Existing Devices But Just Available in Europe?

[LeeSteventon]

When will some of the wonderful devices available in the USA be available to Europe? For example, the Insteon Low Voltage / Contact Closure Interface (1 in/1out). Ideal for sprinklers as it outputs 24v to open a sprinkler valve. Not available in Europe...why??

[LeeSteventon]

What exactly IS preventing Insteon from bringing more of the fantastic devices out in Europe that are available in the USA? European regulations too strict? Standards too demanding?

I think a lot of automation devices available like X10 are flooding the market but Insteon with their dual band technology could easily take that by storm if they just pushed the current devices into Europe...

Thoughts?

[stusviews]

One reason may be that EU countries each have their own electrical regulations and national standards.

[LeeSteventon]

Hi Stusviews,

Yes I think that is the more likely reason, however devices like plug in dimmers and micro-dimmers are available, so of they are able to attain European standards / regulations, why not the rest?

[stusviews]

Each and every new device requires a separate approval and testing by the appropriate agencies. I don't know about Europe, but in the US testing devices and getting approval is somewhat expensive. I'd guess that Insteon Labs is waiting for a larger acceptance of the existing products before introducing new devices.

[Opor]

I'm based in Europe too and follow and agree every LeeSteventon requests: You're not alone Lee, we're at least two. Seriously Stu: this is a death lock, if Insteon does not take care of the European market, the european market will keep small and then Insteon won't provide new devices, so...

[stusviews]

Insteon has been releasing devices for the European market. Keep in mind that a couple of thousand sales is inadequate for a new product, ten thousand or more is needed in order to keep the price reasonable. My guess is that Insteon is waiting to see how sales go for the existing European and Australian products.

[DingDuck]

I agree Stu, it's a Chicken and Egg situation. I can see numerous applications for the #2442-522 Ballast Dimmer (Aust No.) to do dimming of LED's, but for what ever reason is not commercialised in Aust. Sometimes not having the back end product stops selling the front end product.

[LeeSteventon]

It is just a shame that Insteon doesn't see the global market and only focusses on it's home market. Surely, the limited amount of devices available is a contributing factor to limiting the sales? Didn't someone once say you have to speculate to accumulate?

[Teken]

It is just a shame that Insteon doesn't see the global market and only focusses on it's home market. Surely, the limited amount of devices available is a contributing factor to limiting the sales? Didn't someone once say you have to speculate to accumulate?

Well, speaking as a North American customer I may be a little biased. I am first thankful that they have any devices released in the various global markets. Next, I do for see more products being made available in other markets besides NA.

As others indicated the process to gain certification whether it be FCC, IC, CE, etc is extremely time consuming and costly. Since most makers send their wares to third party vendors who are approved in the above the process is well known and repeatable.

Hopefully those across the pond will see more hardware support in the next year or so. Keeping in mind it took more than ten years for Smartlabs to get EU products to market.

[iot-abroad]

A lot of the products sold in NA are now 100-277V, meaning they should work in countries with 220v. Does anyone have experience using products for US market in 220V only? Any reliability issues?

[BLH]

One thing you have to consider. The US Dual Band devices use an Insteon RF frequency of 915MHz. That is not used in other parts of the world. So mixing different country's modules may not work. The US RF frequency may interfere with your countries communications for other things.

[iot-abroad]

Thanks BLH. Yes, I am aware of the frequency issue, I know I wouldn't be able to mix and match units with different RF. I live in a small Asian market, so it will be a long time before Insteon, or any other iot device maker, officially sells here. No matter what, I will need to import from somewhere, EU or US. The 869 vs 915 Mhz is currently "under consideration", whatever that means. Given my governments track record, they will probably chose a completely different frequency and make life even more difficult for everyone.

My biggest concern is whether the 100-277V, made for the US market 110V, devices will work in a 100% 220v reliably? I read in another forum post that insteon had broadened the voltage mainly for reliability issues, and fluctuations in voltage. That could be true, but a fluctuation all way to 277v in a US home would do some serious damage, not only of iot devices. And, conveniently, 220v is in that range, so, maybe, I might be in luck.

I'm sure someone else out there has given this a try. When did Insteon start making some of their devices 100-277v?

[stusviews]

More important than the voltage is the frequency of the AC supply, 60Hz in the Americas and, mostly, 50Hz elsewhere. Your country has two choices, the 2.6GHz worldwide standard, or the 848MHz European standard. Australia and the US have already laid claims to 915MHz. No matter how rebellious you country is, there are worldwide standards. If, in fact, they created their own standards, then everything including TVs, cars, light bulb etc. would need to be industrialized within your country's borderlines

BTW, power supplies have had a 100 to 277 volt range for years, albeit, it's more difficult/costly in a HA device.