KNX Installation: KNX Basic exam questions with worked answers
Practice questions from the KNX Installation block of the KNX Basic certification. Detailed corrections, public sources, free to read without sign-up.
Questions for the "KNX Installation" topic
Q01
The maximum total cable length of a line segment using certified KNX TP cable is 1000 m.TrueFalseKNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· EasyQ02
What is the maximum number of bus devices per line guaranteed by the certified KNX TP cable?- A.256 devices
- B.128 devices
- C.64 devices
- D.1000 devices
KNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· EasyCorrect answerA — 256 devicesLearning tipCorrect: The standardized cable guarantees a maximum of 256 bus devices per line.
Q03
In the used wire pair of the KNX bus cable, red is plus and black is minus.TrueFalseKNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· EasyCorrect answerTrueLearning tipThe text states the used wire pair is red for plus and black for minus.
Q04
The spare wire pair (white/yellow) of the KNX bus cable may be used for which of the following?- A.A second KNX TP data signal
- B.A DC SELV supply, or left with no connection at all
- C.Voice communication
- D.A 230 V AC mains supply
KNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· MediumCorrect answerB — A DC SELV supply, or left with no connection at allLearning tipCorrect: Permitted uses are no connection at all or a DC SELV supply.
Q05
How should the shielding of KNX bus cables be treated regarding the equipotential bonding bar?- A.It must be bonded to the equipotential bar at every device
- B.It must be earthed at the power supply only
- C.It must be connected to the protective earth of the mains
- D.It may not be connected to the equipotential bonding bar
KNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· MediumCorrect answerD — It may not be connected to the equipotential bonding barLearning tipCorrect: The shielding of the bus cables may not be connected to the equipotential bonding bar.
Q06
A terminating resistor is not required in a KNX TP installation.TrueFalseKNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· EasyCorrect answerTrueLearning tipThe documentation states plainly that a terminating resistor is not required.
Q07
On which DIN rails may KNX TP DIN-rail mounted devices be installed in a distribution board?- A.Standardized EN 50022 35x7.5 mm DIN rails
- B.Only proprietary KNX rails supplied by the manufacturer
- C.EN 50090 15x5 mm rails
- D.Only earthed metal rails used as the SELV return
KNX Installation· Bus cable types, installation & distribution boards· MediumCorrect answerA — Standardized EN 50022 35x7.5 mm DIN railsLearning tipCorrect: Any commercial board with EN 50022 35x7.5 mm DIN rails may be used.
Q09
In a KNX TP line, what is the maximum permitted distance between the power supply unit and a bus device?- A.700 m
- B.1000 m
- C.350 m
- D.As specified by the manufacturer
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerC — 350 mLearning tipCorrect: The distance between the power supply unit and a bus device may not exceed 350 m.
Q10
During the installation check, how should the ends of the bus cables be marked?- A.'KNX TP' or 'BUS'
- B.With '230 V' to warn of the operating voltage
- C.No marking is required at the cable ends
- D.With the manufacturer's serial number only
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· EasyCorrect answerA — 'KNX TP' or 'BUS'Learning tipCorrect: Bus cable ends should be clearly identified as KNX TP by marking them 'KNX TP' or 'BUS'.
Q11
Which statement about connecting the bus cables of different lines is correct?- A.Bus cables from different lines may be connected at the line coupler.
- B.Bus cables from different lines may never be connected together.
- C.Bus cables from different lines may be connected if the total length stays under 1000 m.
- D.Bus cables from different lines must be connected to form a single segment.
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· EasyCorrect answerB — Bus cables from different lines may never be connected together.Learning tipCorrect: Bus cables from different lines may never be connected together; the check looks for such inadmissible connections.
Q12
The insulation resistance of the bus cable shall be at least 500 kΩ.TrueFalseKNX Installation· Checking the installation· EasyCorrect answerTrueLearning tipCorrect. The insulation resistance of the bus cable shall be at least 500 kΩ.
Q13
At what test voltage should the insulation resistance of the bus cable be measured?- A.250 V DC
- B.230 V DC
- C.500 V DC
- D.21 V DC
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerA — 250 V DCLearning tipCorrect: The insulation resistance measurement should be carried out at 250 V DC.
Q14
Why should overvoltage protectors be removed before measuring the insulation resistance of the bus cable?- A.Because overvoltage protectors are only fitted on mains cables, never on bus cables.
- B.So the measurement is not influenced and the overvoltage protector is not damaged.
- C.To raise the test voltage above 250 V DC.
- D.Because the protectors must be replaced after every insulation test.
