Binary input

What interesting possibilities does the use of binary inputs in building automation offer you? Learn more about differences, use cases, and things to watch out for on this page.

What do you need a KNX binary input for?

KNX binary inputs are used to convert conventional alarm messages, fault messages, operating messages or status messages (generally analog signals) into digital signals and connect them to the KNX bus.

Image source: eibabo®, KNX binary input universal - Hager TXA306 for KNX building automationImage: KNX binary input universal - Hager TXA306 for KNX building automation

What should you know before buying a KNX binary input?

Take a look at your project and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is it a new installation or do I have to consider the properties of existing devices (e.g. switches)?
  • Which signals or voltages should be recorded?
  • What is the distance between the signal transmitter and the receiver?
  • Do I need additional cables and lines?
  • Should the control only be wired or also possible via radio?
  • Which logic functions do I want to implement?
  • and much more

 

The answers will help you to make the right choice for a suitable binary input. Among other things, this results in the number of channels that your new binary input should have, which manufacturer supplies an application (software) suitable for the project and whether the binary input must be suitable for potential-free devices or not.

What is the difference between the individual binary inputs?

The binary inputs are often provided in the variants 20V, 24V, 230V and potential-free. Which one you need in each individual case depends on which signals you want to activate.

 


Notice:

The addition potential-free, 20V, 24V or 230V does not refer to the binary input, but to the signal to be recorded.


 

potential-free binary inputs

  • Potential-free means that no external voltages (potentials) may be connected to the inputs at these binary inputs, since the contact voltage (usually 10-20V) is already provided by the binary input itself. The potential-free variant is typically used for buttons, switches, door contacts (magnetic or reed contacts), window contacts (magnetic contacts) or auxiliary contacts. Magnetic contacts may often only be assigned a maximum of 20V DC. However, the maximum cable length that can be connected is often limited to between 50-100m, see the description of the respective potential-free binary input and can also be negatively influenced by inductive or capacitive loads in the area around the routed cable. Devices with wires that have already been brought out should generally not be extended at all, eg button interfaces (a button interface is also a binary input).

 

20V and 24V binary inputs

  • Models with 20V or 24V are used when devices cannot switch potential-free. These are, for example, presence detectors or differential pressure monitors for stoves that work with 24V technology.

 

230V binary inputs

  • The 230 V version is often used to connect existing 230 V AC signals to the bus in order to evaluate them. For example for conventional 230V outdoor motion detectors, buttons, switches or other messages from other systems. Fuses can also be monitored in order to immediately notice critical changes in large building complexes, for example.

 

What specific applications can be implemented with KNX binary inputs?

The possibilities are diverse and depend entirely on your project. A KNX binary input detects a status change at its input. Depending on the parameterization that you carry out using the software (ETS), a telegram is then sent to the KNX bus. This information can then be integrated into other desired functional logic, for example:

  • Open windows = set heating to standby/frost protection
  • Level reached = open valve
  • To evaluate a conventional 230V motion detection
  • For activation of conventional buttons
  • To capture status or operational messages
  • Evaluate error messages from connected devices
  • and much more

 

Or you use the information for displays on displays, for touch functions or for visualizations for evaluation purposes.

What is ETS?

ETS is the abbreviation for Engineering Tool Software. This is used to assign and parameterize certain actions, relationships or functions within the building automation. So you determine what a binary input should do with an incoming signal. Programming skills or learning a programming language are not required. If you are interested in logical connections and can imagine the later function in the building based on an abstract scheme, the creation of a project should be a solvable task for you.

We recommend

In the case of particularly complex projects, it can be advantageous to hire an experienced system integrator to create the basic project. This is typically much faster than doing it yourself and you will receive a tested, error-free basic version of your system. Later you can easily change, add or remove individual parameters yourself.


