What is Clipsal C-Bus?

C-Bus is a microprocessor-based control and management system for Buildings and Homes. It is used to control lighting and other electrical services such as pumps, Audio Visual Devices, Motors, etc. Whether simple ON/OFF control of a lighting circuit, or variable (analogue) type control, such as electronic dimmable fluorescent ballasts, C-Bus can be used to easily control virtually any type of electrical load.

To ensure fast and reliable operation, each C-Bus device has its own in-built microprocessor and "intelligence", allowing units to be individually programmed.

C-Bus uses a patented method for updating the status of units. This method does not require a central computer or central controller to handle databases or lookup tables to operate. The status of each C-Bus unit is initiated at specific time intervals, without the need of a central controller. Each device is allocated a specific time frame to broadcast its status, synchronised by a self-generated system clock pulse. This allows large amounts of data to be transmitted in a very small time frame, effectively and reliably on the network, leading to low processing overheads and low bandwidth requirements.

The primary reasons to use C-Bus are:

• Highly robust and reliable control system, but low cost per node.
• Wide range of tools available to allow 3rd party companies to interface to both PC based and embedded systems.
• A single C-Bus cable connection can control an unlimited number of devices.
• Ultimate flexibility in switching and control - functions can be changed, added, removed, moved, reprogrammed, at any position on the network, at any time - without any cumbersome hard-wiring.
• C-Bus is simple to install and commission.

C-Bus can control any type of load, digital and analogue.