SWITZERLAND – The Siemens Building Technologies Division has announced that it has expanded its Gamma instabus modular installation system by three modules designed to be used in decentralized, multi-discipline room automation. The three modules comprise the RL 125/23 power supply unit, the RL 513/23 binary output and a thermal drive actuator.

The new RL 125/23 power supply unit has a rated current of 80 mA which, the company claims, enables it to create decentralized solutions based on the room automation box which can provide autonomous automation of a single room or, by combining multiple room automation boxes, of a floor or even an entire building. Siemens state that up to eight decentralized power supply units may be connected in parallel, which forms a complete KNX bus line with eight room automation boxes.

The RL 513/23 binary output, which can switch between three outputs with 6 A each, is designed for use with small, decentralized loads as well as modern energy-efficient LED lamps which use considerably less power than conventional lamps. The company claims that this new binary output module will result in cost-efficient implementation of workplace lighting concepts.

The new thermal drive actuator can be used to control up to eight thermal drives for heating and cooling. When the drive actuator is used in tandem with a broad selection of room operator units, it can deliver coordinated automation of lighting, sun protection and HVAC for optimized energy use.

Siemens state that the new modules are suitable for installation in an eight-slot room automation box or a single-slot automation module box. In common with the entire Gamma instabus product portfolio, the modular installation system is based on KNX and is characterized by installing the control devices close to the application. The company claim that the consequence of this proximity is that less wiring is required, thereby reducing investment costs and the fire load, and hence fire safety costs.