Smart Home Consultation — Core FAQs (Generic)

Smart Home Consultation — Core FAQs (Generic)

1) What’s the difference between a relay and an actuator?

  • A relay is an electronic on/off switch. The system uses relays to switch lighting, heating zones, blinds, etc.

  • An actuator is the device on a manifold/radiator valve that opens/closes water flow (like a motorised “tap”). UFH/radiator zones need electronic actuators; the relays tell those actuators when to open/close.


2) Where do thermostats live if I’m not using wall stats?

  • Wall stats are optional. Temperature can be read from sensors built into smart light switches or separate room sensors.

  • The system links each room’s temperature to its heating actuator(s) via software logic.


3) How is the system wired? (Central “hub” vs. traditional)

  • Traditional: each switch is hard-wired to each light.

  • Smart: switches, sensors and devices connect back to a central panel/hub. The hub (brain) then switches/dims the relevant circuits.

  • This centralisation is what enables scenes, logic, remote control, and visibility in the Loxone App (or “the app”).


4) Can I mix wired and wireless?

  • Yes. Many projects are hybrid: critical circuits (lighting, heating, security) are usually wired; additions/retrofits can be wireless (RF).

  • RF control is robust and different to Wi-Fi. Avoid relying on Wi-Fi for mission-critical functions.


5) How should I plan LED strips / RGBW and drivers?

  • Plan strips by room and area, noting 24 V vs 48 V, approximate lengths, and whether dimming or colour-change (RGBW) is needed.

  • Rule of thumb: size drivers per run (often ~5 m per RGBW channel as a planning baseline). Real capacity depends on cable length, placement, and wattage—finalised at design.

  • One RGBW driver has four channels (R, G, B, W). You can use it for one colour-changing run or repurpose channels to control multiple white-only loads independently (smart way to get “a lot for a little”).

  • Driver location: central panel or locally (e.g., above units/wardrobes) for ease of access and service.


6) Do I need to dim everything?

  • Not usually. Dimming adds cost, heat, and space in the panel.

  • A pragmatic approach: one dimmed circuit per room (often the main downlights). If you have RGBW strips, those are inherently dimmable—others can be simple on/off.


7) How do you size the control panel?

  • Panel size (DIN rails) scales with features: dimming modules, blind controllers, audio, etc.

  • Adding several blinds and multi-zone audio can push you into a larger panel. Decide early if possible to avoid rework.


8) What’s the stance on brand ecosystems vs. “mix & match”?

  • The system can be brand-agnostic on the front-end (switch styles, fittings) while keeping a unified brain for logic.

  • Using the manufacturer’s native switches/sensors can simplify programming and fault-finding, but designer/metal finishes are fine if wired back to inputs.


9) What about audio: Loxone Audio vs. Sonos (or similar)?

  • The system’s native audio is excellent for automation (doorbell chimes, alarm sounds, announcements) and background listening.

  • For audiophile listening and voice assistants (e.g., Alexa in kids’ rooms), Sonos-class gear can be added, often wirelessly.

  • A hybrid approach is common: native audio in hallways/WCs for automation; Sonos (or similar) in living/kitchen/bedrooms for music UX.


10) How do you integrate AC (air-conditioning)?

  • Often no pre-wiring is needed for control; modern modules can plug into indoor units and talk wirelessly to the system.

  • Many households prefer manual/scene-based AC control (to avoid night-time drafts). Trial a room first, then expand.


11) What should I tell the plumber for UFH/radiators?

  • **“Do your plumbing as normal—**fit the manifold and electronic actuators—but no standalone thermostats.”

  • The system will replace the wall stats and handle room-by-room control via the app and central logic.


12) How do we document and hand over the system?

  • You’ll receive a customised O&M manual, schematics, schedules, and logins.

  • Admin rights belong to the owner. You can grant and revoke our support access at any time via the Loxone App (or “the app”).


13) What does Aftercare cover?

  • With an active plan, remote support is prioritised within agreed SLAs.

  • You can temporarily grant remote access windows (time-bound) through the app for diagnostics/tweaks.


14) How should I plan lighting design if I don’t have a designer?

  • Use a simple spec spreadsheet (room/area, type, power (24 V/230 V), dimming, RGBW, length for strips, driver location, scenes).

  • Involve the family early for practical needs (wardrobes, desks, reading lights, picture lights, niches).

  • Prioritise getting the lighting circuits right before boarding/plastering.


15) Can we add things later?

  • Yes. Motion sensors, extra lights, blinds, and AV zones can be added. Wireless add-ons (RF) reduce disruption while keeping reliability.


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