Applications

Time Based Scheduling	Output loads can be programmed to switch loads or dim lights automatically according to the time of day, week or year.  Scheduling may also take into consideration ‘special days’ such as Public Holidays, Easter and Christmas.
Constant Illumination Control	Maintaining a constant target level within the area, with automatic compensation for changing ambient light levels, as well as the gradual reduction in light output (lumen depreciation) of fluorescent and discharge lamps
Occupancy Detection	C-Bus occupancy detectors using Infrared, Ultrasonic, or a combination of detection methods can be software-programmed to control any output devices on the Network. If desired, detectors may also be programmed to have different functions according to the time of day - for example to be made inoperative during normal operating hours, yet become functional after hours.
Relay Control	There is no limit to the overall current handling capacity of the C-Bus control system. For maximum control flexibility and energy savings individual zones should be made as small as possible, and in many applications it may be preferable for each luminaire or device to have an individual relay.  Loads of all currents can be easily accommodated with the C-Bus system. The most commonly specified relay devices are 4 channel 10A  voltage free and 12 channel DIN 10A  voltage free latching types..
Incandescent and ELV Dimming	C-Bus is very flexible, allowing dimming of 230v lamps or  LV transformers with pre-set levels, scene setting, and manual dimming.  Up to 20a load available. Over-ride controls for conference rooms, entertainment areas, etc are included in the PRO range.
Fluorescent Dimming	C-Bus dims fluorescent lamps using either 0-10V analogue controllable HF ballasts or DSI digital HF ballasts via a 8 channel DSI output or 4 channel 0-10v ouput. Daylight linking, constant light level control and lecture theatre dimming are typical examples of fluorescent dimming applications.
Local Control	Manual over-ride, localised or group control, using either C-Bus intelligent switches or standard switches.  C-Bus can accommodate Switching, Dimming, Scene Setting, Pre-sets, and Time Delays - in virtually any combination.
Hand-held Remote Control	For ease of use, the C-Bus remote controller can be used in multiple areas without any re-programming.
Logic Based Control	C-Bus has the ability to produce specific reactions in response to specific events, and to schedule and run control scenarios whenever specific events occur. The Minder Controller can also monitor and control the C-Bus system, and allow the owner to remotely access the electrical system from a remote PC (by modem), or even using a mobile phone.
Stepped HID Dimming	Power savings of up to 70% are possible in Industrial applications with discharge lamps, using dimming in conjunction with ambient light level and occupancy sensing.
Power-Up Conditions	Following a power failure, each C-Bus unit may be programmed to re-start in a certain specified status, or to resume operation at the same status existing prior to the event.
Power-Up Delay	To reduce high in-rush currents in large installations, the loads can be programmed to stagger their switch-on timing - this significantly reduces the peak demand on the system.
Interfaces to Building Management and other Control systems	The flexibility and ‘open systems’ approach of C-Bus makes it easy to integrate with other equipment, including Building Management Systems.(BMS) Landis and Staefa, Vector international and Johnson Controls are only some of the companies who have standard interfaces with C-Bus.  C-Bus has also been successfully integrated with AMX and Creston control systems. This simple integration allows the total electrical package, including HVAC and Lighting, to be controlled by the BMS, and provides the owner with a ‘seamless’ solution to all control requirements.

WHY USE C-BUS ?

     C-Bus is extremely simple to document at project design stage –

 

    -Switching and control circuits need not be finalized until the time of commissioning, and changes can be made at any time without any changes to the wiring schematics.

 

     C-Bus can control any type or size of load, digital and/or analogue.

 

     A single C-Bus cable connection can control an unlimited number of devices

 

-For example, the main switch panel in a typical Club could contain 200 switches and 100 dimmers (or even more), yet only one C-Bus twisted pair cable would be wired to the switch panel.

 

     Ultimate flexibility in switching and control 

 

 -Functions can be changed, added, removed, moved or reprogrammed, from any position on the network, and at any time - without any labour intensive hard-wiring.

 

   Extra Output Units can be added at any time –

 

   -The only wiring required is to connect the mains supply to the devices and connect them to any point on the C-Bus network.