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerB — So the measurement is not influenced and the overvoltage protector is not damaged.Learning tipCorrect: Overvoltage protectors should always be removed before the test so that the measurement is not influenced and the protector is not damaged.
Q15
What is the minimum bus voltage that must be measured at the end of each bus cable?- A.24 V DC
- B.29 V DC
- C.20 V DC
- D.21 V DC
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerD — 21 V DCLearning tipCorrect: The bus voltage at each bus cable end should be at least 21 V DC.
Q16
When the ETS project is handed over, the customer's signature confirms agreement with which of the following?- A.Only the total price of the installation.
- B.All the realized functions, and that the installer's warranty expires with any change to the realized KNX installation.
- C.That the installer stays liable for any future changes made by others.
- D.That no project documentation needs to be provided.
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerB — All the realized functions, and that the installer's warranty expires with any change to the realized KNX installation.Learning tipCorrect: With the signature the customer agrees to all realized functions and that the installer's warranty expires with any change to the installation.
Q17
In the sequence for checking a KNX installation, which check is carried out immediately after checking the polarity of all bus devices?- A.Measuring the insulation resistance of the bus cables
- B.The visual check of the bus cable-end marking
- C.Measuring the bus voltage at each bus cable end
- D.Recording the test results
KNX Installation· Checking the installation· MediumCorrect answerC — Measuring the bus voltage at each bus cable endLearning tipCorrect: The polarity check is followed by measuring the bus voltage (minimum 21 V) at each bus cable end.
Q18
In a common installation box with a partition, what clearance and creepage distance does the source require between mains and bus?- A.2.5 mm.
- B.8 mm.
- C.5.5 mm.
- D.0.5 mm.
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· MediumCorrect answerC — 5.5 mm.Learning tipCorrect: the source requires 5.5 mm clearance and creepage distances.
Q19
How should flush-mounted bus devices be fixed in the wall box?- A.By clamp mounting, which is the normal method for bus devices.
- B.Screw or clamp mounting; either works equally well.
- C.By gluing the device into any available box.
- D.In wall boxes suitable for screw mounting; clamp mounting is usually not possible.
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· EasyCorrect answerD — In wall boxes suitable for screw mounting; clamp mounting is usually not possible.Learning tipCorrect: only wall boxes suitable for screw mounting may be used.
Q20
For the WAGO 243-211 connector: On the standardized KNX TP bus connector, which statement about the two parts is correct?- A.The plus part is red and the minus part is black.
- B.The plus part is red and the minus part is dark grey.
- C.The plus part is black and the minus part is red.
- D.Both parts are green, matching the bus cable sheath.
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· MediumCorrect answerB — The plus part is red and the minus part is dark grey.Learning tipIn the course, the connector has a red positive part and a dark-grey negative part, as on the WAGO 243-211. Other manufacturers, including ABB for XS/S 1.1, describe the connection as red/black. This naming difference is not a polarity difference: check +/− markings and the product manual instead of claiming that black always means only the cable conductor.
Q21
Where may a KNX bus cable legitimately end?- A.Only inside the power supply unit.
- B.Anywhere convenient, as bare stripped cores.
- C.Only at a bus device or at a bus connector.
- D.At any 230 V mains terminal block.
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· EasyCorrect answerC — Only at a bus device or at a bus connector.Learning tipCorrect: the bus cable shall only end either at the device itself or at a bus connector.
Q22
How many bus wires can be connected to each part of the standardized TP bus connector?- A.Up to 8 wires.
- B.Up to 2 wires.
- C.Exactly 1 wire.
- D.Up to 4 wires (6 mm stripped).
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· MediumCorrect answerD — Up to 4 wires (6 mm stripped).Learning tipCorrect: up to 4 bus wires, stripped to 6 mm, fit each screwless part.
Q23
For which task is the standardized TP bus connector used?- A.Branching or extending the bus cable and connecting/protecting its ends.
- B.Coupling two lines together (line-coupler function).
- C.Discharging surges to earth (overvoltage protection).
- D.Supplying the 30 V DC bus power.
KNX Installation· Wall boxes, flush-mounted devices & TP bus connector· EasyCorrect answerA — Branching or extending the bus cable and connecting/protecting its ends.Learning tipCorrect: the connector is used for branching, extending, protecting the bus cable ends and connecting the cable to bus devices.
Q24
What does 'primary protection' mean in the KNX lightning-protection context?- A.Fitting an overvoltage protector directly at each bus device.
- B.Connecting active conductors indirectly to the equipotential bonding bar via lightning current arresters.
