Benefits of star wiring
When starting a renovation project, we want everything to be perfect. But sometimes, in just a few years (and sometimes even earlier!) we want to make new changes – we want to add a light switch in the bedroom and by the bed. And as for the hallway, there are two switches already (when entering and at the end), but we want to switch the lights on from the entrance as well…
So it’s important to think ahead about where all the lights and appliances will be located so that it’s easy to operate them. Otherwise, there is a chance you will clutter your space with extension cords and end up turning the lights on blindly, fumbling around for switches on the wall.
There are numerous ways to create wiring for a specific room. At first glance, the cheapest option is to run a cable from a switchboard into the room to the junction box (which is usually hidden behind the wallpaper). And then from the junction box to the sockets and lights.
But why is this option cheapest only at the first glance? Let’s imagine that after a while you want to control the lights and sockets in the room. In this case, wireless devices controlling the sockets and lights need to be installed in every single socket and switch. The number of such devices equals the number of sockets.
But it is way cheaper to run the cable to the switchboard in advance, and install only one such device there, which costs a lot less even when considering the increased length of cabling required. This is called «star wiring». In other words, every socket (group of sockets) or lighting spot in a house has its own separate cable line. The main benefit of this type of wiring is its high level of safety and reliability. You can add, for example, one more switch to control lights from another additional spot at minimal expense.
The main benefit of star wiring is its high level of safety and reliability
Incidentally, ION module inputs are low voltage units – standard switches are fed only with 24V from a built-in power supply, which achieves several objectives: first, increased safety, and second, cost savings – you can run pilot cabling or twisted pair cabling (with a width of 0.2-0.5 mm) from the switchboard to the switches, significantly reducing the cost of installation work.
Finally, some advice: light switches should be positioned so that they can be reached by everyone in the family – they are usually installed 75-90 centimeters above the floor.
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