The only National Event dedicated to KNX in the UK
“If you want to know about KNX, this is the absolute best place in the whole of the UK to be today“, Iain Gordon, KNX UK Chair and MD of GES Digital.
The second annual KNX Tech Event hosted by KNX UK took place on 5th September at SAMA Bankside, London – this is a great venue, nothing is too much trouble and the building lends itself to multiple display and breakout areas over two floors in a modern, friendly environment.
The day, which featured presentations from expert speakers, group breakout sessions and displays from many KNX Manufacturers, Distributors and Training Centres was well received and even the British weather didn’t spoil the day.
“Despite the heavy rain, it was great to see such a good turnout. Making new contacts, catching up with familiar faces and talking all things KNX. What a great day!” Paul Jones, B.E.G.Director UK & Ireland
Alex Buchan CEng., Director SafeShark and CTO at Digital TV Group, presented in depth information on the new PSTI regulations already in force in the UK and the RED regulations due to be launched in 2025. Both sets of regulations are aimed at increasing consumer safety when using connected and connectable devices. The responsibility for which now includes the whole supply chain rather than simply manufacturers.
Jesús Arias – KNX Business Development, Independent Management Consultant, Hospitality Owner and Author – KNX Association flew in from Spain for the event to talk to the conference about the necessity for change to keep up with technological advances. He explained how KNX Association has developed secure IoT and 3rd Party API to ensure that KNX remains at the heart of smart home and building controls. The KNX Incubator programme has increased opportunities for manufacturers to enter the KNX ecosystem and as ever interoperability and security are key components. He made it very clear that while twisted pair installations are expected to continue to thrive in the years ahead IoT and RF options are there to further expand the adaptability of KNX. As ever, all KNX certified devices will continue to be guaranteed to work seamlessly together.
Harry Doling, Business Development Director, Umbra Shading, presented a thought-provokingsession on the importance of peripherals and why KNX Integrators need to plan holistic systems for the benefit of their clients as well as the environment. In the case of blinds this requires a basic understanding of the purpose and benefits that automated shading can provide. He argued that far from being mere window dressing blinds and shades play a vital role in regulating solar gain and heat loss. Furthermore, that automation is necessary throughout homes and buildings to ensure that shading is regulated, when necessary, especially when the building is not occupied or in areas of the building that are seldom used. In the case of shading, relying on manual operation can result in overheating or heat loss when occupied. When the building is unoccupied, the benefits are lost altogether, creating over-use of energy to quickly cool or heat the space when next occupied.
There were breakout sessions , including the CIBSE CPD presentation by Paul Kinghorn of MY KNX Store – The roadmap to Net Zero by Lee Purvis, Zennio, – Cyber Security from Andy Davies of HMS Networks, and ETS6 features and updates presented by Jeremy Aston of Channel Smart Buildings.
Video playbacks of these will be made available soon, visit the KNX UK website.
The day finished with the presentation of the KNX UK Awards in which products and projects are subjected to a peer vote and celebrated for their excellence. Congratulations go out to Award Winners – Theben, JUNG, Tate Controls and Baulogic see here to view details on all Winners and Finalists.
KNX UK Chair Iain Gordon concluded, “The feedback on the day was fantastic. The attendees and our guest speakers, all found value in the networking opportunities and all came away feeling very positive about KNX and the UK association. A truly marvellous event.”
