Home Automation is Your Next Smart Business Move - Here's Why.
Australians love being connected. With devices constantly on and technology becoming second nature, it’s easy to see why this lifestyle has made consumers embrace smart home devices such as Amazon’s Alexa and smart home switches. These devices are becoming more and more affordable and, with this change comes significant industry growth.
It’s predicted that by 2027, the Australian Smart Home Market will be a 6.49 billion dollar industry. This prediction shows an incredibly large growth compared to the industry being at 2.83 billion dollars in 2020.
This growth means significant business opportunities for sparkies. Keep reading for a more detailed look at all things home automation.
The rise of the smart home means that electricians are no longer just in charge of wiring up houses. They are now responsible for installing and maintaining the mysterious tech that makes a house smart.
Electricians can offer their services to homeowners as well as landlords, property developers, and commercial customers.
For sparkies, knowing how to install smart home devices will provide you with a point of difference from your competitors. This new business opportunity can also allow you to increase margins and further satisfy your customers. You’ll be providing your customers with convenience and reduce their unnecessary power consumption by automating a variety of tasks.
What can home automation do for your customers?
Time is a highly valuable asset. Installing smart home devices can make people's lives more convenient, and can allow them to spend their time doing things of higher importance to them. Installing smart home devices can also reduce unnecessary power consumption, lowering energy wastage and power bills. In commercial settings, it can increase efficiency and profits by automating processes.
Examples of residential applications for smart home devices include:
- HVAC
- Garage doors & gates
- Lighting
- Security systems
- Kettles
- Ovens
- TV
- Electric car charging stations
Examples of commercial applications for smart home devices include:
- Irrigation
- Drainage
- Feeding
- Fertilising
Want something to show your customers?
Download Infinite Automation's brochure here.We also have a NDIS supported brochure and more succinct home automation brochure - both perfect for your customers to read!
How to install smart home switches?
So your customer wants smart home switches, but doesn’t know which to buy, and how to install them. Here is a guide on how to install smart home switches using the Infinite Smart Switch 2 as an example.
Infinite Automation’s smart switches are designed to retrofit any power set up, so there’s no need to replace existing power outlets, wiring or switches.
You can install this smart home switch on any dry contact switch that requires pulse switching.
This smart home device is compatible with sensors, which can be added on for extra efficiency and security. Once installed, the existing switches and remotes are still fully functional. This smart home automation switch can also be installed anywhere, including outdoors in a weatherproof and fire resistant, protective box.
Below are some helpful images to demonstrate how to install the Infinite Smart Switch 2.
To ensure your smart switches are reliable and long lasting, it’s safest to go with Australian certified, Australian made and warranty backed smart home devices.
For more information about installing Infinite Automation switches, click here.
The smart home switches can then be paired with a smartphone app, so the user can easily control all connected devices. If the user wants, they can also control the smart devices through their web browser or Amazon’s Alexa.
Installation guide for smart home switches:
Installing the Infinite Smart Home Switches can be broken down into simple steps.
Before installing, ensure you read the individual product’s guides carefully for safety and warranty purposes.
- Shut off main circuit breaker and ensure wires are not short circuited
- Use a wire stripper to cut the metallic part of the connection wire, ensuring it is about 5mm
- Strip the cord sheath and insulation
- Prepare flex cord as required for the installation
- Slip the brushing over the flex cord
- Loose the terminal screws and ensure enough space to insert cord conductor
- Connect wires correctly and double check all the connection
- Ensure bare wires are fully inserted into the terminal and there are no loose strands of wire
- Ensure wires and terminals are adequately tightened to Australian standards
- Make sure all conductors are tightened properly by terminal screws
- Make sure neutrals are connected - N& LN must not loop anywhere
- Install a gang box if installation is non-insulated or surface mounted
- Connect all cables and place switch inside and towards the back of the gang box
- Reinstall the switch to the gang box
- Reinstall the cover onto the gang box
- Turn on the power at the circuit breaker or fuse
See the full version here.
Smart home mobile app
Installing smart home devices offers the user complete control of switches anytime, anywhere. The user friendly app is easy to set up for your customer and has real time synchronisation.
Simply visit the app store and enter the app’s name, in this case, Infinite Automation. Download the app, make an account for your customer (ensure the mobile number is set to your area code as the default is USA, and follow the easy instructions to pair the smart home device to the app.
The app includes:
- A child lock to prevent accidental manual overrides
- Push notifications for fully open garage doors
- Live status of doors and gates (open/closed)
- The ability to access logs of previous usages
- Quick favourites and smart groups for an easy and seamless experience
- Detailed data reports and customisable notifications
- Live monitoring displays of power usage