- C.The basic 2 kV immunity built into every bus device.
- D.The reverse-polarity keying of the TP bus connector.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerB — Connecting active conductors indirectly to the equipotential bonding bar via lightning current arresters.Learning tipCorrect: this indirect connection of active conductors through lightning current arresters is primary protection.
Q25
For primary protection of the 230/400 V AC mains, what minimum nominal discharge current (10/350 us) is required per conductor?- A.2.5 kA.
- B.5 kA.
- C.12.5 kA.
- D.25 kA.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerC — 12.5 kA.Learning tipCorrect: at least 12.5 kA (10/350 us) per conductor is required for the mains.
Q26
For primary protection of the KNX bus line, what minimum nominal discharge current (10/350 us) per conductor is required?- A.5 kA.
- B.12.5 kA.
- C.0.25 kA.
- D.2.5 kA.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerD — 2.5 kA.Learning tipCorrect: at least 2.5 kA (10/350 us) per conductor is required for the bus line.
Q27
How does loop area relate to lightning-induced surges in a KNX installation?- A.The larger the loop area, the smaller the surge.
- B.Loop area has no effect on surge magnitude.
- C.Only loops smaller than 1 m2 generate surges.
- D.The larger the loop area, the larger the expected peak surge.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerD — The larger the loop area, the larger the expected peak surge.Learning tipCorrect: the source states peak surge grows with loop area.
Q28
To what surge voltage (core to earth) is the basic immunity of bus devices tested (IEC 63044-3)?- A.4 kV.
- B.2 kV.
- C.600 V.
- D.350 V.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerB — 2 kV.Learning tipCorrect: basic immunity is tested with a 2 kV surge core to earth.
Q29
Which situation is NOT listed by the source as a cause of more significant interference on the bus?- A.Installing bus devices in loops.
- B.Running bus and high-power mains in parallel over a long distance.
- C.Using a certified twisted-pair bus cable of the correct colour.
- D.Bus devices connected to metal walls or central-heating pipes.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerC — Using a certified twisted-pair bus cable of the correct colour.Learning tipCorrect: cable certification/colour is not listed as a cause of interference.
Q30
What does the source recommend for bus devices installed on cable ends?- A.No extra measures, because basic immunity is always sufficient.
- B.Primary protection only, via a lightning current arrester.
- C.Removal of the terminating bus connector.
- D.Additional secondary protection (an overvoltage protector).
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerD — Additional secondary protection (an overvoltage protector).Learning tipCorrect: additional secondary protection should be provided for bus devices on cable ends.
Q31
How is the overvoltage protector with KNX bus connector design classified, and how does it differ from primary protection?- A.It is secondary protection at the devices; primary protection uses lightning current arresters on active conductors.
- B.It is just the bus device's own 2 kV basic immunity.
- C.It is primary protection; secondary protection is the equipotential bonding bar.
- D.It is the same thing as a lightning current arrester.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerA — It is secondary protection at the devices; primary protection uses lightning current arresters on active conductors.Learning tipCorrect: the overvoltage protector is secondary protection, distinct from the primary lightning current arresters.
Q32
What minimum nominal discharge current (and impulse shape) must the secondary overvoltage protector provide?- A.At least 2.5 kA (10/350 us).
- B.At least 5 kA (8/20 us).
- C.At least 12.5 kA (10/350 us).
- D.At least 350 A (8/20 us).
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerB — At least 5 kA (8/20 us).Learning tipCorrect: the overvoltage protector must provide at least 5 kA (8/20 us).
Q33
How is the overvoltage protector connected, and can it branch the bus cable?- A.Only by cutting the bus cable and hard-soldering it in line.
- B.It is the normal way to branch the bus cable into three directions.
- C.Via a conventional bus connector or directly to a bus device; it cannot branch the bus cable.
- D.Only through the 230 V mains terminals.
KNX Installation· Lightning, overvoltage, loops & immunity· MediumCorrect answerC — Via a conventional bus connector or directly to a bus device; it cannot branch the bus cable.Learning tipCorrect: it connects with a bus connector or directly to a device, and cannot be used to branch the bus.
Q34
What nominal system voltage does a KNX TP power supply unit produce and monitor?- A.30 V DC
- B.30 V AC
- C.230 V AC
- D.21 V DC
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· EasyCorrect answerA — 30 V DCLearning tipQ35
What is the minimum voltage a KNX TP bus device needs for safe operation?- A.12 V DC
- B.21 V DC
- C.30 V DC
- D.24 V DC
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· EasyCorrect answerB — 21 V DCLearning tipCorrect: Bus devices require a minimum of 21 V DC for safe operation.
