KNX BUILDING AUTOMATION

SYSTEM GUIDE

Installation, Wiring & ETS6 Programming

• KNX System Overview

• Bus Topology & Structure
• Wiring & Installation
• Addressing Scheme
• ETS6 Programming
• Practical Examples
• Troubleshooting

Complete guide for KNX installers and programmers

SECTION 1: KNX SYSTEM OVERVIEW

What is KNX?
KNX is the worldwide standard (ISO/IEC 14543) for home and building control. It's an open protocol that allows
products from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly.

Key Features:
• Open Standard: 500+ manufacturers, 8000+ certified products
• Media Independent: Works over twisted pair, RF, IP, or powerline
• Distributed Intelligence: Each device has its own microprocessor
• Decentralized: No central controller required (but possible)
• Future Proof: Backwards compatible, regularly updated
• Scalable: From small homes to large buildings (up to 65,000+ devices)

Application Area Examples Benefits

Lighting Control On/Off, Dimming, Scenes, Presence detection Energy savings 30-60%

Shading/Blinds Automatic sun tracking, Weather protection Climate control, comfort

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning Energy savings 20-40%

Energy Management Load monitoring, Peak shaving Cost reduction, sustainability

Security Access control, Intrusion detection, CCTV Integrated safety system

Metering Electricity, Water, Gas consumption Transparency, billing

SECTION 2: BUS TOPOLOGY & STRUCTURE
KNX uses a hierarchical topology structure that allows for systematic organization of devices:

KNX Bus Topology Structure

BC Backbone
AC AC AC

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3

LC LC LC LC LC LC

Backbone
Figure 1: KNX Bus Topology - Hierarchical Structure
Area Line

Line

Device
Topology Components:
Device (Bus Participant):
• Basic unit connected to the bus
• Each device has unique physical address
• Can be sensor, actuator, or system device
• Maximum current consumption: 10mA per device

Line:
• Basic segment of KNX installation
• Maximum 64 devices per line (including coupler)
• Maximum 256 devices with power supplies
• Maximum cable length: 1000m
• Requires line coupler to connect to area

Area:
• Collection of up to 15 lines
• Connected via area line
• Requires area coupler to connect to backbone
• Total: 15 lines × 64 devices = 960 devices per area

Backbone:
• Connects up to 15 areas
• Main communication line
• Requires backbone coupler
• System capacity: 15 areas × 15 lines × 64 devices = 14,400+ devices

Parameter Maximum Value Notes

Devices per line 64 (256 with PS) Practical limit ~50 for reliability

Lines per area 15 Including main line

Areas per system 15 Connected via backbone

Total devices 65,536 Theoretical maximum (rarely reached)

Cable length per line 1000m From power supply

Distance between devices 700m max Total cable run

Telegram rate ~50 per second Bus speed: 9600 baud

SECTION 3: WIRING & INSTALLATION

KNX Bus Cable Specifications:

• Standard Cable Type: YCYM 2x2x0.8mm or J-Y(St)Y 2x2x0.8
• Color Code: Green (negative) and Red (positive) - POLARITY CRITICAL!
• Voltage: 29V DC nominal (21-30V operating range)
• Current per segment: Maximum 640mA from power supply
• Wire gauge: 0.8mm diameter (20 AWG)
• Installation: Can run alongside 230V AC (separate conduits recommended)

KNX Bus Wiring - Single Line

KNX KNX Bus Cable (Green/Red)

230V AC
Power
640mA
+ (Red) / - (Green) / 29V DC

Switch Dimmer Push Binary

Actuator Actuator Button Input
4-fold 2-fold 4-gang 8-fold

Note: Polarity must be respected! Red = +, Green = -

Standard Cable: YCYM 2x2x0.8mm (J-Y(St)Y 2x2x0.8)

Figure 2: KNX Bus Wiring Diagram - Single Line Configuration

CRITICAL: KNX bus polarity MUST be correct! Reversed polarity prevents communication. Use a
multimeter to verify: Red = +29V, Green = 0V (GND).

Installation Best Practices:

Cable Routing:
• Star topology preferred over daisy chain when possible
• Avoid long stub lines (max 350m total stub length)
• Keep cable runs as short as practical
• Protect cable in conduits or cable trays

Termination:
• Use proper KNX terminal blocks
• Strip wire 6-8mm
• Ensure good contact (no loose connections)
• Respect polarity at ALL connection points

Power Supply Placement:

• One power supply per line minimum
• Additional PS every 64 devices or when current > 640mA
• Mount in accessible location for maintenance
• Use choke if multiple PS on same line

Testing:
• Check voltage before connecting devices (28-30V)
• Verify polarity with multimeter
• Test bus communication before final installation
• Document cable routes and device locations
SECTION 4: ADDRESSING SCHEME
KNX uses two types of addresses: Individual (Physical) addresses identify device locations, and Group
(Logical) addresses define functions.

