(HIT) – Today’s home automation systems offer practical, cost-effective solutions for convenience, security, safety, energy savings and entertainment. The latest systems provide new levels of controls, accessibility and connection.
“Trained electrical contractors can help offer homeowners and builders a home networking system that supports automation control,” said John Maisel, publisher, Electrical Contractor magazine at www.ecmag.com. “They add the necessary low-voltage wiring to homes and come back for desired upgrades,” he said.
Hard wiring offers reliable, long-lived service and often performs better than Wi-Fi, which is subject to competition—multiple devices using the same available bandwidth, i.e., 2.4 gigahertz. It will also ease supply-and-demand responsiveness as the smart grid gets smarter and utilities offer savings incentives to customers who agree to use certain appliances during off-peak hours. While the components may be more expensive, wireless installation is less expensive. Once the cabling is set, components can be added at the homeowner’s own pace.
