomes even harder to read the display when
the socket is located behind the device.
5.4. DIRECT FEEDBACK THROUGH THE IHS
Feedback on energy consumption has to be frequent and simple if it is to have any effect. Almost all modern
IHS systems offer the possibility of giving direct feedback on energy consumption, for example on a touch
screen on the wall. When the energy consumption screen is set as the default display on the touch screen,
residents will see the figures frequently. The touch screen can of course still be used to access all sorts of other
functions.
Not only can the user display the current consumption on the screen, he or she can also show the input from
the solar panels at that moment, for example. It also keeps a history, allowing users to view their energy
consumption in previous weeks, months and sometimes even years. Many systems display consumption in
kWh, m³ or a monetary unit. Obviously, for most people the link with their own wallet will work better.

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Figure 3: A touch screen on the wall gives residents direct feedback on their energy consumption every day
(Photo source: Niko)
Energy consumption can usually also be accessed using an app on your smartphone or tablet. The only
disadvantage is that you have to keep launching, or switching to, the app. Obviously, there is little point in
having the app if users stop checking it regularly after a while. Setting up a touch screen on the wall in a nice
visible location is the right decision.
6. MAKING A CHOICE
There are several choices to be made once you decide to fit an Integrated Home System in your house or
apartment. There are after all many types and brands of IHS systems on the market, and you will of course
have to choose one. You might want to leave that choice to the installer, but we wouldn’t recommend it. It is
best if the client and architect make this choice. Below, we give a list of the points to bear in mind.
6.1. GATHER INFORMATION
Obtain as much information as you can from questions to manufacturers, the internet or a visit to a trade fair.
This will give you an idea of what the market has to offer, not just in the way of equipment, but also in terms
of functionalities.
6.2. FUNCTIONALITIES
Some people base their choice of IHS system on the colour and design of the push-buttons. This is not a good
way to start. While it may well add pretty push-buttons to the home, it could also restrict the functions
available to you. It is best to start by specifying the functionalities you would like. We have already explained
more about this in Section 4. It really is necessary to do this, and a good checklist can be of help.
6.3. CONTACTING INSTALLERS
Once you have completed your checklist, or drawn up your list of functionalities, you should contact a number
of installers. They should investigate which of the Integrated Home Systems on the market offer the
functionalities you want to see installed. Indeed, not all IHS installations offer the same possibilities. Some
offer a very extensive range of functions whereas others just offer the basics.
Take the opportunity to find out how experienced the installer is in IHS installation. Can he or she provide
references? Try to visit a home which has had an IHS fitted. If possible, go there without the installer. The

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residents will be able to speak more freely about their experiences with the IHS installation and the installer.
Also ask the installer if he or she has followed any specific training.
6.4. A STANDARD OR NOT?
The so-called KNX standard is the most widely accepted industry standard for Integrated Home Systems. It
includes among other things a protocol for BUS communication. In concrete terms, this means that IHS brands
that comply with the KNX standard can be integrated with each other. They talk the same talk. One
manufacturer’s product can then be replaced by a product of another manufacturer.
In reality, there are numerous IHS that do not comply with the KNX standard. They use their own proprietary
communication protocol. In most cases, these are systems that focus on the residential market. The advantage
of these systems is that they have a good understanding of the needs of this market and have designed
specific functionalities for it.
6.5. THE IHS COMPANY
What is the company behind a given IHS? This can be harder to determine, but there are a few questions that
we can ask. First and foremost: how long has the system been on the market, and is there continuity in the
system? This question is designed to find out whether the system’s current components are still compatible
with the initial version. If a manufacturer launches a new system on the market every 5 years, you have less
certainty that you will still be able to replace the components in 20 years’ time.
We can also ask questions about the system’s distribution. An IHS which is only sold locally or regionally is not
as future-proof as one distributed internationally.

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7. USEFUL LINKS
Checklist - Design Guide for Integrated Home Systems
http://www.leonardo-energy.org/resources/882/checklist-design-guide-for-integrated-home-systems-
583f538a6cf88
The effectiveness of feedback on energy consumption
http://www.usclcorp.com/news/DEFRA-report-with-appendix.pdf
Do you prefer a traditional or a contemporary electrical installation?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/do-you-prefer-a-traditional-or-a-contemporary-electrical-installation#
What’s the difference between your car and your home?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/whats-the-difference-between-your-car-and-your-home#
Most used functions for your IHS system
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/most-used-functions-for-your-ihs-system#
Do you know how much energy you consume?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/do-you-know-how-much-energy-you-consume#
Do you have control over your home?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/do-you-have-control-over-your-home#
How to choose your IHS?
https://pitchbook.copperwire.org/how-to-choose-your-ihs#