Glossary

Purpose

Those new to home automation may be assaulted with acronyms and terms that they do not understand. While the list of terms is not long, often there are few contextual cues to figure out what an acronym might mean.

Terms

• ApplianceLinc(AL) - Plugs into an outlet for control of an appliance that is plugged into the module; does not allow dimming
• Bridge - Allows communication from one type of network to another. For example, automation traffic may be transmitted over a computer network before being sent over the powerlines or by radio frequency, thus allowing control of your automation from any computer in the world.
• Consumer Electronics Bus(CEBus): also EIA-600 - Communications technology optimized for home automation
• Controller - Sends out a message to cause an action in another device
• ContoLinc(CL) - A collection of buttons that can control multiple devices/scenes collected into a single case, controller only
• Elk - Security and automation company
• InLineLinc(ILL) - Allows automated control of lights and appliances without a wall switch or exposed outlet by connecting to the power lines in a fixture box
• Insteon - Communications technology optimized for home automation
• Intelligent SYstem(ISY) - Universal Devices Bridge/Controller combination
• KeyPad Linc(KPL) - A collection of buttons that can control multiple devices/scenes collected into a single case, unlike a CL this may also be a responder
• LampLinc(LL) - Plugs into an outlet for control of a lamp that is plugged into the module; often allows dimming
• OutletLinc(OL) - Replaces an outlet for automated control of anything plugged into that outlet
• Power Line(PL) - Wire that carries electricity through a house
• PowerLinc Controller(PLC) - Module with memory allowing control events to be downloaded and run without a dedicated computer
• PowerLinc Modem(PLM) - Allows a computer to send signals to the power lines for control events to be run
• Radio Frequency(RF) - Method to wirelessly communicate in a small area
• RemoteLinc(RL) - A collection of buttons that can control multiple devices/scenes collected into a single case, wireless and controller only
• Responder - Takes an action based on messages from a controller
• Scene - Group of devices that can be activated from a single controller
• SmartHome(SH) - One of the world's largest home automation retailers
• SwitchLinc(SL) - A button panel that normally replaces a light switch allowing control of a single device
• ToggleLinc(TL) - Uses a switch rather than a button for the same control a SwitchLinc offers
• Universal Powerline Bus(UPB) - Communications technology optimized for home automation
• X10 - Communications technology optimized for home automation
• Z-Wave - Communications technology optimized for home automation
• ZigBee - Communications technology optimized for home automation