Smart home: wiring prep

The top mistake: switch boxes have only live wire. Battery-free smart switches need neutral — run N to every switch during rough wiring.

Zigbee/Z-Wave — efficient, needs a hub. Wi-Fi — simple but clogs the network. KNX — wired bus, reliable, expensive: only installable during renovation.

Run UTP cable to: ceiling Wi-Fi points, cameras, leak sensors, curtains, intercom. Cabling after renovation is impossible — and Wi-Fi doesn't reach everywhere.

Smart relays (Shelly, Sonoff) go in switch boxes or on DIN rail — leave panel space. Hubs, router, NVR need a shelf with outlets and UTP.

A smart home without power is dead: UPS for router and hub (small DC-UPS), a dedicated backup line for boiler and fridge.