As a renter, you can remodel or renovate your living space under one main condition: all changes must be reversible in case you move out one day. This means that you’re not allowed to tear open walls to lay new cables or replace flush-mounted installations without the permission of your landlord. Under these conditions, you won’t get far with a wired KNX system. Luckily though, there are plenty of alternatives that require no extra cabling and can easily turn your apartment into a Smart Home.  

Wireless networks rely on sensors, control units, and actors that communicate with each other. This can happen via Wifi, RF technology (short for radio frequency), or a Bluetooth connection. Many of these systems are based on the Plug & Play principle. In other words:  

Wireless networks rely on sensors, control units, and actors that communicate with each other. This can happen via Wifi, RF technology (short for radio frequency), or a Bluetooth connection. Many of these systems are based on the Plug & Play principle. In other words:  

1. Plug the device into an outlet (unless it runs on batteries). 

2. Configure your settings on your smartphone or computer and start “playing”.  

Should you move house one day, you don’t have to leave your smart apartment behind. Plug & Play solutions such as Philips Hue lights or Sonos speakers will be ready to go at your new place in a matter of minutes.  

Apart from apps, you can use voice assistants (e.g. Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant) to monitor and operate your system. They are quickly set up in rented flats and facilitate daily routines at every turn. You can for example dim your Philips Hue lights or activate entire scenes with a simple sentence such as “Alexa, lights down!”. The same goes for audio entertainment – your Sonos speakers will play your favourite music whenever you tell them to.   

Another convenient option for smart apartments: the wireless Friends of Hue switch, designed by Gira in collaboration with Senic. It requires neither cabling nor batteries, running on the power generated each time you press the switch. You don’t even have to mount it on the wall – it works just as well lying next to you on the table or anywhere else. With the Senic app, you can connect up to 50 different Philips Hue lamps and control them via Zigbee.   

If you’re looking for a solution that covers a several functions all in one, the wireless Gira System 3000 will do the trick. It enables you to operate your lights, blinds, and heating with the help of automated time schedules and a Bluetooth app. To install the system, the existing switch inserts are simply replaced by new ones. Your electrician will then mount the top units – along with the frame designs of your choice – onto the flush-mounted box.  

If you want to take living comfort one step further, there’s another wireless solution you should consider: the Gira KNX RF system doesn’t need any extra cabling either and can be installed without major renovation work. Rather than tearing walls open, you merely have to replace your inserts with those from the Gira System 3000. The Gira KNX RF top units are then mounted onto these inserts – and just like that, you will have turned your apartment into a Smart Home. The operating units (so-called Gira RF pushbutton sensors for KNX) run on batteries, which means you can place them on virtually any surface.