KNX is an international network protocol for intelligent buildings. It facilities communication between primary building systems via an open standard so that they can respond to specific requirements of individual users. In doing so, unnecessary usage is avoided and overall energy consumption in buildings can be reduced.

Advocates for KNX praise its ease of implementation. For example, thanks to their foil insulation, twisted-pair KNX cables can be placed in the same containment as the power cables. These cables are also suitable for both refurbishment and new-build, making future system expansions easily achievable.

Electrical contractors and integrators also find KNX one of the most accessible routes to comprehensive and flexible intelligent building control. Its decentralised nature allows the whole bus system to continue functioning even when one element needs to shut down. More importantly, KNX products have a long life expectancy and can be upgraded and expanded effortlessly. The fact that it is an open protocol means that one can mix and match equipment from different manufacturers.

KNX can be integrated into a wide range of building systems, including heating, ventilating, air conditioning, lighting and security. It allows these systems to be tailored to the requirements of different departments within a building. Take lighting, which can be precisely adjusted on a zone-by-zone basis so that unoccupied rooms and floors in the building are not lit throughout the night. The result is considerable savings on overall energy costs, as well as increased average life for each lighting fixture.