Hello - considering Fibaro for a new Villa in Spain.... want to automate as much as possible... likely through connections at Fuse Box?

[GreyPaint 0]

Based in Scotland, new house in Spain for retiring to, but won't be there all the time, so automation is vital 

 

Builder recommended Fibaro 3

[Tim__ 126]

Welcome!  If you want to centralise your controls at the "fuse" box, you could consider putting your Fibaro devices in DIN enclosures.  There are two manufacturers

 

Eutonomy  

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Haseman 

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or 3D print your own 

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You'll need to plan your wiring carefully eg bring all lighting controls and lighting points back to the fuse box, rather than traditional looping.  The advantage of this architecture is that all your devices are accessible in one place, and it's easier to swap them out in future for a new technology if needed.  Sounds like your builder has Fibaro experience which is a good thing.  Make sure you get the controller and devices for the Spanish frequency.

[GreyPaint 0]

Tim_ - many thanks for that. All components are back on DIN rails in one cupboard for upstairs, plus another for downstairs - which concerns me as to the signal potential from one cupboard to another under a concrete floor and different concrete rooms...

 

Should I use a Z-Wave extender, or connect through wifi - ~I have a Ubiquito system with CAT6 connections. So could potentially use WIFI to Z-Wave if such exists 

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 - is available.

 

Last question for now - should I try to use Fibaro products, such as. window sensors - or look for cheaper alternatives?

[gucio1234 79]

You may start with just one controller and if the communication with another floor is weak, then you may add the second controller of

'light" version (which is not expensive) and configure it as a  slave to main controller. Then you will be able to control whole house from master controller.

 

In my present setup I have HC2 in the house, and two HCLs, one in the distant garage, and one in the underground garden cellar. Of course distant controllers are connected by wire to LAN.

[Martin_N 154]

@GreyPaint

Hello.
if you are looking for inspiration -
Check out this thread.
I chose this path because, as I say, everything must work autonomously at the push of a button. The rest is a superstructure, which, if it breaks down, will only limit the luxury of control, but will not endanger operation.

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I have the cabling stretched using power cables for classic electrical installation (if by chance) and aligned with shielded SFTP 4x2x0.22.
I use buttons from the Spanish manufacturer Efapel, see thread

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I use SmartImplant enclosed in boxes with Finder auxiliary relays on a DIN sheet.
It is practical, because if the relay goes out due to inrush current, I will replace it for approx. 2 Euro, instead of replacing the Fibaro module for a significantly higher amount.
I only have all light circuits switched on, rear dimming.
Apart from the failure of one relay, I haven't had any problems in 3 years, apart from a couple of participants of this forum, who keep encountering problems with communication, problems with dimming, problems with burned-out relay contacts... but don't worry, that's a matter for each manufacturer, which make such modules.
I drive everything with the help of scen. But associations are also possible.
On top of that, I also use roller blind modules RS3.

[Tim__ 126]

Hi @GreyPaint....my answers to the questions you posed...firstly, zwave is a mesh network, so you can use a strategically placed device between your two cupboards if needed to bridge the signal across.  (Note, only mains powered devices can act as repeaters). Get creative - I have found that some signals are best repeated through the attic or even outside, rather than through walls/floors.  Or, you could just put your home centre mid way betwen the cupboards.  Only real way to determine best placement is trial and error.  Personally, I would avoid using any wifi to zwave solution as this just introduces complexity.

 

I use Fibaro devices for all my needs (because they are fully compatible and just work), except where they don't make that particular functionality (eg for DC roller shutters I use Qubino), and for security I use traditional security manufacturers (even though they are not "smart", they are very robust).

[GreyPaint 0]

Many thanks again Tim and to you Martin and Gucio1234 - all very helpful

 

I was an IT network Pre-Sales Consultant in my past, did some light programming once upon a time and have always dabbled in Media solutions and so on, so it's another learning curve I am sure, with the help of this forum, I will get comfortable with.

[Lode 19]

On 8/18/2023 at 11:12 AM, GreyPaint said:

Based in Scotland, new house in Spain for retiring to, but won't be there all the time, so automation is vital 

 

Builder recommended Fibaro 3

Go for Home Assistant......Fibaro is an ending story......

[cag014 731]

On 8/21/2023 at 6:42 PM, Lode said:

Go for Home Assistant......Fibaro is an ending story......

Installers (builders) aren't installing Home Assistant. 

HC3 is a nice choice to use to my opinion.

[GreyPaint 0]

I have now purchased an HC3 and 12 x Black door sensors, so off and running…. Next stage will be the DIN aspects to control from within cabinets, rather than behind switches - except where necessary….

[Fabir 73]

@GreyPaintIf you have the

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switch modules in the cabinet on a DIN rail, go with the eutonomy Adapters

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 as Tim mentioned above. Take the models with the switches.

 

It's very practical, to be able to switch the modules without first having to open a cover.  

[jmadrid 0]

On 8/18/2023 at 11:12 AM, GreyPaint said:

Based in Scotland, new house in Spain for retiring to, but won't be there all the time, so automation is vital 

 

Hi I am from Spain, FIBARO has excellent support in here. If you are thinking to control home automation you can consider FERMAX MEET IP system and the WIT indoor monitor display 10"

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[GreyPaint 0]

I have the HC3 in a cupboard, with a 22mm melamine door. Trialing Fibaro door sensors and even 10m away, the HC3 loses connection with the sensor…

 

I am going to have to go for z-wave repeaters on each floor to even come close to covering the house. I.e. 3, one on each floor. The floors are concrete with steel mesh - so faraday cages effectively.

 

Any suggestions for repeaters? Fibaro don’t do them? The z-wave modules for sockets aren’t really extenders?

 

[Martin_N 154]

@GreyPaint

Any permanently powered device serves as a Z-wave repeater. So, Relay, RS2/3, dimmer, SmartImplant,... but also WallPlug. But beware, I really want to avoid the last one!

So you don't need extra repeaters if you already use some devices in the house. Attention, battery devices do not serve as repeaters.