You can think of the configuration as similar to the folder system on your Windows PC or iOS computer. You create your own structure and save files in it. In addition, you create shortcuts to other files and folders based on certain conditions. In the ETS, the 'folders' are floors or rooms, for example, and the 'files' in them correspond to sensors and actuators that you can relate to one another.

Can consumption also be recorded and evaluated with KNX binary inputs?

At eibabo® you will also find KNX binary inputs to record counter values. You can order almost all conventional water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, heat meters and many more including an S0 interface (pronounced: S-zero interface). This is used to transmit measured consumption values for further processing in the building automation. The interface sends an impulse via a contact, which corresponds to a certain value of the measured medium. The pulse value is always the responsibility of the meter manufacturer.

An example: If you buy a water meter with an S0 interface, the pulse value is on the meter or in the product description, for example 10 liters = 1 pulse. That means the contact closes and opens again (rising/falling edge, 30 ms = t_ON = 120 ms 30 ms = t_OFF) as soon as 10 liters of water have been consumed. Simply put, the signal is similar to when you press a button. You can evaluate these contacts using a KNX binary input with the application provided by the manufacturer for counting value acquisition.

As a rule, potential-free 20V or 24V binary inputs are used for this, as the contact voltage may be a maximum of 15V (S0 interface class B, short transmission paths) or a maximum of 27V (S0 interface class A, long transmission paths).

Are long distances critical for signal transmission?

Pay attention to the technically required maximum cable lengths between signal detection and binary input contact, especially with 20V, 24V and potential-free. These are often a maximum of 100 meters and should be routed in a protected manner without inductive or capacitive cross-influences.

 


TIP:

Please refer to the manufacturer information for this. The individual brands and the different variants have individual limit values.


 

This applies in particular when critical states are to be monitored, such as counting for billing purposes (LIYCY lines, cables).

How are KNX binary inputs mounted?

KNX binary inputs are available with eibabo® for different types of installation, for example for installation in an electrical distribution board. These devices are referred to as modular installation devices (REG). There are also binary inputs for flush-mounting (UP) or surface-mounting (AP) and for integration in ducts or similar (EB).

Which manufacturers of KNX binary inputs are recommended?

In this eibabo® catalog you will find everything on the subject of KNX binary input, binary input device, binary input module, button interface, universal interface, input module, button coupler and evaluation unit. Well-known manufacturers are ABB, Berker, Busch-Jaeger, Doepke, Eaton, Elsner, Elso, Eltako, Gira, Hager, Issendorf, Jumo, Jung, Lingg & Janke, MDT, Merten, Peha, Siemens, Theben and Warema.

Trust our experience

We have been working with the products from these manufacturers for over 25 years and have been able to use them in hundreds of projects around the world.


We have always paid attention to quality and reliability when realizing our projects. Because permanently error-free functionality is crucial, especially in complex building automation installations.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Installation bus systems > Binary input for bus system you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Basic module
  • Battery powered
  • Binary input
  • Binary inputs
  • Bus technology
  • Button input
  • Combination actuator
  • Control unit
  • DIN rail
  • Engine control unit
  • Expansion module
  • Flush-mounted box
  • Input coupling
  • Input module
  • Interface
  • Lighting control
  • Normally open output
  • Panel adapter
  • Radio system
  • Shading control
  • Shutter control
  • Socket cover
  • Status indicator
  • Switching output
  • Tactile sensor
  • Universal interfaces
  • Wireless reed contact
  • Wireless solution


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Binary input:

  • ABB
  • Berker
  • Busch Jaeger
  • Eaton
  • Elsner
  • Elso
  • ESYLUX
  • frogblue AG
  • Gira
  • Hager
  • Issendorff
  • Jung
  • Lingg & Janke
  • MDT
  • Merten
  • Peha
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Theben
  • Zumtobel


 
What interesting possibilities does the use of binary inputs in building automation offer you? Learn more about differences, use cases, and things to watch out for on this page. What do you need... read more »
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Binary inputs – information before you buy

What interesting possibilities does the use of binary inputs in building automation offer you? Learn more about differences, use cases, and things to watch out for on this page.

