Our PiHome

Pi-Home is a Ready-To-Use solution with a pre-installed and pre-configured OpenHAB or Home Assistant system, including low-voltage hardware corresponding to the configuration of the model smart home in the "How-To" section. According to the wiring diagram and installation guide, you can easily assemble and commission the low-voltage part by yourself. Leave the installation and connection of the high-voltage part (not included in Pi-Home) to your electrician!

You have access to a tutorial for a complete DIY build, the PiHome Kit, or a fully pre-wired custom-made panel PiHome Pro.

Don’t forget that for a DIY smart home, it is almost essential to have a detailed electrical installation project where you provide the logic requirements to the designer, and they adjust the high-voltage part accordingly, recommend the size of the distribution board, etc.

 Demo of PiHome Standard

 PiHome Pro

 Wiring diagram of Pi-Home for the model house

PiHome Pro

Preparation

To successfully commission and use this system, it is recommended to meet the following conditions:

Structured star-topology cabling

•  This refers to a topology of both high- and low-voltage cabling where all controlled devices/circuits are routed to one distribution board.
•  Each light or group of lights to be controlled independently has a separate cable, e.g., CYKY 3x1.5 to the panel.
•  For sockets, you can group several into one controlled circuit, each circuit with a separate cable, e.g., CYKY 3x2.5 to the panel.
•  Blinds/shutters – each motor with a separate cable, e.g., CYKY 5x1.5 to the panel.
•  Heating – electric = each zone with a separate cable; for hot water = each actuator routed to the panel.
•  Garden – Christmas lights, house lights, sauna, pool – each controlled circuit with a separate cable to the panel as per project.
•  Buttons – use a dedicated UTP or better FTP CAT 5E or higher cable. One UTP can handle up to 7 buttons; it's better to plan for 4 and leave some reserve.
•  Sensors – use a dedicated UTP or better FTP CAT 5E or higher cable. For temperature, humidity, PIR, CO2 – you can group 2–3 sensors per cable; again, plan for spare capacity.

Tip: If you forget something, wireless relays and sensors are always an option, but cables are cables. They’re more reliable, safer, and ultimately a cheaper solution.

Distribution Panel

• For a DIY build or starter kit, you need a low-voltage distribution panel of at least 1200 mm x 800 mm x 300 mm (H x W x D). (PiHome Pro includes the panel.)
• This size is sufficient for approx. 100 controlled circuits, 50 sensors, and 50 buttons.
• For the high-voltage distribution panel, you’ll need installation relays for each controlled output with a higher load (except, for example, actuators, exhaust fans, etc.). Currently, we recommend the HAGER ERC125S type. Include this setup in your electrical project with your electrician and account for the required space in the high-voltage panel.

Knowledge

• You definitely don’t need to be a programmer, developer, or Linux expert :)
• We offer training on installing, configuring, and using this type of setup, or initial system commissioning.
• If you want to get the most out of a smart home, you should at least be a tech enthusiast, able to use a smartphone or connect a light. Everything else can be learned easily, and the experience gained will serve you well in future projects (e.g., photovoltaics).

What else will we need?

Pi-Home is a fully functional unit on its own, but you'll still need to add inputs (buttons) and some circuits with high-voltage relays that you'll control. In the case of our model house, we would also need:

Buttons

40x buttons – you can use any single, double, or quadruple buttons, standard 230V, for example from Berker/Hager

Relays (outputs) for the model house

29x relays for lights

22x relays for socket circuits

10x relays for electric underfloor heating

26x relays for blinds/shutters

*we recommend Hager ERC125S relays (silent, energy efficient (0.8W), can be manually operated in case of critical failure)

Preliminary budget for the model house:

* only UTP cable is needed for buttons

** relay selection depends on the location of the distribution panel (desired noise level); there are cheaper alternatives (EATON Z-230 or Finder) – consult with your electrician, multiple options exist