C-Bus (protocol): Difference between revisions

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{{more citations needed|date=September 2013}}

'''C-Bus''' is a communications protocol based on a seven-layer [[OSI model]] for home and building automation that can handle cable lengths up to 1000 metres using [[Cat-5]] cable. It is used in Australia, New Zealand, [[Asia]], the [[Middle East]], Russia, United States, [[South Africa]], the UK and, other parts of Europe including [[Greece]] and [[Romania]]. C-Bus was created by [[Clipsal|Clipsal Australia]]'s ''Clipsal Integrated Systems''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Products/Integrated-Systems | title=Browse Clipsal's innovative electrical products and solutions &#124; Product Catalogue - Clipsal by Schneider Electric | access-date=2015-09-21 | archive-date=2016-03-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304155205/https://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Products/Integrated-Systems | url-status=dead }}</ref> division (now part of [[Schneider Electric]]) for use with its brand of home automation and building [[lighting control]] system. C-Bus has been briefly available in the United States but [[Schneider Electric]] has now discontinued sales in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.schneider-electric.us/sites/us/en/support/faq/faq_main.page?page=content&id=FA241002&viewlocale=en_US&country=US&lang=en&locale=en_US&redirect=true | title=Why can't I purchase Schneider Electric US Lighting Control products any more? &#124; Schneider Electric USA | date=10 August 2012 }}</ref>

C-Bus is used in the control of [[domotics]], or [[home automation]] systems, as well as commercial building lighting control systems.

Unlike the more common [[X10 (industry standard)|X10]] protocol which uses a signal imposed upon the [[Power line communication|AC power line]], C-Bus uses a dedicated low-voltage cable or two-way wireless network to carry command and control signals. This improves the reliability of command transmission and makes C-Bus far more suitable for large, commercial applications than X10.

== C-Bus Systemsystem ==

The C-Bus Systemsystem can be used to control lighting and other electrical systems and products automatically or via [[remote control]] and can also be interfaced to a home security system, AV products or other electrical items. The C-Bus system is available in a wired version and a [[wireless]] version, with a gateway available to allow messages to be sent between wired and wireless networks.

The wired C-Bus system uses a standard category 5 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable as its network communications cable and does not require end-of-line termination. Clipsal manufactures a specific category 5 cable for use within electrical distribution panels. This cable has a pink outer sheath which is rated to ensure adequate electrical isolation between the mains voltages found in distribution panels and the extra low voltage C-Bus. Outside of distribution panels standard category 5 UTP cable can be used.

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More than one C-Bus power supply can be connected to a C-Bus network to provide sufficient power to the C-Bus units, the C-Bus power supplies will share the load evenly.

Each C-Bus network requires a network burden if there are insufficient C-Bus units on the network. ThisA network burden decreases [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] on the C-Bus network. This can be enabled on C-Bus output units through software or a hardware burden can be connected to the network.

Each C-Bus network requires at least one system clock-generating unit for data synchronization.

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The C-Bus protocol was developed using the OSI 7-layer reference model. C-Bus supports several interfaces such as RS232 and TCP/IP and makes these protocols available to third-party companies.

C-Bus interface specifications are available through the [http://www.cbus-enabled.com/what-cbus.htm C-Bus Enabled Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813114913/http://www.cbus-enabled.com/what-cbus.htm |date=2006-08-13 }}, however it is necessary to agree to a license agreement.

== Geographic use of C-Bus and Compatibilitycompatibility ==

C-Bus as a home automation and commercial building lighting control system is used primarily in [[Australia, China and New Zealand]]{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}. C-Bus is currently available in [[Asia]], the United Kingdom ([http://schneider.bsky.net/802570BC0051FDC4/0/E4034508C43E9DFB8025727900577196?Open&Highlight=2,c-bus,DomainSearchExclude installed]{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} in Number 10 Downing Street, [[Wembley Stadium]] and [[Manchester City Football Club]]), Russia and a number of other countries are now using this system. The C-Bus wireless (RF) system and wired C-Bus Occupancy Controllers can be retrofitted using the existing mains wiring.

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== External links ==

* [http://www.cbus-enabled.com/what-cbus.htm C-Bus Enabled Program] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813114913/http://www.cbus-enabled.com/what-cbus.htm |date=2006-08-13 }}&nbsp;— Program for accessing the C-Bus protocol.

{{Home automation}}