News & Views
17th November 2015
Home Automation Just Became Easier
Clipsal by Schneider Electric has launched a new unique automation offer, Simple Intelligent Lighting Control (SILC), which can be installed by any electrical contractor into any new home build.
Unlike most home automation offers, Clipsal SILC is a simple, hard-wired lighting automation system, which does not require any specialist skills to install and can be easily programmed for control via an app. Using familiar wiring practices, Clipsal SILC uses specific Clipsal LED down lights fitted with special drivers to provide homeowners with simple control of their lighting.
Differing from home automation systems that have come before it, Clipsal SILC is installed by the electrical contractor, rather than an integrator, and then configured by the homeowner. Using the Clipsal SILC app, the homeowner has optimised control of their lighting, with the ability to turn lights ON and OFF, dim up and down, control individual lights, groups of lights, and multiple groups – all from their smart phone or tablet. The system is very flexible; once it has been set up, the homeowner can go back into the app at any stage to alter the set up as their needs change. The system uses Clipsal’s 30-Mech, so in addition to using the app, it can be operated through any standard Clipsal switch plate, allowing homeowners to easily dim, or switch lighting ON and OFF via the wall switch. These features make Clipsal SILC a simple and effective solution for multi-way switching and dimming, which was previously difficult to achieve.
Robbie Sutton, a Club Clipsal member and electrical contractor from South Australia has used the new system and says it is a great product for contractors and consumers who are interested in simple automation.
“The beauty of Clipsal SILC is its simplicity,” Robbie said. “The system connects with how the homeowner currently controls their lighting and also builds on their familiarisation with apps. By combining these two points, consumers will be able to embrace this technology; it is a great entry level automation system for any home.”
Available at an affordable price, Clipsal SILC is a scalable system, with everything the home owner needs. Downlights, relay module, wi-fi gateway, wall switches, and power supply are all part of the system. Relays can be added so that non-LED lighting and other small motor load electrical accessories, such as exhaust fans, flood lights, pendants or fluorescent lights, can be turned on or off via the app.
Energy efficiency is a key benefit of the system, with LED lights using around 85% less energy than halogen or incandescent lighting. Another energy efficient feature of the system is the ‘All off’ function which allows homeowners to easily turn off all lights connected to the system as they leave the house or go to bed.
Greg Spurling, another Club Clipsal member who has used the product says “Being able to interface through the app as well as having the traditional wall switching is excellent. It gives people the flexibility of automation, without too many bells and whistles.”
“After completing just one or two installs, an electrical contractor can become an expert in this product. For this reason, I think it is a great product for any contractor who is looking to expand their business.”
Clipsal SILC builds on Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s commitment to strengthen the industry by creating demand for electrical contractors and selling through the wholesale channel.
“With the desire for home automation on the rise among consumers, Clipsal SILC is a system that allows more people into the market by making lighting control more affordable and more accessible,” David Gardner, Vice President, Clipsal and Schneider Electric Partner Business said.
“We are supporting the electrical contractor with this offer, by providing them with a system that utilises their existing skill-set. The need for connectivity within Australian houses is only going to grow, so we encourage all contractors to get on board with this new offer so they can expand their business and offer a greater range of services to their customers.”
For more information about Clipsal SILC, call your local Clipsal and Schneider Electric Partner representative on 1300 369 233 or visit clipsal.com/Consumer/Silc/What-is-it
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of €25 billion in FY2014, our 170,000 employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, our technology, software and services improve the way our customers manage and automate their operations. Our connected technologies will reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives.
At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.
