RE: c-bus planning on a new build - need advice

["Nigel Giddings" <nigel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

John,

=20

You seem to have it covered off...

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As you mention it is getting the right 'groups' of lights and assigning
the=
m to a dimmer or relay module depending on the requirement.

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Watch out for limitations of the loads, C-Bus dimmer modules come in two
ba=
sic flavours  8 x 1A (230 Watts)  or 4 x 2A (460Watts). It is quite easy
to=
exceed 230Watts on a group (channel) even possible to exceed 460 Watts in =
some circumstances...

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They also do a 4 x 5Amp module, a 2 x 10Amp module and a 1 x 20Amp
module..=
. but at approximately =A3600 per module the cost can get very high very
qu=
ickly.

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I would create an excel spreadsheet showing all the groups (channels) the
e=
xpected load and then try to allocate them to the various modules, 1A , 2A
=
etc... You may find that a bit of changing round could save you =A3100's...

=20

The other thing to bear in mind is that channels cannot be connected
togeth=
er, they can be programmed for the same effect so you might use two 2A
chan=
nels rather than buy a 4 x 5A just for the one 3A channel. But you would
ha=
ve to wire the group in two separate halves, something you will have to
ask=
for at first fix.

=20

HTH

=20

Nigel

=20

=20

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-----Original Message-----
From: John [mailto:john.hegarty@xxxxxxx]=20
Sent: 29 August 2006 15:37
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: [ukha_d] c-bus planning on a new build - need advice

=20

I wonder if I can ask for some advice from the expert collective on=20
this list (apologies for the length of the posting). My situation is=20
as follows -

After 6 months of looking for a house to buy, we found one last=20
Saturday and have shook hands with the builder to secure it. It's=20
just where we want to live, right size and best of all is being built=20
by a local builder who is almost ready for the first fix - so I have=20
a huge opportunity to get as much HA stuff in as I can afford.=20

The builder is happy with my requirements for Cat5 and CT100=20
everywhere but has not worked with C-BUS before. While I haven't seen=20
C-BUS in the flesh so to speak, I read this list when I can and it=20
seems to be fairly popular for lighting control which I am keen on=20
having.=20

The builder's electrician is happy to run the cables for it, but he=20
won't design or specify equipment. And time is very tight - they want=20
to get started with the electrical install this week !

So, my question to those who know c-bus well, what's the best way=20
forward given my time constraints ? I see my options as -

1) Have a go at designing the layout myself for the electrician.