Intelligent Controls Bring Added Value

A Northern Ireland property developer, Colin Donaldson, has specified Square D's Intelligent Home Control (IHC) during the refurbishment of two three-bedroom houses.

A Northern Ireland property developer, Colin Donaldson, has specified Square D's Intelligent Home Control (IHC) during the refurbishment of two three-bedroom houses because it believes the system increases the value of the properties to prospective buyers.

CMC Electrical Services rewired the houses in Knockvale Park, Belfast, and recommended Square D's products as providing the most reliable intelligent home system suited to Donaldson's requirements.

The IHC system can be customised for any installation and the house has a number of different features for the occupants' safety.

These include smoke and heat detectors connected to the central controller that switches on lights in the hall & landings to provide an escape route in the event of fire.

Similarly the IHC system is fitted with a water leak detection device that ensures the water supply in the open plan house is cut off when activated.

This prevents any damage to furnishings, flooring or appliances and eliminates the risk of electric shock.

All switches in the IHC system are simple inputs to the central controller and are volt-free, unlike traditional wiring systems.

This means that the risk of electric shocks when replacing or removing switches during redecoration, for example, is eliminated.

Square D's IHC is based on a central controller for all functions, including security, temperature and lighting control.

These can easily be programmed to alter the functionality throughout the house.

Lighting, for example, can easily be programmed to switch on at different times or in conjunction with other lights to create a particular ambience.

These settings can be pre-programmed allowing the occupant to easily choose alternative levels of illumination.

Programming can be carried out using the controller in the home or remotely using either a Web-based interface or a mobile phone.

To add further value to the house, Donaldson also specified Square D's LexCom Home structured entertainment network system.

This provides a comprehensive installation for television, internet radio, MP3 players, telecommunications and data connections, including broadband, making it possible to use any service from any socket outlet throughout the home.

Notes Conor McCarthy of CMC Electrical Services: "I have been wanting to fit this system for some time as it is so flexible.

Although installation is comparable to a traditional wiring system it is much easier to make subsequent alterations during the lifetime of the house".

The appeal of one of the properties will soon be put to the test as it was filmed for the BBC programme, "The Right Move", planned for release later in the year.

The show, filmed in Northern Ireland, looks at the needs of people seeking a new property and then proposes a number of alternatives for them to consider based on their needs and budget.

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