C-Bus System:
– Used for home and building automation
– Can control lighting and electrical systems
– Available in wired and wireless versions
– Uses category 5 UTP cable for network communications
– Can be interfaced with security systems and AV products
Wiring Design of C-Bus Systems:
– Separates connections between distribution board and lights
– Uses Dimmer or Relay in distribution board for power control
– No direct connections between wall switch and lights
– Wall-mounted switches connected to Dimmer via control cable
– Dimmers come in 4-, 8-, or 12-channel DIN-rail mounted devices
C-Bus Interoperability:
– C-Bus protocols opened for programmable interaction
– Interface modules available for RS232, USB, and Ethernet TCP/IP
– Developed using OSI 7-layer reference model
– Supports interfaces like RS232 and TCP/IP
– Interface specifications available through C-Bus Enabled Program
Geographic use of C-Bus and Compatibility:
– Primarily used in Australia, China, and New Zealand
– Available in Asia, the UK, Russia, and other countries
– Compatible with various protocols through interfaces
– Can be retrofitted using existing mains wiring
– Installed in notable locations like Number 10 Downing Street
References:
– Clipsals offers innovative electrical products
– Information on purchasing Schneider Electric US Lighting Control products
– Open C-Bus Serial Protocol Documents
– C-Bus Enabled Program for accessing the protocol
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2013) |
C-Bus is a communications protocol based on a seven-layer OSI model for home and building automation that can handle cable lengths up to 1000 metres using Cat-5 cable. It is used in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, United States, South Africa, the UK and, other parts of Europe including Greece and Romania. C-Bus was created by Clipsal Australia's Clipsal Integrated Systems division (now part of Schneider Electric) for use with its brand of home automation and building lighting control system. C-Bus has been briefly available in the United States but Schneider Electric has now discontinued sales in the United States.
C-Bus is used in the control of domotics, or home automation systems, as well as commercial building lighting control systems. Unlike the more common X10 protocol which uses a signal imposed upon the AC power line, C-Bus uses a dedicated low-voltage cable or two-way wireless network to carry command and control signals. This improves the reliability of command transmission and makes C-Bus far more suitable for large, commercial applications than X10.
