smart home

In our previous article, we covered the top three technology trends and applicable building codes for new smart homes. Today, we’ll discuss additional smart technologies that are trending with home buyers.

Renewable Energy

Distribution and storage components for a new solar roof fall under the domain of interconnected electric power production sources. Such equipment isn’t necessarily connected to the electric grid, but it does operate in parallel with it.

Article 705 of the 2020 NFPA^® National Electric Code^® (NEC^®) details how to make safe interconnections of grid and off-grid equipment. Article 706 subsequently defines classifications for renewable energy storage systems, where they are to be located, and how they are to be used. For a smart home to be made ready for renewable energy, local inspection authorities also need to see that its service/bus ratings are sized accordingly.

Entertainment Systems

Most existing homes have smart products that fall into this category. For example, there is a proliferation of smart TVs, smart speakers, and gaming consoles — all which can be programmed to their users’ specific preferences.

Category 5e and Category 6 are often used for audio and video applications, while 16 AWG, 4-conductor cables are used to connect smart speakers and other audio applications. As of now, no building codes apply to this category, but UL^® tests smart entertainment products so they connect seamlessly, perform as featured, and function safely.

Kitchen and Laundry Appliances

Although available, smart home appliances have not seen widespread adoption as originally anticipated. For example, only 1 percent of U.S. consumers have a smart refrigerator and just
5 percent of U.S. consumers say they plan to buy one.

The smart appliance market appears to have stalled partly due to price. A high-end, Internet-enabled refrigerator costs two to three times that of a standard unit, not counting its wiring. Another, and arguably the biggest, reason why there isn’t a strong demand for smart appliances is that they don’t live up to expectations of integration with other smart devices. Furthermore, they only seem to add another screen to peoples’ homes.

Despite there being a small niche market for smart appliances, their product standards are expected to evolve and adhere to California Title 20, ENERGY STAR ratings, and UL tests for product interoperability and cybersecurity. As with entertainment systems, building codes do not apply to this category.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Systems

Beginning in 2015, California Title 24 required all new home construction to be wired for Level 2 vehicle chargers. By ensuring new home starts come prewired for EV charging, the code streamlines the process of installing a charging station at a later date.

In many areas, contractors are required to submit a site plan for permit approval prior to installing a charging station. Contractors must also comply with state and national codes and regulations that cover safety requirements for charging stations, specifically the 2019 update to Title 24 and Article 625 of the 2020 NEC.

Whole-House Surge Protection

Often overlooked by smart home buyers is whole-house surge protection — and this technology is something all homeowners, even those with existing homes, should consider purchasing.

Whole-house surge protection safeguards all electrical devices from surges caused by nearby lightning strikes, motors (HVAC equipment, appliances, garage door openers), and lights switching on and off. Article 230.67 of the 2020 NEC requires that all new homes (smart or otherwise) have a Type 1 or Type 2 surge product installed to protect sensitive electronics and safety devices like hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Type 1 surge products are permanently connected devices installed before a main disconnect
and can withstand higher surge currents up to 200 kA. Type 2 surge products are permanently connected devices installed after a main disconnect and are used in combination with breakers and fuses. Type 2 surge products are capable of withstanding surge currents up to 108 kA.

We’re Your Home for Smart Home Products and Support

Cable Plus understands your business, which is why we maintain a deep inventory of cabling, cabinets and racks, power solutions, and more to support your smart home jobs. At Cable Plus, we get what you need. More importantly, you get what you need from us.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the smart home market will grow to an estimated $313.95 billion by 2026. It also includes a projected 1.134 million single-family housing starts by the end of 2021, 1.165 million starts for 2022, and 1.210 million starts in 2023.

With 81% of all home buyers saying they are more likely to purchase a new home with smart products installed — and 60% willing to pay more for smart features — here’s an overview of the top three technologies in demand and applicable building code updates for smart home construction.

HVAC and Climate Control Systems

In recent years, HVAC has become the most-requested technology in the smart home market, surpassing even home security. Buyers want smart climate control systems that maintain comfortable humidity levels, mitigate the spread of viruses, and improve energy efficiency.

To meet this demand, contractors will need to brush up on the requirements spelled out in the 2019 California Title 24, the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IEEC), and the federal government’s ENERGY STAR^® program.

Title 24, the law of the land in California, is a de facto standard for many contractors in all 50 states. Its most recent update pertinent to smart home climate control involves duct testing, HVAC sizing, and thermostats. In addition, the 2021 IEEC provides the latest compliance approaches to achieving residential energy efficiency, especially with mechanical and water heating systems. Lastly, contractors must ensure new single-family homes are up to date meeting energy-efficiency requirements so those dwellings can earn ENERGY STAR certification.

Security and Surveillance

Previously, this was the leading category on smart home wish lists, with more than 60% of home buyers wanting smart locks and alarms, video doorbells, surveillance cameras, and the ability to monitor their house via their smart phone.

Although there are no pertinent building codes for this category, there may be codes developed in the near feature that consider egress options — like smart locks, garage door openers, and video doorbells — from a cybersecurity perspective.

Security applications most often use 22 AWG, 4-conductor cable. In addition, shielded RG59 coaxial cable commonly connects surveillance cameras to a digital video recorder.

Lighting and Window Coverings

Almost always near the top of every home buyer’s list is smart lighting technology. It enables homeowners to program lights and window shades to automatically adjust at scheduled times, either by phone app or proprietary keypads.

Driving this part of the industry is the 2019 California Title 24. This update made major changes to light source markings and JA8 performance requirements, new exterior and interior light source categories and compliances, and language clarification for interior switching devices
and controls. 

In part two, we’ll cover additional smart technology categories, including one that all new and existing homes should have!