How does Cbus work?
Cbus connects your Cbus switches and Cbus sensors, known as input units to your switchboard which contains output units or Cbus dimmers and Cbus relays. The switches are connected via a Cbus networking cat5 cable compared to traditional wiring in power cables. Each switch is programmable to an output unit where your lighting circuits are connected.
What are the advantages of Cbus?
Due to the networking nature of Cbus, you are provided with greater flexibility to change the programming to suit your lifestyle at the time. Commonly, we set custom scenes for our customers such as ‘all off’ or ‘goodnight’, which selects a few lights in the house and ramps them down over time whilst leaving others running for perhaps reading or security.
Cbus also has many benefits in commercial premises, such as a longer cable run between switches and switchboards, not limited to voltage drop in traditional wiring, light harvesting, which internal Cbus dimmers can respond to external lighting levels, saving the building on energy costs.
What is a Cbus relay?
Cbus relays are output units that can either switch the lighting level to on or off with no in-between. Typically, relays are reserved non-dimmable lighting, such as fluorescent or even general purpose outlets.
What is a Cbus dimmer?
A Cbus dimmer is an output unit that has the option of setting the lighting level of a dimmable light to anywhere between 0 and 100 %.
Who can program Cbus?
Cbus is programmed by an approved Clipsal Cbus programmer. Cbus programmers must be evaluated on Clipsal’s Cbus programming courses, ranging from beginner courses to Cbus touchscreens and Cbus logic. Typically the Cbus programmer is accompanied by an electrician to assist in the installation, debugging, and commissioning of the system. Intelligent Automation’s electricians are both Cbus programmers and licensed electricians, greatly simplifying the process.
I have a programming port, can I program Cbus myself?
It is highly advised against programming Cbus yourself as a DIY. As an example, we’ve experienced customers plugging in their laptop’s Ethernet port to the Cbus system and destroying their computer as they weren’t aware that Cbus runs at 22-36V DC. Additionally, by altering the Cbus program you may make things more difficult for your local installer by introducing software bugs.
Can I program my Cbus using learn-mode?
Yes, you can. However, this is also advised against as learn-mode Cbus can be difficult to set up and may introduce unwanted changes. The Cbus output unit must be learn-mode enabled and the Cbus input unit (switch) must be a recent version.
Can I manually control my Cbus lights?
Yes, you can. If you are experiencing issues with your Cbus network, you can press the green LED lights on front of the Cbus relay and Cbus dimmer in the switchboard. This will turn the respective lighting circuit on or off. Your installer should provide you with a list of lighting groups that correspond to your Cbus outputs channels, so you can identify the differences between them. Otherwise, you can use a guess and check method and write down the results for next time.
What should I do if my Cbus switch lights are flashing?
Flashing switches can typically indicate a Cbus fault, meaning the systems messages aren’t being sent or received properly. Cbus faults can be intermittent and caused by a number of issues, such as a bad power supply or faulty input unit. You can try reset the Cbus circuit breaker, however the issue is likely to come back. In the mean time, call your local Cbus installer and use the manual mode on the Cbus output unit.
What type of lights are compatible with my Cbus?
Cbus relays can handle any type of lighting load that is below the current rating. Cbus dimmers are more sensitive and require either trailing edge or leading edge dimmable drivers. Newer SpaceLogic Cbus dimmers are fully LED compatible, however some LED brands work on the Clipsal Cbus dimmer range.
Can I connect a ceiling fan to my Cbus ?
Clipsal has a specific fan controller that is designed for controlling the ceiling fan’s 3 speed settings. Some installations may use a relay to turn the fan on and off, whilst hiding the speed controller in a cupboard and set for a single speed.
Occasionally, some older installations will have fans connected to Cbus dimmers. This is not advised as this type of load can ruin the Cbus dimmer. If you have an old fan you have replaced for a new fan with a DC drive, it is also likely to damage the fan’s electronics. Always make sure your electrician is Cbus certified when installing and replacing equipment in your Cbus connected home.