New guidance is set to be published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to ensure engineers’ skills and knowledge are up-to-date with constantly evolving building systems.
Emerging innovations in home comforts like high speed data connections, multi-room audio and hi-tech security systems demands a new standard for engineers connecting these systems.
The IET’s new Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration in Buildings, expected in 2016, will promote good practice in the specification, design and integration of connected systems in buildings.
This Code or Practice will outline a best practice approach to connected systems integration in buildings, covering common communications and built environment challenges. The aims are to improve connectivity, communications networking and connected systems integration in residential and SME commercial buildings. It will also provide a reference on design, integration practice and technological considerations for practitioners working to meet the highest standards for their customers.
James Eade, chairman of the IET’s Standards TC4.1 Connected Systems Integration, which oversaw the creation of the Code, said: “Most people today contribute to the technology revolution, whether by accessing social media via phones or tablets, surfing the web using the TV or using wireless multi-room audio systems.
“The functionality that modern technology affords our daily lives is immense but these disparate technologies have to be engineered to co-exist together effectively. This guide will not only be a key document for installers to guide them through the different technologies and their integration, but crucially it is also concerned with planning the current and potential future requirements of an integrated system. As such it will assist in managing and meeting the expectations of clients.”
The ongoing development of wired and wireless communications and control technologies is facilitating connectivity and systems integration within buildings, ranging from entertainment and IT, to security, lighting, heating and other building operations. However, communications within the buildings are often impacted by location, building fabric and power constraints, while systems compatibility and configuration issues can also present challenges to successful integration and operation.
This document outlines a best practice approach to connected systems integration in buildings, covering common communications and built environment challenges, with the aim of enabling improved connectivity, communications networking and connected systems integration for user access in residential and SME commercial buildings.