Wiring and installation tips for Smart Home projects

As home owners become more aware of the comfort and security that smart homes bring, the demand for home automation systems are skyrocketing. SMAhome and Securtech provide some key tips when installing home automations systems.

5 Principles to Keep in Mind
1. Fully understand the wiring diagram to avoid future problems. Wiring installations should take into consideration aesthetics and minimize the damage to buildings.
2. Propose a budget and schedule, as well as a construction plan. Carefully calculate the materials and labor needed and list them on the work list.
3. Install the intercoms system according to standards. Stricter standards even dictate how the wiring should be structured to ensure the installation meets a certain level of quality.
4. Expandability is crucial. Since it is hard to know what might be added to the system in the future, extra ethernet ports should be installed to avoid expansion problems.
5. Smart home projects are determined by needs—each one is different.

Outdoor Construction Tips
Not everything in a smart home goes into the home itself. Installing equipment outdoors is much more complicated, since there are many types of problems to consider, which range from lighting considerations to protection from the elements. Here are some recommendations to help avoid common problems:
1. Do not leave equipment to the mercy of wind or rain; if you must, install covers.
2. Do not point cameras at traffic lanes or bright lights (especially sunlight).
3. Use light compensation to balance out backlight.
4. Avoid installing equipment near magnetic fields, such as the motor of roll-up doors.
5. Use a drip loop to protect electrical equipment from moisture and rain.
6. Consider light compensation for night scenes when installing color security cameras.
7. Do not install equipment where the background noise is louder than 70dB.
8. Avoid installing LCD screens where the picture may be washed out by bright light; also take into consideration light reflection and viewing angles.
9. Do not install indoor units near pipelines for heaters or air conditioners; avoid extreme temperatures.
10. Do not install power supplies in places where there is moisture or dripping water.
11. Do not install indoor units where it is dusty or dirty.
12. Do not install indoor units where the background noise is louder than 65Db.
13. Do not install indoor units near magnetic fields.
14. Make sure the lids of electrical boxes are closed and well ventilated.
15. Infrared sensors should sit at 1.8m to 2.5m above the ground.
16. Infrared sensors should not face glass, windows, heaters or air conditioners.
17. Infrared sensors should not face bright lights or moving objects
Faulty installations are often caused by lack of experience or understanding of the problem at hand. These recommendations should serve a general rule of thumb that can help prevent most common problems.

For more information, please register for Secutech 2014's SMAhome showcase.