Innovative Electrical Systems Several innovations simplify installation and ease future remodeling projects.

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By Stacy Hunt Flat electrical wire can be run right across a wall. Once it's painted, it is almost "invisible." Photo courtesy of FlatWire Flat wiring. In renovations, new wiring can be a significant cost in time and money. Flat wiring is one of the coolest new electrical options, provided by companies like Decorp Americas. This innovative technology allows for new low-voltage wiring in usually difficult applications, such as along walls or ceilings. Flat wiring is also available for video (including a coaxial equivalent), audio, and soon, data. Neatest thing of all, it can be painted or wallpapered over. Advanced lighting controls. Automatic controls for lighting have been used in commercial applications for years, and are now available and affordable for most residential applications. Common controls use sensors such as motion or infrared occupancy sensors, timers and daylight sensors to operate or adjust lights. There are also voice-operated sensors available, and many systems can be operated remotely, via computer, phone or remote control. More complex central lighting control systems allow occupants to program different lighting scenarios (i.e., morning, evening, vacation) and are now able to be fully wireless, allowing users to change the lighting scenario from table-top controllers or from their cars. In addition to lighting control, some central control systems also automatically operate window shading to provide optimal daylighting and reduce heat gain from sun during peak cooling times. Wireless switches. Wireless switches, such as those manufactured by PulseSwitch Systems and used in the 2007 PATH Concept Home, are simple and eliminate the need to run wiring to wall switches, in addition to adding great flexibility for remodeling later on. The switches need no batteries; they operate using a piezoelectric crystal that actually generates a small voltage in response to the operation of the switch. The beauty of the technology is that you can install the switch in a new ceiling fixture and then place the switch in the most convenient space, which may not be where the electrical wiring runs. For instance, you could install a bathroom exhaust fan in the overhead light box, then place the fan switch next to the toilet for easy use. Wireless thermostats. Wireless thermostats are now available for residential applications, allowing more flexibility in thermostat placement and better control for occupants. Systems often expand to allow as many as four thermostats to be connected to the system, using one thermostat (the most recently adjusted) as the "active" thermostat. The heating and cooling system then adjusts to the temperature of the location of the thermostat, allowing occupants to control the temperature of the occupied rooms, rather than a hallway or unoccupied space. This increased level of occupant control comes with claims from manufacturers of energy savings of up to 20 percent. From simple wireless switches to complex whole-house lighting control systems, new advances in electrical system installation and management allow builders and remodelers to offer more flexibility to their homeowners. For more information on these innovative new systems technologies, visit the PATH Toolbase website. Stacy Hunt is a consultant on building technology and green building. She is the former business manager of BuildIQ. PREVIOUS  1 | 2 RELATED ARTICLES: Advanced Plumbing Systems: Getting the Most from Plumbing Finishing Touches Green Remodeling: One Room at a Time PATH Concept Home Opens in Style Reusing Household Water with Greywater Systems