DESIGN - TOPOLOGY

• Start with a single line segment consisting of up to 255 devices

• Allow a 10% overhead for future expansion or changes

• Adding a line coupler to the first Line creates an Area

• Main Line of an Area is Line 0 and supports up to 255 devices inc. line couplers
• 15 Lines can be connected to an Area
• Line repeaters not allowed on Line 0

• Adding an Area Coupler creates a Backbone line

• This is Area 0, Line 0 and supports up to 255 devices inc. line couplers
• 15 Areas can be connected to a Backbone
• Line repeaters not allowed on Line 0

• Every Line Segment, Area line or Backbone requires its own Power Supply/Choke

• Loops must be avoided either on a Line or between Lines

• Systems devices and interfaces are best located at the highest level

• Keep devices that communicate regularly on the same Line

• It is always wise to draw the line topology before installation and programming

SPECIFICATION OF PRODUCTS
• Take advantage of devices with multiple functions such as keypads with integrated temp
sensing or logic

• The more outputs on a device the more cost effective it will be

• Check that relays and dimmers support scenes per channels not scenes per device
INSTALLATION
• Record the routes of installed cables

• Cable Lengths
• Devices must be within 350m of KNX cable of a power supply
• max 1000m of KNX cable per Line Segment including all spurs and branches

• No loops or connection between Lines

• Spur and star wiring is ok but daisy-chaining is best

• The green KNX cable can and should be run alongside mains cables

• KNX is Safety Extra Low Voltage (SELV)

• > 4mm creepage/clearance or equivalent insulation between KNX and
hazardous conductors
• Green outer sheath of KNX cable is rated at min 2.5kV so meets the insulation
requirements

• Most power supplies have an integrated choke

• Most power supplies have a secondary output. However, as any load on this output
adds to the total load on the device, its use is best avoided.

• The maximum number of devices per line segment is 255 and the load of all devices
must be less than the KNX PSU

• Ensure correct bus polarity on all devices.

• KNX PSUs offer surge protection to 2kV. For additional surge protection, additional
overvoltage arrestors can be used.

• Some devices require more power than the bus voltage can provide so require separate,
additional power supply
• The circuit protection for this additional power supply should be separate from
that for the load devices' power supply

PROJECT CHECKS
• Check whether permitted cable lengths have been observed

• Run a visual check of the marking of the bus cable ends

• Check installation for inadmissible cable connections

• Measure the insulation resistance of the bus cables

• Check polarity of all bus devices

• Measure voltage at each bus cable end (minimum 21VDC)

• Record your test results