UK smart home planning: B22 or E27 lights and other considerations

If you’re after some architectural thoughts on wireless protocols, this thought piece might be of interest:

Wired systems are still relevant, however the install costs and generally higher prices mean they are more pro than consumer. The general difference is distributed control sensor direct to actuator, rather than sensor → hub → actuator. The direct approach is more often used in large commercial Building Management Systems where one hub would collapse under the load (think a tower block like the Shard).

Some only sell to accredited pro installers, but KNX is still out there. If I were self-building, I’d definitely look at installing data cabling like Mat Smith “just in case” but suspect flexible plastic duct might be better long-term than Cat5e/Cat6 for at least main service areas.

The Cat5e in the walls will last my lifetime, but runs like from the telecoms demarcation point (e.g. Openreach NTE) would be better as duct. Openreach is already not installing copper to homes, the analogue PSTN is off in 2025, and full fibre everywhere (except remote hill farms) might happen before 2035.

I’ve already pulled out CT100 coax for Cat5e behind dry-lining dot-and-dab - easy with ducting; still possible with careful plasterers and lots of 1st fix photos.

Simple is also still useful - a dumb £25 ceiling PIR switch can still work well, and LED fittings with microwave motion sensors are also pretty good for corridors (£35ish, £60 with emergency light battery back up). Dumb is great for fire escape routes!