KNX Addressing System

Individual Address (Physical)

1 2 15 Range: 0-15

Area . Line . Device

Range: 0-15
Range: 1-255

Example: 1.2.15 = Area 1, Line 2, Device 15

Group Address (Logical)

1 3 25 Range: 0-31

Main / Middle / Sub

Range: 0-7
Range: 0-255

Example: 1/3/25 = Lighting / Living Room / Ceiling Light

Individual Address = Physical device location on bus

Group Address = Logical function (lights, blinds, heating, etc.)

Figure 3: KNX Addressing System - Individual and Group Addresses

Individual Address (Physical Address):

Format: [Link] (e.g., 1.2.15)
Area: 0-15 (typically 1-15 used, 0 for backbone)
Line: 0-15 (0 is main area line, 1-15 are lines)
Device: 1-255 (0 reserved for coupler)
Purpose: Identifies physical location on bus
Assignment: Must be unique in entire installation
Programming: Set via ETS during commissioning

Examples:
• 1.1.1 - First device on line 1 in area 1
• 1.2.10 - Device 10 on line 2 in area 1
 • 2.0.5 - Device 5 on area 2 main line

Group Address (Functional Address):

Format (3-level): Main/Middle/Sub (e.g., 1/3/25)
Main Group: 0-31 (building area or function type)
Middle Group: 0-7 (room or sub-function)
Sub Group: 0-255 (specific device/channel)
Alternative (2-level): Main/Sub (0-31 / 0-2047)
Purpose: Defines logical function and communication
Assignment: Multiple devices can share same group address
Total available: 65,536 possible group addresses

Organization Example:
• 1/x/x - Lighting
• 2/x/x - Blinds/Shading
• 3/x/x - Heating/Cooling
• 4/x/x - Security

Within lighting (1/x/x):

• 1/1/x - Ground floor
• 1/2/x - First floor
• 1/3/x - Second floor

TIP: Plan your group address structure before starting! A logical, consistent structure makes programming and
maintenance much easier.
SECTION 5: ETS6 PROGRAMMING

What is ETS6?
ETS (Engineering Tool Software) is the official configuration and programming software for KNX. ETS6 is the
latest version (as of 2024) and is required for all KNX installations.

Version Released Key Features OS Support

ETS5 2016 Group monitor, Enhanced UI Windows 7/8/10

ETS6 2022 Dark mode, Better performance, Cloud backupWindows 10/11

ETS6 Inside 2023 Subscription model, Online access Windows 10/11, macOS via VM

ETS6 Programming Workflow

1. Create
Project Name, location

2. Add
Devices From catalog

3. Assign
Physical Addr. X.Y.Z format

4. Create Group
Addresses Organize by function

5. Link Objects
to Groups Connect sensors
to actuators

6. Set
Parameters Configure behavior

7. Download to
Devices Via KNX/IP or USB

Figure 4: ETS6 Programming Workflow - Step by Step Process

ETS6 Programming Steps - Detailed:
Step 1: Create New Project
• Open ETS6 → File → New → Project
• Enter project name (e.g., "Smith Residence")
• Add project description and location
• Click OK to create project structure

Step 2: Add Devices from Catalog

• Navigate to Buildings tab in project view
• Expand topology: Building → Floor → Room
• Open Catalog tab (right side)
• Search for device by manufacturer or product
• Download product database if not installed
• Drag device from catalog to desired room/location
• Repeat for all devices in installation

Step 3: Assign Physical Addresses

• Select device in building tree
• In properties panel, find "Physical Address"
• Assign address following topology (e.g., 1.1.5)
• Ensure each device has unique address
• Follow systematic numbering (easier for documentation)
• Write down address on device label for reference

Step 4: Create Group Addresses

• Switch to "Group Addresses" tab
• Right-click → New → Main Group (e.g., "Lighting")
• Right-click Main Group → New → Middle Group (e.g., "Living Room")
• Right-click Middle Group → New → Group Address
• Name the address (e.g., "Ceiling Light")
• Assign address number (e.g., 1/1/1)
• Set data type (DPT) - e.g., 1.001 for switch, 5.001 for dimming
• Repeat for all functions in installation

