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KNX

KNX OPEN PROTOCOL

About KNX

At mySmart, we are proud to be a foundation member of the KNX National Group and a leading advocate for open-protocol automation solutions in Australia. With over 20 years of experience, we have delivered a diverse portfolio of successful projects, ranging from residential homes to complex commercial developments. Our expertise has been recognised internationally, including winning the prestigious KNX International Award in 2012 for the Surf Coast Shire Civic Building project, showcasing our commitment to designing and implementing advanced automation solutions.

KNX stands as the world’s only truly open protocol for home and building automation, endorsed by multiple international standards. Regulated by the KNX Association in Brussels and supported by over 500 of the world’s leading electrical manufacturers, KNX offers unparalleled reliability, scalability, and future-proofing for automating functions in both residential and commercial buildings.

In today’s rapidly evolving market, many new technologies fail to meet necessary international or local standards. Proprietary systems often lock users into specific manufacturers, limiting flexibility and driving up costs over time. KNX, by contrast, guarantees compliance, interoperability, and flexibility by adhering to strict global standards. Every KNX-certified product undergoes rigorous independent testing to ensure the highest levels of performance, safety, and compatibility.

In November 2017, Standards Australia adopted ISO/IEC 14543-3 (Parts 1-6) as an official Australian Technical Specification, covering the communication layers for network-based control. This adoption allows automation projects in Australia to conform to local standards while providing access to over 8,000 certified products from more than 500 manufacturers across 190 countries. This vast range of proven, high-quality products ensures that any project can be tailored to meet specific needs.

At mySmart, we are committed to upholding global standards and delivering our customers cutting-edge, flexible, and future-proof building control systems. Our involvement with KNX systems reflects our dedication to providing innovative automation solutions that stand the test of time.

Why Choose KNX For Your Lighting Control Needs

Why Choose an Open Protocol for Your Lighting Control System?

At its most basic, an open protocol is a standardised, non-proprietary system that allows seamless communication between devices from different manufacturers. As it is not restricted to products from a single supplier, this approach enhances design flexibility, cost efficiency, and the ability to future-proof automation systems.

Key benefits of the KNX open protocol include:

  • Interoperability: Products from over 500 manufacturers can work together seamlessly without requiring special drivers, proprietary software, or adapters. As an integrator, we can confidently build tailored systems by combining devices from different brands, knowing they will function reliably.
  • Scalability: The modular design makes it easy to scale systems over time. Whether you’re adding a single light switch or expanding a complex commercial setup, compatibility is assured, allowing new devices to integrate smoothly with the existing system.
  • Future-Proofing: Commitment to open standards ensures systems remain compatible as new technology emerges. This eliminates reliance on outdated proprietary technology, with upgrades easily implemented to keep systems up to date.
  • No Vendor Lock-In: With freedom from dependence on a single supplier, there’s greater flexibility in product selection, more competitive pricing options, and simpler long-term maintenance.

With over 8,000 certified products from more than 500 suppliers worldwide, the flexibility to design and implement an automation system that meets exact requirements is virtually limitless.

How Does KNX Work?

KNX Bus Cable

A key component of the KNX system is its dedicated KNX bus cable, which acts as the backbone for communication between devices. Recognisable by its distinctive green outer sheath and KNX or EIB logo, this cable is used throughout the installation. It typically consists of a twisted pair of 2 x 0.8mm² solid copper conductors, enabling both data transmission and power delivery to connected devices.

Designed for reliability and durability, the bus cable can be safely installed alongside standard 240V cabling without risk of interference. Thanks to its robust insulation and ability to withstand up to 600V, communication signals remain unaffected by electrical noise or disruptions, ensuring the system operates reliably in a wide range of installation environments.

KNX System Topology

The KNX system’s modular and scalable topology simplifies design, installation, and expansion. A typical installation includes a control panel housing the KNX power supply, along with other DIN-rail-mounted devices like actuators and controllers. However, KNX offers flexibility to accommodate both centralised and fully distributed systems, depending on project requirements.

