Re: C-BUS vs. EIB

[Doogie Brodie <ukhad@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Neil Ball wrote:

> If you do not need to use analogue sensors or control equipment and
only
> need a digital control system (i.e. VFC in/ relay out) then take a
look at
> the Square-D system. It is much more basic, but the interactive
training
> course can be found from their web site. They seem to be trying to
recruit
> electrical contractors to do the install/commissioning so I'm sure
they will
> also sell direct to suitably qualified end users as well.

Neil / everyone (excuse the rambling length of this : ),

I'm not sure if you have any experience of Square-D - I know I don't,
but I spoke to them, poked their kit, and got one of their CDs (which
has the RRP price list on it - although there is no mention of VAT on
any of the price information, so not sure if it's inc or ex prices,
would guess at ex, but could be wrong, please bear this in mind when
reading prices) at the NEC last weekend..... ;->

My initial main concern about Square-D was it looked like they were
using STP Cat5 not UTP Cat5, however, the guys said it wasn't Cat5 at
all, it was their own cable that was "rated higher than Cat8".
Their
price list lists this cable at (see the above note about not knowing VAT
or not) £92.40/ 300m or £154.00/ 500m - the installation catalogue says
about the cable "Double-shielded (S-STP / PimF) broadband cable for
indoor use." Single cable runs cannot exceed 40m. C-Bus uses standard
UTP Cat5 - the official pink C-Bus cable is £67.32 inc (£57.29 ex) for
305m, but technically any Cat5 cable will carry the signal.
(sssssshhhhh, I didn't say that! ;-> )

Square-D's single channel DIN mount dimmers (they don't seem to do any
greater than 1 channel) are £75.73/ channel, whereas on Li's
www.cbus-shop.com prices, C-Bus dimming is £53.85 per channel inc vat or
£45.83 ex vat, (when buying in 8 channel dimmers)

Square-D win on relays, where a 10A 8 channel is £88.48 ( = 11.06/ relay
channel), vs C-Bus where a 12 channel relay is £511.56 = 42.63/relay
channel inc vat and £36.28 ex vat

- if you are primarily planning on/off only control, the sums may work
out in your favour, but if you prefer the ability to dim the majority of
lighting circuits, with a minimal amount of relays for lighting and
appliances, C-Bus comes out on top.

Switch gear for Square-D works out at < £20 / switch (appears to be up
to 2 modules per switch, but might be wrong), C-Bus switching starts at
£60.58 (inc, 51.56 ex) for native C-Bus switches, although any switch
can be used with a bus coupler, I'm not sure whether Square-D have a
similar system. C-Bus native switches are available in a variety of
colours and finishes, and different families - E2000, Neo, Saturn &
Reflection.

Finally, Square-D has a required central control unit with RS232
interface, which is £420.46. C-Bus has an optional RS232 PC Interface
for £302.89 inc, £257.78 ex vat. - C-Bus can have simple initial
programming done with button presses, and although the PC Interface
offers much better programming opportunities, it can be removed from
site once installation has been completed.

Hope that was at least a little interesting to someone! :)

Cheers
--
Doogie