High-level and low-level interfacing (presented in the previous issues of Connected Home) rely on the installer having the time and ability to take two systems and get them talking reliably to each other. This may involve quite a bit of understanding, effort and testing to achieve the desired result.

There are, however, quite a number of systems that have already been integrated by the respective manufacturers of the products.

There are different levels of integrated systems that can use mediums such as serial, TCP/IP or fully integrated (where proprietary circuitry from one of the systems is installed on the other). Typically integration like pool and spa control, blind and soft furnishing as well as security (which seems to be the most integrated using this method) are offered as integrated options on systems.

But what’s the benefit with integrating home control with security?

Well, aesthetics can be a big winner. Typically, security keypads add to the amount of ‘wall clutter’ which seems to be on the increase in the home. If this is integrated into the touch screen that can also control lights and other functions, then it’s one less thing to have on the wall. As home control systems are not battery backed, it’s still a requirement to have a security keypad located somewhere as a backup. This can however, be located out of the way in a pantry or maybe a laundry cupboard.

The touch screen can be used to monitor the state of elements of the security panel and be displayed by exception (that is, unless there is something wrong they don’t display anything). Information like battery backup status or faults are typical items that fall into this area.

A fast-arm option can be a button on a switch-plate next to the exit door (or doors). This can be a multi-function ‘goodbye’ button that may also trigger functions on the home control system like switching off (or raising/lowering set- points of) air conditioning, setting an away scene for lights or closing blinds. This extended level of functionality also adds to energy saving features that a home control system offers. The C-Bus home control system offers some real extensions to enable the ability to switch off particular devices when the security is armed. With the use of wireless plug adapters, devices that consume standby power can be genuinely switched off when the home is not occupied. The advantage of the plug-adapter is that it can be easily fitted to areas behind entertainment units when often, many devices are operating when they can actually be switched off.

Devices that need to remain powered (such as PVRs) are plugged into normal socket outlets that are not controlled.

Knowing if the security is armed or disarmed is valuable to the home control system. If the security is armed and the time is after sunset, outside lights can be brought on. Likewise, a simple movement sensor connected to the control system may also switch on an inside light with the movement after a short delay of even trigger a scene to give the appearance the home is occupied.

Further to this, home control systems can also send an email to the home owner if certain conditions are met, e.g. if it’s after 4pm and the security hasn’t been disarmed (this kids should be home from school by now). The same control system can give the home owner access to check if the security is armed, disarmed or if a zone is not secure.

All this, from the one control system.

Gate access control may be operated by the security system. The home owner may also want supplementary control of the gate from the home control system. This can also be provided by offering a button on the touch screen. It may be a desired feature that this only be available when the security is in a disarmed state though. This can be even further enhanced by setting a scene like… if the gate needs to be opened and it’s night time, the outside lights may also come on.

Security systems can also include wireless door-fobs and keyless entry features. These can trigger into the home control system to bring on lights or trigger a welcome home sequence that may include bringing on selected music or switching on the air conditioning.

If the security system happens to be in a night armed (or partial) state where perimeter doors and windows are protected, the behaviour of the integration may well be different. Triggering the alarm in this state may cause all of the outside lights to be activated. Likewise, if the home’s smoke alarms are connected into the alarm panel, activation of the smoke alarm at night may be used to cause all lights to be activated.

Note: The home control system should not be used as the primary security panel or life safety device. While it provides additional and useful features to the security system, it shouldn’t be considered as the main safety or security system.