 

     C-Bus is simple to install and commission.

   C-Bus does not require a centralised computer or any other controller, however, a PC can be used to add more features, if   desired

-Provides considerable cost, flexibility and reliability advantages over other systems.

 

What is C Bus? 

C-Bus is an intelligent Cat 5 Extra Low Voltage (elv) Bus system used to control lighting and other electrical services.

All items are connected via the Cat 5 Bus network

-inputs, typically devices that send commands such as PIR’s, timers, key switches, and

-outputs, typically stand alone or DIN mounted relays and dimmers.

To ensure fast and reliable operation, each device has its own in-built microprocessor and “intelligence” which can be individually programmed and re-programmed.

Each C Bus network can be up to 1000m long, wired in any configuration. Up to 100 devices can operate on each network and up to 255 networks can be connected on the one system.

Whether simple ON/OFF control of a lighting circuit via a relay , or variable control such as dimming hf ballasts or transformers,       C-Bus is used to easily control virtually any type of electrical load via these programmable outputs.

·        C-Bus communication is 2 way so each unit can communicate directly with any other unit on the network, and provide information about it’s own status. C-Bus system information is held within individual C-Bus units rather than at one central point. This ensures optimum communications speed and improves reliability

·         Simple software for Windows™ 95/98 is used to commission the system from a laptop or PC via the PC interface. When this is disconnected the system will function until changes may be required.

·         Additional software and system gateways are available to run larger projects with more specialised requirements. These communicate with BMS systems or other networks for complete integration of building networks.

·        Ideally suited for both Home and Commercial projects such as Retail, Warehousing, Public Authority and Sports venues, C Bus is now installed in ten’s of thousands of locations worldwide.

·       In summary, C-Bus is undoubtedly the most cost-effective, easy to install and user-friendly control system available.

What does C BUS do?  

 

The Clipsal C-Bus system can carry out intelligent circuit control in almost unlimited ways, including:

·   Centralised control, enabling over-ride control of individual units, groups, zones, buildings and sites.

·   Any input device can be programmed as a master control point.  Over-rides can be positioned anywhere in the network, and control any other unit or units.

·   A multiple over-ride control hierarchy allowing individual zone control, area control, building control and site controls.

·   Specialised lighting and energy management control features such as automated Light level control,3-way (movement, light, security) function C-Bus connected PIR’s

·   Scene-setting up to 9 groups of outputs (dimmers/relays) for specialist applications in Board room, Restaurant etc.

·   Unlimited switching configurations.  Two-way, three-way or any number of input switches can be set to toggle or control any other switch or device.

·   There is no direct 240V connection between any input and output device, only the C-Bus cable links the devices together.  Any input can control any load, regardless of which circuit or phase the load is connected to.

   Over-rides, scenes and scenarios can be easily re-programmed at any time.

C-Bus can fully integrate with most Building Management, Emergency or other control systems – and many functions may even be performed by telephone.

For the home or office C Bus accessories are designed to fully integrate with Clipsal’s exciting E2000 range of plain or coloured sockets and switches, or stylish Flat plate finishes in Brass or Stainless.

Savings due to improved Energy management can be substantial and in many cases makes retro-fit applications worthwhile

UK projects include Imperial War Museum, Millennium Stadium Cardiff, Kodak House, TAG McLAREN New HQ, ICL Newcastle and many more.

Some Common Resistance to technology.

• Our buildings are already energy-efficient.” (Is the whole building energy-efficient, or is the landlord limiting his focus to common areas and gross leased spaces?)
• “We prefer the equipment with the lowest first cost when fitting out tenant space.” (Does the specifier have any idea who will bear the increased operating costs of such a strategy?)
• “We need a two-year simple payback or less.” (Is this still realistic, given that the percentage return on money markets is literally one-tenth what it was 20 years ago?)
• “Tenants pay all energy costs, and will get all the savings.” (Do tenants really pay all energy or just the energy over a pre-set base year or expense stop?)
• “We’re selling the building.” (Should we assume then that lowering the operating expenses and reaping the increased asset value are not important?)