WIRELESS CONTROLS, IS THE FUTURE HERE?

May 16th, 2022

There has been much talk over the years about the use of wireless solutions for control over lighting, heating and blinds in the home. Despite the debate, there has been little practical implementation of wireless controls in mainstream developments in the UK. At Ready Controls we have been at the forefront of the use of wireless solutions. We have embraced the benefits but have found some flaws. Director Thomas Alt gives his opinions on the pros and the cons of wireless controls.

BENEFITS OF WIRELESS CONTROLS

The most obvious benefits are the ease of expansion, future proofing and the reduction in copper usage. These are all considerable benefits, and can lead to a more cost effective solution in the right development. It is particularly useful when a project is likely to grow in the future. We have found that there are many fantastic products on the market offering great solution for particular individual aspects of control such as lighting, heating and blinds. Working in smaller developments this can provide the right solution for the client. 

CHALLENGES OF WIRELESS CONTROLS

Unsurprisingly signalling strength can pose an issue on large dwellings. We also find there is a limitation in product variation for different types of controls and a lack of standardisation in communication protocols. These challenges become a real issue on larger, high specification residential projects, making wireless controls the wrong solution.

In my opinion there is a lack of the ‘one stop shop solution’ that provides the integrated full smart home solution offering the control of all systems under one banner. Naturally systems can be integrated, we do this and have done this. However this goes against the grain of what we believe a control system should be. In short, simple, easy to use and easy to set up. Over complication of system integration creates a bespoke system where the end user is potentially reliant on a particular programmer to maintain their system. This is not helpful for the client and not an option we want to use.

FINDING AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION

Wireless has its place and has brilliant, robust, easy to use and easy to set up products. However to truly have a smart integrated home you need integration of all systems. Wireless does not yet offer an off the shelf, out the box, ready to go system that can cover all aspects of your integrated control needs for all types of systems.

Our verdict at the moment? Wireless has its place, but there is still more work to do to make it the right solution for bigger developments.

Contact us if you would like to talk about the right controls solution for your project.