DPT Data Type Use Case Value Range

1.001 Switch On/Off control Binary (0/1)

5.001 Percentage (0-100%) Dimming, blinds position 0-100%

5.010 Value (0-255) RGB color, light scenes 0-255

9.001 Temperature Temperature sensors -273°C to +670760°C

7.001 Unsigned value Pulse counter, brightness 0-65535

1.003 Enable Enable/Disable functions Binary

Table 1: Common Data Point Types (DPT) in KNX

Step 5: Link Communication Objects to Group Addresses
• Select a device in building tree
• Navigate to "Group Objects" tab (bottom panel)
• Find the relevant communication object (e.g., "Output 1")
• Drag group address from group address tree to the object
• Alternatively: Right-click object → Add to group address
• Verify flags:
→ C = Communication (always enabled)
→ R = Read (can be read)
→ W = Write (can send value)
→ T = Transmit (sends on change)
→ U = Update (accepts updates from bus)
• Link all sensors (inputs) and actuators (outputs) to appropriate groups
• One group can have multiple devices (1 sender, many receivers typical)

Group Address Linking Example

Push Button SEND Group Address RECEIVE Switch Actuator

1.1.10 1/1/1 1.1.20
Ch1: Switch Ch1: Output

How it works:
1. Push button is pressed
2. Sends telegram with value (ON/OFF) to group address 1/1/1
3. All devices listening to 1/1/1 receive the command

KNX Telegram: [From: 1.1.10] → [To: 1/1/1] → [Value: ON]

Figure 5: How Devices Communicate via Group Addresses

Step 6: Configure Device Parameters

• Select device in building tree
• Open "Parameters" tab
• Configure device-specific settings:
 → Switch actuator: Switching delay, staircase function, scene control
→ Dimmer: Dimming speed, minimum brightness, soft on/off
→ Push button: Short/long press actions, LED indication
→ Thermostat: Setpoint limits, PI control parameters, operating modes
• Each device has different parameters - read manual!
• Common parameters:
→ Response to bus failure
→ Startup behavior (last state, defined value, off)
→ Operating hours counter
→ Scene numbers and values

Step 7: Download to Devices

Prepare for Download:
• Connect PC to KNX via KNX/IP interface or USB interface
• Ensure all devices have power
• Verify bus voltage (28-30V DC)

Programming Mode:
• Put device in programming mode (press prog button)
• LED should illuminate on device
• In ETS: Right-click device → Download
• Select "Application + Physical Address" for first download
• Select "Application" only for updates

Download Process:
• ETS scans bus for device in programming mode
• Sends individual address
• Downloads application program and parameters
• Downloads group address associations
• Device reboots automatically
• Verify successful download (check device status)

Batch Download:
• Select multiple devices → Download
• ETS prompts to put each device in programming mode
• Follow on-screen instructions
• Faster for large installations
SECTION 6: PRACTICAL PROGRAMMING EXAMPLES

Example 1: Simple Lighting Control

Scenario: Control one ceiling light with a push button

Devices Required:
• 1× Push button (e.g., Jung 2094, address 1.1.10)
• 1× Switch actuator (e.g., ABB SA/S4.10.1, address 1.1.20)

Programming Steps:
1. Create group address: 1/1/1 "Living Room - Ceiling Light"
2. Set DPT to 1.001 (Switch)
3. Link push button channel 1 to 1/1/1 (flags: C, W, T)
4. Link switch actuator output 1 to 1/1/1 (flags: C, R, W, U)
5. Configure button: Short press = Toggle
6. Configure actuator: On switching = turn light on/off
7. Download to both devices
8. Test: Press button → Light toggles on/off

Example 2: Dimming Control

Scenario: Dim ceiling light with short/long press

Devices Required:
• 1× Push button with dimming function (address 1.1.10)
• 1× Dimming actuator (address 1.1.21)

Group Addresses Needed:

• 1/1/2 "Living Room - Ceiling Dim Switch" (DPT 1.001)
• 1/1/3 "Living Room - Ceiling Dim Value" (DPT 3.007)

Programming:
1. Link button switch object to 1/1/2
2. Link button dimming object to 1/1/3
3. Link dimmer switch input to 1/1/2
4. Link dimmer brightness control to 1/1/3
5. Configure button:
→ Short press = Switch on/off
→ Long press = Dim brighter/darker (hold)
6. Configure dimmer:
 → Dimming speed: 3-5 seconds
→ Minimum brightness: 3%
→ Soft on/off: Enabled
7. Download and test