In some cases, the control panel can be integrated into the building’s electrical distribution board, reducing space requirements and installation costs. Alternatively, a decentralised design can distribute KNX devices throughout the building, eliminating the need for a central control panel. This approach is especially beneficial in spaces with limited ceiling voids or risers.

The system also supports multiple communication media, including:

  • Twisted Pair (TP) for standard wired installations.
  • Powerline (PL) for utilising existing electrical wiring.
  • Radio Frequency (RF) for wireless installations where cabling is impractical.
  • IP (Ethernet) for remote control and monitoring via the internet.


This variety of communication options ensures that the KNX system can be tailored to suit virtually any installation scenario, from retrofitting existing buildings to creating highly connected smart spaces.

The Applications of KNX

One of the major strengths of KNX is its remarkable versatility. It can be utilised across a wide range of building automation applications in both residential and commercial settings. This flexibility makes it ideal for projects requiring multiple control systems to operate seamlessly on the same network.

Common applications include:

  • Lighting Control: Intelligent solutions such as dimming, scene setting, and daylight harvesting to maximise energy efficiency.
  • Façade Automation: Control of blinds, shutters, and windows for automated solar shading and natural ventilation.
  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Automated climate control systems that enhance comfort while reducing energy consumption.
  • Energy Metering & Management: Real-time monitoring and management of energy usage, helping building owners cut costs and improve sustainability.
  • Security & Monitoring: Integration with alarm systems, video surveillance, and access control to ensure occupant safety.
  • Audio-Visual Control: Streamlined management of entertainment systems, including audio distribution, video conferencing, and multimedia integration.
  • IP Connectivity & Remote Access: Integration with IP networks for remote monitoring and control via smartphones, tablets, and computers.
  • Touch Screen & Visualisation Interfaces: Intuitive access to all automation systems through touch screens, apps, or web-based platforms.
 

KNX’s interoperability isn’t limited to its own devices. It can interface with third-party systems and other protocols, including BACnet, DALI, SCADA, OPC Servers, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for even the most complex automation projects.

Why KNX is the right choice

With over 30 years of innovation, KNX continues to be the leading standard for smart building automation. Its open, flexible, and scalable architecture allows you to build systems that are tailored to your needs today and adaptable to future developments. Whether you’re designing a small residential project or a large commercial development, KNX offers the perfect balance of reliability, security, and ease of use.

As a global standard, KNX ensures that you’re investing in a future-proof solution, backed by an international community of experts and manufacturers. With KNX, you have the freedom to design, implement, and expand your system without being limited by proprietary technologies.

At mySmart, we are committed to helping our clients harness the full potential of KNX, delivering outstanding automation solutions that are built to last.


  • KNX Awards 2012 - Winner - Commercial Project: Surf Coast Shire Civic Building, Torquay, Victoria
  • KNX Awards 2014 - Nominee - Commercial Project: ANZ Tower, Sydney, NSW
  • KNX Awards 2018 – Nominee – Commercial Project: Ravenhall Prison, Victoria
  • KNX Awards 2020 – Nominee – Commercial Project: Calvary Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA
  • KNX Awards 2022 – Nominee – Commercial Project: The New Maitland Hospital, Newcastle, NSW
  • KNX Awards 2024 – Nominee – Residential Project: SIRIUS Apartments, Sydney, NSW

Explore our KNX projects:

Frequently Asked Questions

KNX is a global standard for home and building automation, enabling different devices—such as lighting, HVAC, security, and energy management systems—to communicate and work together. It provides an open and scalable platform for integrated control in both residential and commercial buildings.

KNX uses a single communication protocol to allow devices from different manufacturers to interact seamlessly. Through a twisted-pair cable, powerline, radio frequency, or IP communication, KNX devices exchange data and control commands, enabling full automation of lighting, heating, security systems, and more.

