A smallest conceivable LCN installation would consist of a bus module, for example an LCN-UPP, and an operating option such as an IR receiver or a glass keypad. The bus module is connected to the usual house installation, consumers such as lamps or motors to the bus module, as well as the operating system. One wire of the house installation serves as a data wire for communication between the modules.

A coupling module LCN-PKU is additionally, mostly temporarily, connected to the LCN bus. A PC with the LCN-PRO software then allows the system to be parameterized, i.e. which actions are performed in which situations and how. The LCN Starter Set LCN-SKO contains more than just the most necessary parts of a first LCN system and thus allows a quick and uncomplicated introduction to LCN.

The LCN bus can extend up to 1000 meters. Up to 250 modules can be connected to it. Because, in addition, sensors, glass pushbuttons or relay blocks are connected to many modules, the actual number of data points and consumers is much higher. For a particularly compact installation, an LCN-R6H relay block can be plugged into the LCN-SH DIN rail module, for example. This results in eight outputs and additionally the possibility to connect eight keys – to only one bus participant. If longer distances or more modules are required, the bus can be split into segments, which are connected via segment couplers (see next point). With connections via fiber optics, networks of up to 30 kilometers are possible.

For example, an installation in a private building may consist of only a few modules, together with a few sensors and pushbuttons. Or 30,000 modules in complex large buildings with more than 500,000 data points. The distance between modules can be a few centimeters, or up to several hundred meters – without the need for couplers or repeaters.Using fiber optics, the LCN bus can be extended up to 30 kilometers. In addition to thousands of residential buildings, the Maintower in Frankfurt am Main, one of the largest buildings in Germany, has been successfully implemented with LCN.

Unlike other automation systems, LCN does not require special wiring. A standard NYM cable is laid with an additional core, for example 4 x 1.5 mm². In practice, five-core cables are used because they are commercially standard. One wire remains free for other tasks. An extra line network is not required for the LCN bus. The data wire is treated as a mains wire and may therefore be routed together with the 230 V installation in accordance with VDE. The LCN modules do not require additional power supplies. They are connected directly to the mains voltage.

• Low number of modules thanks to combination of sensor and actuator, thus cost-effective.
• Few planning rules to follow.
• Clearly arranged bus topology.
• Easy to maintain by electrician, no expensive specialist required.
• Use of conventional pushbuttons, motion detectors, etc.
• Expandable over 60,000 sensors and actuators.
• Very powerful: no data loss in large installations.
• Real feedback included as standard.
• In a very wide range price adaptable to the wishes of the builder.
• Very high “intelligence” and functionality.
• LCN is the world leader in terms of transmission performance of installation buses.
• LCN offers an unmatched number of functions per module. Thanks to this diversity, LCN flexibly adapts to the building and the demands of the building owner.
• LCN is the only system to have a four-level acknowledgement and reporting system, enabling very high quality installations with comprehensive building monitoring
• Thanks to higher integration, LCN is less expensive than other systems and lowers the entry threshold for installation.
• LCN is unbeatable in ease of installation and programming. This helps the specialist engineer and the installer. And it helps the building owner: His contact person remains his installer “around the corner” and not an expensive specialist.

LCN is an open system and integrates into existing infrastructures. As an open bus, LCN allows problem-free coupling to almost all interfaces such as BACnet®, Modbus®, OPC, BMA Bosch, IOS, IP-Symcom® or EnOcean® via various interfaces.

Three training courses are offered for LCN: a basic course for the important entry-level knowledge, an advanced course with more details and complex topics, and a course for the LCN-GVS visualization. In addition, courses for teachers or wholesalers are still offered. Find out more on our training page.

ISSENDORFF KG offers two hotlines as support for the LCN system. A technical hotline is available by telephone throughout the day to answer questions about commissioning, technical design, troubleshooting and parameterization. The only requirement is that you have participated in an LCN training course or have purchased an LCN starter kit. The planning hotline provides support with planning and costing as well as with information on LCN sources in your area.

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The LCN Local Control Network operates at a very high transmission speed, even though it is based on conventional cabling. If a very large number of modules is used, the bus can be divided into segments so that communication in the entire system is also reduced to the areas that exchange messages most frequently. With 1,000 to 10,000 telegrams in the upper bus level and 100 telegrams in the lower bus level, LCN’s transmission performance puts it at the top in a worldwide comparison of installation buses.