4.2.- HOME AND BUILDING AUTOMATION

Home automation is the technology responsible for the automation of homes, making them smart systems, while building automation is the automation technology applied to buildings. It has the same purpose as home automation but it is applied on a larger scale, resulting in smart buildings. Both technologies are based on software and communication protocols integrated via wired or wireless (Zig-Bee) networks for the control and management of devices (hardware).

There are different communication standards for the development of home and building automation systems. As of today, the most used ones are the KNX-EIB, LONworks, Z-WAVE and BacNetprotocols. In lighting, particular emphasis must be given to the DALI control system. All these systems have their own programming software with sensors and actuators. The sensors most commonly used in the market are, for example: presence sensors, proximity sensors, light sensors, temperature sensors, barrier sensors, retinal sensors, infrared sensors, conductivity sensors to detect water leaks, gas sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, glass break sensors, magnetic sensors for doors and windows, sensors to measure energy consumption, etc. With the programming software, it is possible to create different scenarios that relate these devices to different actuators, such as water solenoid valves, gas solenoid valves, dimmers to control light brightness, acoustic warning devices for burglar alarms or fire alarms, devices with binary outputs, etc.