Control centre

Homes are getting smarter than we are. Visitors to the recent European Home Technology Show in Birmingham were able to delve into the world of home cinema systems with plasma screens concealed by works of art, lcd projectors hidden in the ceiling, bathroom mirrors with inbuilt tv, all linked with integrated av and lighting control. It’s not only for pleasure of course; as more and more home working takes off, where we live needs to integrate with where we work and high quality communications networks are the name of the game.

The European Home Technology Show is organised by CEDIA, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association, a not-for-profit trade body for this growing sector. Set up in 1989 in the USA and established in the UK in 1996, CEDIA now boasts 3000 members worldwide with 270 in the UK, mainly made up of custom installers with around 80 manufacturers and distributors.

While many electrical contractors would not consider themselves experts in intelligent home installations, CEDIA chair Stephen Gough of Hometech feels that “they could move into this market fairly easily.” With wide-ranging installations costing anything from £5000 through to £200 000 and beyond, this work offers a lucrative sideline for many electrical firms. “A lot will have done the groundwork already,” continues Gough. “It’s what goes on top of that that takes the time and makes the money.” Gough likens the situation to the late 1980s when electrical contractors lost the impetus in the security alarms market. “This is an excellent opportunity to grow their business and add it to their existing portfolio,” reckons Gough.

Our profile of Tony Cheeseman, boss of electrical contracting firm A&A Co-ordinated Services who went to on to launch IQYourHome (EMC, March 2003, p20-21), shows that some are taking Gough’s advice. With housebuilders now starting to get switched on to high tech systems the time could be right to follow suit. “Historically, housebuilders hadn’t seen the value of adding a wiring package,” says Gough. “But press reports have led to public demand; they want the internet and the ability to connect with their offices when working from home. That brings with it a value to developers.”

CEDIA offers installers training in all aspects of this type of work. With many manufacturers deciding, as with Schneider’s recent entry into the market, to go down an approved installer route, maybe it’s time for you to get smart and look into some training on smart home technology.