The quiet revolution

The Australian building industry is embracing smarter homes. However, according to builders and electricians throughout the country, while people are keen on having Smart Wired® homes, many are unsure of what the term means.

Smart WiringTM structured cabling developed in Australia as a standard, industry approved platform is independent of technology, says John Fennell, chief executive officer of the Copper Development Centre.

"Smart Wiring is a platform of twisted copper that allows you to future proof your home for new technology. Installed in your home, it can allow access to multiple telephone, internet, fax, home theatre, home automation and intelligent lighting options," he says.

Smart Wiring was developed by a range of companies and organisations in Australia to make structured cabling accessible and affordable. Installed by just one accredited contractor, usually either a builder or electrician, Smart Wiring works with all brands of electronic componentry.

A recent Copper Development Centre survey of 680 builders found that 11%, or around 17,000 homes were Smart Wired last year. This figure is expected to rise to 15% by the end of this year, with around 140 of the country's largest building companies now Smart Wired partners.

"There's a quiet revolution going on behind the walls of Australian houses," says Fennell. "Forget the Jetsons, Smart Wiring is all about letting people choose a modern lifestyle."

Installed in a new home or retrofitted during renovations, Smart Wiring can be as simple, or as complex, as a budget allows.

"The key is proper planning," says Peter Van der Kraan, from Melbourne's Adept Electrical Group. "People are initially unsure why you need an internet outlet in every room or want intelligent lighting until you work through what that might mean once their kids are teenagers, someone starts a home business, or home entertainment gets more sophisticated."

Brenton Morris, from Perth company Intelligent Homes, says that while it's best to start simple, it's also important to lay the foundations for possible upgrades at the same time.

"I always tell my clients to start with what they really need and are comfortable with, such as unlimited data, audio and home theatre. If a home's been properly Smart Wired, it's no problem to come back and add more features."

For more information, and to find out how to contact an accredited contractor, call 1800 075 060 or visit the website: www.smartwiredhouse.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas