Several CEDIA Members who are professional installers and who also sell Clipsal C Bus systems claim that Clipsal are openly urging inexperienced electricians to take on home installation jobs despite many of these electricians having little if any knowledge of IP or distributed audio issues. A recent survey by SmartHouse reveals that builders are by majority (82%) turning to electricians to do custom installs with the main reason given that they either "already have a relationship" or "they are cheaper and I can make more margin".
Essentaial to a good home automation job is knowledge of sound distribution, IP based technology such as notebook and wireless connectivity as well as knowledge of how to get maximum quality out of a TV or sound system. Skills which 98% of electricans lack according to recent SmartHouse research.
Using an electrician to do a home automation install is extremly dangero and could end up costing a consumer thousands claims
In the USA in 2007, 72 percent of builders used electrical contractors for custom installs, up from the previous year's 63 percent. Fifty-eight percent used custom installer/integrators in 2007, down from 2006's 62 percent, CEA's survey found.
Custom installers are globally being challenged by new trades moving onto the custom space including electricians who are being urged by Companies like Clipsal to take on the installation of both lighting and distributed audio as well as a new generation of IP based gear. Recent market statistics reveal that the new housing market in Australia is declining and that installers now have to depend more on the larger job.
During a recent costing exercise for a $350,000 installer project ChannelNews was approached by one electrician who wanted to quote on the job. When asked what experience they had they said "We have done a few houses. We did a Clipsal course and we attended the CEDIA Expo last year". When asked about installing an IP based network linked to both lighting and sound they said "We have a mate who knows a lot about PC's he helps us out".
