What does a smart home electrical setup include?
A smart home electrical setup integrates lighting, climate control, security, and automation systems into a central network. It requires safe, standards-compliant wiring, smart switches or relays, compatible hubs (like Google Home or Alexa), and may include sensors, voice control, and app-based scheduling. A licensed electrician ensures devices are installed correctly and circuits are future-proofed.
Smart Home Overview
Smart homes aren’t just about gadgets—they’re about control, safety, and lifestyle.
More homeowners are upgrading to smart lighting, climate systems, and integrated security. But here’s what most don’t realise: without the right electrical backbone, no smart system can perform reliably or safely.
That’s where Direct Point Electrical comes in. We don’t just wire homes. We future-wire them.
What Is a Smart Home Electrical Setup?
A smart home setup connects your appliances, lighting, heating, and security systems through a central control platform, be it an app, voice assistant, or touch panel. The goal is seamless automation: lights that respond to motion, AC that adjusts to occupancy, doors that unlock remotely.
But none of this can happen without:
- Correctly designed circuits and load separation
- Approved smart-compatible devices and controllers
- Safe wiring under AS/NZS 3000:2018
- Reliable internet and backup power planning
Key Systems in a Smart Home
1. Smart Lighting
Lighting is the gateway to home automation. You can schedule routines (e.g. “Goodnight” turns everything off), control brightness by zone, and automate pathways with sensors.
Options include:
- Wi-Fi or Zigbee-enabled downlights
- Smart switches or in-wall dimmers
- Daylight-sensing outdoor lights
- Voice-activated room presets
We always ensure circuits are RCD-protected and use only fire-rated fittings where required (e.g. ceiling voids).
Explore Energy-Efficient Installations for compatible lighting upgrades.
2. Smart Climate Control
Control your home’s temperature from your phone—or have it adjust automatically when you leave.
Options include:
- Smart thermostats
- Split system AC automation modules
- Heated towel rail timers
- Exhaust fan timers in bathrooms/laundries
We ensure that all high-load devices are isolated on dedicated circuits, with appropriate amperage and overcurrent protection.
3. Security & Access
Smart security systems keep your home safe and connected.
- Doorbell cameras with two-way audio
- Motion-triggered lighting
- Garage roller integration
- Electric door strikes with keypad or smartphone entry
- CCTV with remote access
Note: Outdoor and wet-zone installations must meet IP rating requirements under AS/NZS 60529. We install these to the letter.
Check our Security Wiring Services for more.
4. Smart Switchboards
Some modern switchboards allow app-level control of circuits. These are ideal for:
- Power monitoring
- Load balancing
- Surge protection
- Remote shutdown (e.g. on holiday)
If you’re building new or upgrading your switchboard, see Switchboard Upgrade Services.
Wireless vs Wired: What’s Better?
Wireless (Wi-Fi/Zigbee/Bluetooth):
Pros: Easy to retrofit, fast setup
Cons: Requires stable network, can fail if router crashes
Wired (KNX, Cat6, DALI):
Pros: Ultra-reliable, secure, scalable
Cons: More expensive and best for new builds
In homes across Melbourne’s east, we often use a hybrid model: wiring where practical (for switches, alarms, cameras) and wireless for lighting or climate zones.
Protocols You Should Know
- Zigbee: Low-energy mesh network, great for lighting
- Z-Wave: Reliable but more niche; secure and scalable
- Wi-Fi: Simple, but can overload home networks
- Matter (formerly Project CHIP): New open-source standard backed by Apple, Google, Amazon—expected to dominate
- KNX/DALI: High-end, wired commercial-grade systems
We always ensure your smart system is compatible with existing and emerging protocols to avoid device obsolescence.
How We Design a Smart Setup
Every installation starts with a plan. We:
- Audit your existing wiring and device layout
- Map zones by usage and load
- Separate high-voltage (power) from low-voltage (data)
- Ensure safety devices (RCDs, RCBOs) are in place
- Coordinate with your builder or automation technician (if applicable)
Our licensed electricians handle all installations under full compliance with AS/NZS 3000 and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) for every smart-enabled upgrade.
We work on many new home builds installing home automation and we love seeing the new innovation that home owners can install.
We can also add home automation to existing homes, just reach out and we can answer any questions about what is required to install or upgrade.
FAQs
Do I need a licensed electrician to install smart systems?
Yes. Any wiring or new switch installation must be done by a licensed professional in Victoria.
Can I use Alexa and Google in the same home?
Yes. But they operate separately—you’ll need compatible devices for each.
Do smart lights work during a power outage?
No, but battery-backed systems (e.g. for cameras or sensors) can maintain functionality.
Can I automate just one room to start?
Absolutely. We often begin with the living room or kitchen, then scale the system over time.
Will smart devices increase my electricity usage?
No. Most devices use <1W in standby mode. Automation typically reduces overall usage.
Final Thoughts
A smart home isn’t about tech for tech’s sake, it’s about creating a safer, more efficient, and more personalised lifestyle.
Whether you want simple smart lighting or a fully automated home, Direct Point Electrical will design a system that works the way you live.
We help homeowners wire not just for now—but for the next decade.
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