Smart Home Installation: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to succeed with your smart home installation. New build or renovation, discover the steps, budget and expert advice.
We do the programming. A licensed electrician does the installation.
The CMO.lu SARL-S is an IT services provider: software development, programming and systems integration. We carry out no electrical installation work.
What we deliver
- Consulting, technical studies and specifications
- ETS5 / ETS6 programming of your KNX devices
- Development of interfaces, supervision and apps
- Integration of third-party systems (BMS, IoT, multimedia)
- Functional testing, training and remote support
What we do not deliver
- Mounting and fixing of electrical equipment
- Wiring, conduits and connections
- Work on distribution boards or electrical cabinets
- Any service reserved to the electrical trade
Two ways to work together
Support mode: you appoint your own electrician, we supply them with the plans, sizing and wiring schedule, then we program the system. Full offer under co-contracting: we introduce a licensed co-contracting electrician and you sign two separate contracts — one with us for the automation package, one with them for the electrical package. In both cases they remain solely responsible for electrical compliance.
Read our general terms and conditions of saleSucceeding with Your Smart Home Installation
A successful smart home installation relies on good preparation and choosing the right professionals. Whether for a new build or a renovation, each project has its specifics.
In Luxembourg, KNX smart home installation is the preferred solution for lasting and scalable projects. We handle the software side: studies, sizing, ETS programming and commissioning. Fitting and wiring are carried out by a licensed electrical contractor.
- Personalised study
Analysis of your needs and custom system design.
- Fitting by a licensed electrician
We do not fit equipment: we provide the plans and coordinate your electrician, or introduce you to a partner contractor.
- Training and support
Getting to grips with your installation and ongoing technical support.
Smart Home Installation: New Build vs Renovation
New Build
Ideal for a complete smart home installation. Wiring is planned from the outset.
Advantages
- Optimal wiring from the start
- Cost integrated into construction
- All features possible
- Clean and invisible installation
Points to watch
- • Plan wiring before plastering
- • Coordinate with the electrician
- • Anticipate future needs
Renovation
Several solutions exist for installing smart home technology in an existing property.
Possible options
- Wired KNX
If heavy renovation with access to walls
- KNX RF (radio)
KNX-compatible wireless components
- Hybrid solution
Mix of wired and wireless depending on constraints
Points to watch
- • Assess technical constraints
- • Potentially higher budget
- • Compromises sometimes necessary
KNX Bus Installation
The KNX Bus Cable
The KNX bus cable (green cable) is the backbone of your smart home installation. This specific cable carries data and power to all system components.
- Cable type
2-pair twisted cable (green) – YCYM 2x2x0.8mm
- Topology
Line, star, tree or mixed – no closed loop
- Maximum length
1,000m per line, 700m between 2 participants
The KNX Power Supply
The KNX power supply provides the energy needed for the bus and components. Its sizing is crucial for the proper functioning of the installation.
- Bus voltage
29V DC (21-30V) with integrated choke
- Common ratings
160mA, 320mA, 640mA or 1280mA depending on project
- Sizing rule
Sum of consumption + 20% margin minimum
KNX Wiring Best Practices
The Stages of a Smart Home Installation
Study and Design
Analysis of your needs, site visit, definition of desired features and smart home system design.
- • Interview to understand your expectations
- • Equipment layout plans
- • List of features per room
- • Detailed quote
Wiring and Infrastructure
Carried out by the electrical contractor, based on our plans and sizing. This stage takes place before closing the walls.
- • Laying the KNX bus cable (green)
- • Running conduits and cables
- • Installing the smart home electrical panel
- • Preparing flush-mount back boxes
Equipment Installation
Actuators, sensors and switches fitted by the electrician, following the labelling schedule we supply. This stage takes place after finishing work.
- • Mounting actuators in the panel
- • Installing switches and detectors
- • Installing interfaces (screens, servers)
- • Connecting to the computer network
Programming and Configuration
Parameterisation of all equipment, creation of scenarios and automations according to your living habits.
- • KNX component addressing
- • Function configuration
- • Creation of custom scenarios
- • Functional testing
Training and Commissioning
Training on the use of your installation, handover of documents and start of technical support.
- • Complete user training
- • Handover of technical file
- • Programming backup
- • Start of warranty and support
Smart Home Installation Budget
Essential
€8,000 – €20,000
Basic smart home installation for houses up to 150 m².
- Centralised lighting
- Automated blinds
- Basic scenarios
- Mobile app
Comfort
€20,000 – €50,000
Most requestedComplete installation for houses of 150–300 m².
- All "Essential" included
- Multi-zone heating
- Integrated alarm
- Central touch screen
- Weather station
Premium
€50,000 – €150,000+
High-end installation, large areas or complex projects.
- All "Comfort" included
- Multiroom audio
- Integrated home cinema
- HD video surveillance
- Premium design switches
These budgets are indicative and cover the whole project: hardware, fitting by the electrician and programming. Our own service covers only studies, programming and commissioning; supply and fitting are invoiced directly by the companies concerned.
Smart Home Installation Timings
Study
1–2 weeks
Needs analysis and project design
Wiring
1–3 days
Laying the KNX bus cable
Installation
2–5 days
Equipment installation and connections
Programming
1–3 days
Configuration and testing
Indicative timings for a single-family home. Large projects require more time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smart Home Installation
How much does smart home installation cost for a house?
The budget ranges from €8,000 for a basic installation to over €100,000 for a high-end project. On average, count €150-300/m² for a complete KNX installation including lighting, blinds and heating.
Can smart home be installed in an older house?
Yes, thanks to KNX RF (radio) or hybrid solutions. A major renovation with access to walls also allows wired installation. A technical audit will determine the best approach for your situation.
Do you need a specialised electrician for smart home?
For a professional KNX installation, it is recommended to use a certified KNX Partner integrator. They will coordinate the work with your electrician and ensure the system programming.
When should you plan smart home in a construction project?
Ideally from the very start of the project, at the same time as the electrical plans. KNX cabling must be laid before closing the walls (shell phase). The earlier you anticipate, the greater the possibilities.
Plan Your Smart Home Installation
Contact our experts for a bespoke assessment of your smart home installation project in Luxembourg. Free quote with no obligation.