KNX offers several key benefits:

  • Interoperability: Devices from over 500 manufacturers are guaranteed to work together.
  • Flexibility: The system can be used for new builds or retrofitted into existing buildings.
  • Energy Efficiency: KNX optimises energy use by integrating lighting, heating, and cooling systems to minimise waste.
  • Future-Proof: KNX systems are scalable and easily adaptable to new technology, ensuring long-term reliability.

Yes, KNX is incredibly versatile and can be scaled for both residential homes and commercial buildings. Whether you’re looking to automate a home or control systems in an office building, KNX provides a flexible, efficient, and integrated solution for a wide variety of applications.

Unlike proprietary systems, KNX is open and standardised, meaning it’s supported by a large community of manufacturers and integrators worldwide. This ensures greater flexibility, no vendor lock-in, and future compatibility. Additionally, KNX integrates seamlessly with other protocols like DALI, BACnet, and Modbus for comprehensive building management.

KNX enables smart control of energy-consuming systems like lighting, HVAC, and appliances. By integrating sensors, timers, and automated controls, KNX adjusts energy use based on occupancy, daylight levels, or time of day, reducing energy consumption and optimising efficiency.

Yes, KNX is designed to work with other building management systems (BMS) and protocols such as BACnet, DALI, and Modbus. This allows KNX to integrate with lighting, HVAC, security, and audio-visual systems, providing a unified control platform.

Absolutely! KNX is a global standard that continues to evolve, with support from over 500 manufacturers worldwide. The system is highly scalable, allowing for easy upgrades and expansions as technology advances. By choosing KNX, you ensure your system can adapt to new innovations without major infrastructure changes.

Yes, KNX is highly modular and scalable, meaning it can be easily expanded or modified. You can add new devices or functionalities to your existing KNX system without having to make extensive changes to the infrastructure or wiring, making it cost-effective in the long run.

KNX ensures high levels of security with its KNX Secure protocol, which is designed to protect communication within the system from unauthorised access and cyber-attacks. This guarantees that your automation system is both safe and reliable.

KNX can be used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Lighting control
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
  • Security systems
  • Blinds and shading control
  • Energy management
  • Audio-visual control
  • Metering and monitoring


This versatility makes KNX an all-in-one solution for smart building automation.

KNX supports multiple communication media to suit different project needs:

  • Twisted-pair (TP) wiring for reliable data transmission in buildings.
  • Powerline (PL) for sending data over existing electrical lines.
  • Radio Frequency (RF) for wireless applications.
  • IP (Ethernet) for integration with modern networks and remote access.


These options allow KNX to be adapted to virtually any building type.

KNX can be installed in both new builds and existing buildings. The system uses a dedicated KNX bus cable, which runs parallel to existing electrical lines. Installation is done by certified professionals like mySmart, ensuring that all devices are correctly integrated, configured, and optimised for the building’s specific needs.

As a Certified Partner of KNX, mySmart brings extensive expertise in designing, installing, and servicing KNX systems. We work closely with clients to deliver customised automation solutions that meet their project’s specific needs. From new installations to ongoing maintenance, mySmart ensures your KNX system is optimised for performance and future-proofed.

 

Yes, KNX can be used to control outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, and even pool automation. The system is highly flexible, making it ideal for integrating both indoor and outdoor functionalities into one unified control system.

Yes, KNX is the only global standard for home and building automation, certified by several international bodies, including:

  • ISO/IEC 14543-3 (International Standard)
  • CENELEC EN 50090 (European Standard)
  • ANSI/ASHRAE 135 (American Standard)
  • GB/T 20965 (Chinese Standard)
  • SA/SNZ ISO/IEC TS 14543.3 (Australian Standard)

This ensures KNX meets local and international standards, providing peace of mind for compliance and quality.

Yes, KNX can be remotely monitored and controlled via smartphones, tablets, or computers. This allows users to adjust lighting, HVAC, security, and other systems from anywhere in the world, enhancing both convenience and flexibility.