What do you need a KNX binary input for?

KNX binary inputs are used to convert conventional alarm messages, fault messages, operating messages or status messages (generally analog signals) into digital signals and connect them to the KNX bus.

Image source: eibabo®, KNX binary input universal - Hager TXA306 for KNX building automationImage: KNX binary input universal - Hager TXA306 for KNX building automation

What should you know before buying a KNX binary input?

Take a look at your project and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is it a new installation or do I have to consider the properties of existing devices (e.g. switches)?
  • Which signals or voltages should be recorded?
  • What is the distance between the signal transmitter and the receiver?
  • Do I need additional cables and lines?
  • Should the control only be wired or also possible via radio?
  • Which logic functions do I want to implement?
  • and much more

 

The answers will help you to make the right choice for a suitable binary input. Among other things, this results in the number of channels that your new binary input should have, which manufacturer supplies an application (software) suitable for the project and whether the binary input must be suitable for potential-free devices or not.

What is the difference between the individual binary inputs?

The binary inputs are often provided in the variants 20V, 24V, 230V and potential-free. Which one you need in each individual case depends on which signals you want to activate.

 


Notice:

The addition potential-free, 20V, 24V or 230V does not refer to the binary input, but to the signal to be recorded.


 

potential-free binary inputs

  • Potential-free means that no external voltages (potentials) may be connected to the inputs at these binary inputs, since the contact voltage (usually 10-20V) is already provided by the binary input itself. The potential-free variant is typically used for buttons, switches, door contacts (magnetic or reed contacts), window contacts (magnetic contacts) or auxiliary contacts. Magnetic contacts may often only be assigned a maximum of 20V DC. However, the maximum cable length that can be connected is often limited to between 50-100m, see the description of the respective potential-free binary input and can also be negatively influenced by inductive or capacitive loads in the area around the routed cable. Devices with wires that have already been brought out should generally not be extended at all, eg button interfaces (a button interface is also a binary input).

 

20V and 24V binary inputs

  • Models with 20V or 24V are used when devices cannot switch potential-free. These are, for example, presence detectors or differential pressure monitors for stoves that work with 24V technology.

 

230V binary inputs

  • The 230 V version is often used to connect existing 230 V AC signals to the bus in order to evaluate them. For example for conventional 230V outdoor motion detectors, buttons, switches or other messages from other systems. Fuses can also be monitored in order to immediately notice critical changes in large building complexes, for example.

 

What specific applications can be implemented with KNX binary inputs?

The possibilities are diverse and depend entirely on your project. A KNX binary input detects a status change at its input. Depending on the parameterization that you carry out using the software (ETS), a telegram is then sent to the KNX bus. This information can then be integrated into other desired functional logic, for example:

  • Open windows = set heating to standby/frost protection
  • Level reached = open valve
  • To evaluate a conventional 230V motion detection
  • For activation of conventional buttons
  • To capture status or operational messages
  • Evaluate error messages from connected devices
  • and much more

 

Or you use the information for displays on displays, for touch functions or for visualizations for evaluation purposes.

What is ETS?

ETS is the abbreviation for Engineering Tool Software. This is used to assign and parameterize certain actions, relationships or functions within the building automation. So you determine what a binary input should do with an incoming signal. Programming skills or learning a programming language are not required. If you are interested in logical connections and can imagine the later function in the building based on an abstract scheme, the creation of a project should be a solvable task for you.

We recommend

In the case of particularly complex projects, it can be advantageous to hire an experienced system integrator to create the basic project. This is typically much faster than doing it yourself and you will receive a tested, error-free basic version of your system. Later you can easily change, add or remove individual parameters yourself.


