How an electrical planner and installer can increase their income: switching to KNX automation!

The competition in the market of electrical installation and design works is growing up and customers very often are looking for someone offering the lowest price. How can you stand out of this and increase the profitability of your business? The answer is to move to building automation systems based on the KNX protocol. Let's look why it is profitable and how to get started.

Why is KNX a promising market segment?

• KNX is the open international building automation standard with 35-years history, widely used in Europe and getting more popular in Serbia. Its key advantages:
• Versatility. With the KNX automation any project can be accomplished: from a small apartment to a skyscraper. More than 500 equipment manufacturers worldwide support KNX protocol. Their solutions are compatible and interchangeable.
• High marginality. KNX projects are more expensive than traditional electric works due to the complexity of the solutions and the added value to the customer.
• Reduction of price competition. Due to the technical complexity of the systems, it will be more difficult for the customer to find a "cheap" replacement for a specialist with KNX experience. This is important for designers, planners and electrical installers involved in the commissioning work.
• Relevance to the market. Rising energy prices make energy efficiency a key priority in almost every project. KNX reduces the cost of lighting, heating and air conditioning by 30-50%. And the return on investment (ROI) due to energy saving is in the range of 3-5 years now.

What does KNX work with?

1) Lighting. Modern lighting systems are almost entirely use LED luminaries. Using KNX automation devices, we can implement:

• Dimming (smooth switching on and off, and brightness control via DALI(2) protocol);
• Color temperature control (Tunable White and Human Centric Lighting);
• Lighting scenarios (e.g., "operating mode," "evening comfort," "off all").

2) HVAC. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning.

• Integration of various air conditioning systems (chiller/fan-coil units, VRF, split systems);
• Heating control (water heating systems, electric convectors, floor heating);
• Maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while minimizing energy costs (scheduled on/off switching, scenarios, remote control via app).

3) Sun protection. For Serbia this issue is very actual.

• Automatic control of curtains, blinds, and awnings;
• Reducing the load on air conditioning systems during the hot season.

Where is KNX automation in demand?

First of all, in offices, business centers and administrative buildings– where people spend around 8 hours per day, 240 days a year. KNX provides comfort for employees and saves the money on operating costs.

Hotels are facilities that operate 24/7. With the KNX automation technology, the level of service for guests increases and it becomes much easier to manage the hotel's engineering systems. Also KNX increases the reliability of every engineering system work.

Private residential projects. Premium segment: private houses and apartments where customers value convenience, comfort and energy efficiency.

How do I switch to KNX?

If you have experience working with electrical projects (power supply and lighting), switching to KNX will not require a fundamental restructuring of your skills.

There is the official Training center in Belgrade where we conduct free introductory seminars about KNX. We introduce electrical planners, installers and other specialists to the specifics of KNX projects. There are also certification courses for KNX installers with the issuance of international certificates.

Today, the main tool for creating KNX projects is AutoCAD. To facilitate the work of designers, we have created a library of DWG-files with standard elements of DIN-rail automation systems. Less often, but still there are customer requests for project development in Revit. To do this, we have prepared BIM models of KNX devices.

The installer's only tool for programming and commissioning KNX automation systems is the ETS (Engineering Tool Software) program. KNX automation installers all over the world use this software from the International KNX Association. We also provide training on how to work with ETS.

It is better to start learning KNX with small projects. Lighting control will be on demand in almost every single project. In addition, you can offer to the customer the control of curtains and blinds.

If you are currently working on a project, you can try to integrate KNX. For example, add dimming of lighting and its automatic shutdown using presence sensors when there are no people in premises.

We always accompany the planners and help them with the implementation of their first projects. In addition, we have a program of commercial cooperation with designers, architects and planners.

For KNX installers (system integrators) we provide the equipment for the test. You will be able to practice with our KNX equipment and demonstrate it to the end user.

Start small: study the basic functions of KNX, complete a pilot project, and gradually expand your range of services. The building automation market is growing. Use this trend to grow your own business.

Switching to KNX is an opportunity:

• increase the cost of the project and your own profit;
• gain a foothold in the premium market segment;
• reduce the dependence on price competition.

Are you ready to start? Contact us and we will help you with training, equipment selection and first projects.

Andrey Golovin,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreygolovin/
www.rbtt.rs

RBTT consultants d.o.o. Beograd

RBTT Consultants doo

Andrey Golovin

KNX protocol

electrical installation and design works

lighting

heating

ventilation

air conditioning

dimming

automated control of blinds and curtains