3. Definition of integrated home systems

The first word of the term “integrated home system” is a word often used in electronics and computing. However, it would be too simple to assume that an integrated home system is the control of electrical clients using electronics and computers. The reality, and thus the definition, is rather more complex. Every producer, importer, installer and user has his own definition. His definition is generally correct for a certain system, but not for the entire integrated home systems market. The following definition is brand independent and has been used for many years by the VEI (Vlaams Elektro Innovatiecentrum [Flemish Electrical Innovation Centre]) and by Vormelek (a sector-based organisation for training electrical installers in Belgium).

An integrated home system is the integrated system that operates and manages all electrical equipment in the home for the purpose of increasing comfort, flexibility, communication, safety and security, and rational energy consumption.

It is of course not the intention to use this definition in this form when communicating with end users. Nevertheless, as an installer it is useful to know this definition and to be able to use elements of it in meetings with architects and end users. In part 4 we take a few key words from this definition and analyse them.