Example 3: Automatic Blinds Control

Scenario: Blinds controlled by button + automatic sun protection

Devices Required:
• 1× Push button (address 1.1.11)
• 1× Blind actuator (address 1.1.30)
• 1× Weather station (address 1.1.50)

Group Addresses:
• 2/1/1 "Living Room - Blind Up/Down" (DPT 1.008)
• 2/1/2 "Living Room - Blind Stop" (DPT 1.007)
• 2/1/3 "Living Room - Blind Position" (DPT 5.001)
• 2/1/10 "Sun Protection Active" (DPT 1.001)

Programming Logic:
1. Manual control:
→ Button short press up/down → sends to 2/1/1
→ Actuator receives commands on 2/1/1
2. Automatic sun protection:
→ Weather station monitors brightness
→ When >30,000 lux → send "1" to 2/1/10
→ Actuator configured: If 2/1/10 = 1 → Move to 60% closed
→ Manual operation overrides automatic for 2 hours
3. Safety:
→ Weather station wind alarm → Blinds up
→ Override via special group address
SECTION 7: TROUBLESHOOTING & TESTING

Common Issues and Solutions:

Problem Possible Cause Solution

No bus voltage Power supply not connected Check 230V supply

PS defective Replace PS
Short circuit on bus Disconnect devices one by one

Wrong voltage Too many devices Add power supply

(not 29V) Cable too long Check cable length
Poor connections Verify all connections

Device not responding Wrong physical address Verify address in ETS

Not in programming mode Press prog button
Defective device Test with different device

Reversed polarity Red/Green wires swapped Check with multimeter

Correct polarity everywhere

Telegram errors Bus termination missing Add line termination

EMI interference Separate from power cables
Cable quality Use proper KNX cable

Functions not working Wrong group address Verify linking in ETS

Flags incorrectly set Check C,R,W,T,U flags
DPT mismatch Ensure same DPT for all

Slow response Bus overload Reduce polling frequency

Too many telegrams Optimize logic functions

Testing Tools in ETS6:

Bus Monitor:
• Shows all telegrams on the bus in real-time
• View sender, receiver, data, flags
• Filter by address or data type
• Essential for debugging communication issues

Group Monitor:
• Track specific group addresses
• Send test telegrams manually
• Read current values from devices
• Verify functions without physical buttons

Diagnostics:
• Check device status (online/offline)
• View device information (serial, version)
• Read device errors and warnings
 • Monitor bus load and telegram rate

Individual Address Check:

• Scan bus for devices
• Find devices with unknown addresses
• Detect address conflicts
• Verify device placement

Installation Checklist:
■ Bus voltage measured: 28-30V DC
■ Polarity verified on all connection points
■ All devices have unique physical addresses
■ Group address structure documented
■ All communication objects linked correctly
■ Flags (C,R,W,T,U) set appropriately
■ DPT matches for all group members
■ Parameters configured per customer requirements
■ Application downloaded to all devices
■ Functions tested individually
■ Integrated scenarios tested
■ Customer training completed
■ Project documentation delivered
■ ETS project backed up
QUICK REFERENCE SUMMARY

Key Parameters:
Parameter Value/Range Notes

Bus Voltage 29V DC (21-30V) Measure with multimeter

Bus Speed 9600 baud Fixed, not configurable

Max devices/line 64 (256 with PS) Practical limit ~50

Max cable length 1000m per segment From power supply

Wire gauge 0.8mm (YCYM 2x2x0.8) Green = -, Red = +

Individual address [Link] 0-15.0-15.1-255

Group address Main/Middle/Sub 0-31 / 0-7 / 0-255

Current per device Max 10mA Most use 5-8mA

PS output current 640mA typical Up to 1280mA available

Best Practices:
✓ Always plan group address structure before starting
✓ Use consistent naming conventions
✓ Document everything in ETS project
✓ Test each device individually before integration
✓ Use bus monitor to verify communication
✓ Keep cable runs as short as practical
✓ Respect polarity at all connections
✓ Label all devices with physical addresses
✓ Backup ETS project regularly
✓ Provide customer documentation and training

KNX is a powerful and flexible building automation system. Success depends on proper planning, careful installation, and
thorough testing. This guide covers the fundamentals, but hands-on experience and manufacturer training are essential for
professional installations. Always refer to device manuals and ETS help for specific features and advanced functions.