Upgrading a legacy automation system? KNX makes it easier than you think.

The idea of a smart home has been around for a long time. Early adopters jumped in with great enthusiasm, and credit to them, because they saw the benefits long before the mainstream caught on. The challenge is that much of that early technology was… well, a bit too early. Many brands no longer exist, local support has faded, and spare parts are impossible to source.  

The most common complaints we hear from clients with ageing or failing systems include: 

“I love my smart home, but half of it doesn’t work anymore.” 

“That dodgy dimmer is costing me hundreds in call-outs.” 

“Home automation? Never again.” 

Sadly, this is the predictable outcome of closed, proprietary systems. Once the manufacturer stops supporting the platform, the entire home becomes difficult (and expensive) to maintain. 

The good news?  

Upgrading to KNX is easier than you think — and it’s the last time you’ll ever be limited to a single brand or platform. KNX is an open, international standard backed by hundreds of manufacturers, giving long-term stability and absolute freedom of choice. 

Here are the five main reasons why KNX is the obvious solution when replacing an ageing or legacy system, plus why the conversion is often simpler than expected. 

1. KNX is an open protocol 

KNX isn’t owned by a single manufacturer. If hardware fails, you can replace it with equivalent devices from a wide range of brands — all certified to interoperate. 

Because the standard has remained consistent for more than 30 years, even a KNX system installed in the 1990s can be serviced today using current hardware. No dead ends, no relying on one supplier, no starting from scratch every few years. 

This is where KNX truly stands apart: you stay in control, not the manufacturer. 

2. KNX gives you real choice 

With over 500 certified manufacturers, there’s a vast selection of switches, actuators, sensors, user interfaces and specialist devices. That means: 

• multiple price points 

• multiple aesthetics 

• multiple performance levels 

• and competition that keeps innovation strong 

Instead of being tied to one ecosystem, you’re free to choose the solution that best fits the home — and change brands later without redoing the entire system. 

3. You can often reuse existing wiring 

Most legacy systems were wired, and despite the rise of wireless, a wired solution is still the gold standard for speed, reliability, and longevity. 

The best part? A KNX upgrade can often use the existing cabling if rewiring isn’t practical. That means: 

• less mess 

• lower labour costs 

• faster installation 

• minimal disruption for the homeowner 

You replace the failing hardware and keep the infrastructure. Simple. 

KNX also strengthens data privacy: the system can operate locally without exposing configuration or usage data to the cloud. 

4. Compact hardware with modern functionality 

Modern KNX devices are small, powerful and multifunctional. It’s often possible to expand capabilities without expanding the physical space in the electrical board. 

And because KNX unifies lighting, HVAC, shading, energy management, audio control and more, everything works together instead of being split across different systems. 

Many of today’s KNX keypads and switches even include temperature sensors, logic blocks or controllers, reducing the need for separate thermostats and cutting down on wall clutter. 

5. Unlimited choice of user interfaces 

Whether you want minimalist glass, sleek metal finishes, bold designer keypads or simple classic styles, KNX has it all. Touchscreens, apps and tactile switches come in endless variations. 

Gone are the days of choosing between one white plastic switch and… another white plastic switch. But don’t worry, KNX has plenty of those too. 

Why converting to KNX is simpler than you expect 

This is the part most homeowners (and even some integrators) don’t realise: 

Converting an existing system to KNX is often straightforward.
Many legacy systems share a similar wiring structure, so the process comes down to replacing the failing modules with KNX devices and commissioning the system with ETS.
No full renovation. No ripping out walls. No starting over.
And most importantly: once you’re on KNX, you’re never locked into one brand again.

If your customer has any of these legacy systems… 
Rather than replacing it with another closed platform that may disappear in a few years, upgrade once to an open standard that is here to stay.
Our team works with the most respected KNX manufacturers worldwide and can guide you through design, product selection, training and long-term support. 

Switch to KNX — simple, open, future-proof, and designed to keep your clients free to choose.