Smart home installers: what homeowners should look out for & training programmes for prospective installers
Just like with all electrical installations, it is always best to hire a professional to take on the job, and more complex jobs such as installing smart home equipment even more so.
However, when it comes to specifically smart home installation, there is greater risk involved for home and business owners, as unlike most if not all other sectors of the electrical trade, smart home installation and its installers are completely unregulated. There are no specific qualifications or certifications needed to complete this kind of work, so there is a very high chance you could stumble across a complete amateur in your search for an installer.
According to Trusted Technology¹, a company that specialises in correcting botched smart home installations, which they refer to as “takeovers”: “we spend 80% of all our time taking over poor home automation projects. 9 out of 10 times, we remove everything and starting again as the system has been poorly designed and executed.”
Luckily, as smart home devices have become more popular, many installation companies have expanded their services to include smart home installation, and some have even take their expertise in the electrical industry to start their own businesses dedicated to these types of installations. However, until official regulations are instated, you still run the risk of trusting a complete amateur with the intricate wiring of your home, which can cause a whole host of issues.
With this in mind, it is incredibly important to do your research when choosing a smart home device installer.
Do your research
A simple internet search for the most part can tell you everything you need to know when it comes to the type of tradesperson or company you are thinking of hiring.
When choosing an installer, it is important to make sure they are reputable both in skill and in professionalism.
A long standing company with strong customer reviews will always be a great place to start, especially if previous clients include pictures of the finished product, so you can see the quality of installation for yourself. If this isn’t the case, make sure the check their website to see if they post installation pictures themselves.
Although there is no legal requirement to have qualifications or certifications to install this type of equipment, many installers will be approved installers and even partners with suppliers, which will often make these installers experts at installing the equipment supplied to them by the brand.
Some installers have more experience and expertise in particular types of smart home equipment and devices, so if possible, try to find an installer that specialises in the type of equipment you’re looking to install.
Smart Home Installation Certifications & Training Programmes
There are plenty of certifications and brand partnerships that will give you confidence in your next installer, and any installers can find out which programmes will give them an extra boost in a space that is growing evermore competitive. Some of which are even run by some of the brands available at ElectricalDirect.
The EcoXpert™ Home & Small Business Programme – Schneider Electric
This training programme provided by top electrical brand Schneider Electric “provides electricians with technical training and professional certifications” – according to the brand themselves.
The brands specialty when it comes to smart home devices is heating, with their Wiser Smart Heating range focused on convenient and customisable use, as well as conserving energy.
Smart Home Academy
If you’re a homeowner looking for a complete smart home upgrade, or if you’re looking to be an all-round installer, then the Smart Home Academy could be right for you.
According to the Smart Home Academy², their programme “provides training for integrated technology professionals, including foundation training, lighting, video distribution, home automation and control. Our course programme is designed for industry newcomers right through to veteran integrators.”.
This academy provides a wide range of smart home specialities, from the basics including lighting and security systems, to more extravagant setups such as home cinemas.
These courses are often in collaboration with reputable smart home brands offering various types of product, including Ring and URC.
Smart Home Technician – Level 3 Apprenticeship
For the perfect combination of a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that homeowners and installation companies alike look for, look no further than this Smart Home Technician Apprenticeship. If your installer has this qualification under their belt, or you’re looking to start a career in smart home installation, this apprenticeship is an excellent option.
Apprentices will be given a comprehensive course on a variety of aspects of smart home device installation, including reading, understanding and following project documentation, installing and testing various smart home devices, and even troubleshooting and fixing faults in devices in systems.
The rise of smart home is showing no signs of slowing down, therefore it is vital to choose your installer carefully, and for tradespeople to look in to expanding their skills to keep up with the change in demand in the electrical industry.