You can think of the configuration as similar to the folder system on your Windows PC or iOS computer. You create your own structure and save files in it. In addition, you create shortcuts to other files and folders based on certain conditions. In the ETS, the 'folders' are floors or rooms, for example, and the 'files' in them correspond to sensors and actuators that you can relate to one another.

Can consumption also be recorded and evaluated with KNX binary inputs?

At eibabo® you will also find KNX binary inputs to record counter values. You can order almost all conventional water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, heat meters and many more including an S0 interface (pronounced: S-zero interface). This is used to transmit measured consumption values for further processing in the building automation. The interface sends an impulse via a contact, which corresponds to a certain value of the measured medium. The pulse value is always the responsibility of the meter manufacturer.

An example: If you buy a water meter with an S0 interface, the pulse value is on the meter or in the product description, for example 10 liters = 1 pulse. That means the contact closes and opens again (rising/falling edge, 30 ms = t_ON = 120 ms 30 ms = t_OFF) as soon as 10 liters of water have been consumed. Simply put, the signal is similar to when you press a button. You can evaluate these contacts using a KNX binary input with the application provided by the manufacturer for counting value acquisition.

As a rule, potential-free 20V or 24V binary inputs are used for this, as the contact voltage may be a maximum of 15V (S0 interface class B, short transmission paths) or a maximum of 27V (S0 interface class A, long transmission paths).

Are long distances critical for signal transmission?

Pay attention to the technically required maximum cable lengths between signal detection and binary input contact, especially with 20V, 24V and potential-free. These are often a maximum of 100 meters and should be routed in a protected manner without inductive or capacitive cross-influences.

 


TIP:

Please refer to the manufacturer information for this. The individual brands and the different variants have individual limit values.


 

This applies in particular when critical states are to be monitored, such as counting for billing purposes (LIYCY lines, cables).

How are KNX binary inputs mounted?

KNX binary inputs are available with eibabo® for different types of installation, for example for installation in an electrical distribution board. These devices are referred to as modular installation devices (REG). There are also binary inputs for flush-mounting (UP) or surface-mounting (AP) and for integration in ducts or similar (EB).

Which manufacturers of KNX binary inputs are recommended?

In this eibabo® catalog you will find everything on the subject of KNX binary input, binary input device, binary input module, button interface, universal interface, input module, button coupler and evaluation unit. Well-known manufacturers are ABB, Berker, Busch-Jaeger, Doepke, Eaton, Elsner, Elso, Eltako, Gira, Hager, Issendorf, Jumo, Jung, Lingg & Janke, MDT, Merten, Peha, Siemens, Theben and Warema.

Trust our experience

We have been working with the products from these manufacturers for over 25 years and have been able to use them in hundreds of projects around the world.


We have always paid attention to quality and reliability when realizing our projects. Because permanently error-free functionality is crucial, especially in complex building automation installations.

 

eibabo - technology store

 

Catalogue content:


In this eibabo® catalogue Installation bus systems > Binary input for bus system you will find items from the following product groups:

Item overview:

  • Basic module
  • Battery powered
  • Binary input
  • Binary inputs
  • Bus technology
  • Button input
  • Combination actuator
  • Control unit
  • DIN rail
  • Engine control unit
  • Expansion module
  • Flush-mounted box
  • Input coupling
  • Input module
  • Interface
  • Lighting control
  • Normally open output
  • Panel adapter
  • Radio system
  • Shading control
  • Shutter control
  • Socket cover
  • Status indicator
  • Switching output
  • Tactile sensor
  • Universal interfaces
  • Wireless reed contact
  • Wireless solution


from the following manufacturers:

Manufacturer overview catalogue Binary input:

  • ABB
  • Berker
  • Busch Jaeger
  • Eaton
  • Elsner
  • Elso
  • ESYLUX
  • frogblue AG
  • Gira
  • Hager
  • Issendorff
  • Jung
  • Lingg & Janke
  • MDT
  • Merten
  • Peha
  • Schneider Electric
  • Siemens
  • Theben
  • Zumtobel
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