Q36
For at least how long can a KNX power supply unit bridge a short interruption of the mains?- A.1 s
- B.10 ms
- C.100 ms
- D.100 microseconds
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerC — 100 msLearning tipCorrect: The PSU can bridge short power gaps of a minimum of 100 ms.
Q37
How is a KNX TP line supplied with bus voltage?- A.One PSU in the installation supplies every line through the couplers
- B.Bus devices are powered directly from the 230 V mains
- C.No PSU is needed if fewer than 21 devices are used
- D.Each line needs its own power supply unit
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· EasyCorrect answerD — Each line needs its own power supply unitLearning tipQ38
Why is a KNX TP power supply unit resistant to short circuits?- A.Because it has integrated voltage and current control
- B.Because each bus device has its own fuse
- C.Because the bus is a SELV network
- D.Because it operates from the 230 V mains
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerA — Because it has integrated voltage and current controlLearning tipCorrect: The integrated voltage and current control makes the PSU resistant to short circuits.
Q39
Which set of output currents corresponds to available centralized KNX TP power supply units?- A.100, 200 and 400 mA
- B.160, 320, 640 and 1280 mA
- C.1, 2 and 4 A
- D.25, 40 and 80 mA
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerB — 160, 320, 640 and 1280 mALearning tipCorrect: The source lists these as available centralized PSU output currents.
Q40
Which statement about the choke in KNX TP power supplies is correct?- A.Every PSU always requires a separate external choke
- B.A choke is only needed on the 230 V mains side
- C.Some PSU types have an integrated choke; others need an additional external choke
- D.Chokes are never used in KNX TP installations
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerC — Some PSU types have an integrated choke; others need an additional external chokeLearning tipCorrect: The source states exactly this.
Q41
What determines how many devices can be installed in a KNX TP line?- A.The type of PSU used and the individual power consumption of the devices
- B.Exactly 64 devices, regardless of the PSU
- C.The colour of the bus connector
- D.Only the physical length of the bus cable
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerA — The type of PSU used and the individual power consumption of the devicesLearning tipCorrect: The source states the device count depends on the PSU type and each device's consumption.
Q42
On a KNX power supply unit, what does a YELLOW LED indicate?- A.The unit is overloaded, possibly due to a short circuit
- B.The 230 V mains supply has failed
- C.The power supply is active and within its normal operating range
- D.An external voltage higher than 30 V has been applied to the bus side
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerD — An external voltage higher than 30 V has been applied to the bus sideLearning tipCorrect: Yellow indicates an external voltage above 30 V on the bus side.
Q43
Under what condition can a single power supply unit feed two lines?- A.When additional current is needed, depending on the load
- B.Always – every PSU feeds exactly two lines
- C.Only if both lines together have fewer than 21 devices
- D.Never – one PSU can only ever feed one line
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerA — When additional current is needed, depending on the loadLearning tipCorrect: The source allows one PSU to feed two lines if extra current is needed and the load permits.
Q44
What is the maximum number of centralized power supply units allowed in one line?- A.One
- B.Two
- C.Three
- D.Unlimited, as long as spacing is kept
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· EasyCorrect answerB — TwoLearning tipCorrect: It is not allowed to have more than two centralized PSUs in one line.
Q45
In a distributed power supply, how is the bus powered?- A.By connecting the 230 V mains directly to the bus
- B.By batteries fitted inside every bus device
- C.By several devices on the line, each containing a Decentralized Power Supply Unit (DPSU) with an integrated choke module
- D.By a single large centralized PSU only
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerC — By several devices on the line, each containing a Decentralized Power Supply Unit (DPSU) with an integrated choke moduleLearning tipCorrect: The source describes the bus being powered by devices each containing a DPSU with an integrated choke module.
Q46
How many DPSUs may be mounted in one single bus line (even if it consists of segments)?- A.Up to 8
- B.Up to 2
- C.Up to 16
- D.Up to 64
KNX Installation· Power supply units, two-line & distributed supply· MediumCorrect answerA — Up to 8Learning tipCorrect: Up to 8 DPSUs may be used; more than eight can negatively affect communication.
Q47
Which voltage is used for the KNX TP bus?- A.30 V DC
- B.24 V DC
- C.30 V AC
- D.230 V AC
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· EasyCorrect answerA — 30 V DCLearning tipCorrect: The documentation states the voltage used for the KNX TP bus is 30 V DC.
Q48
What does the abbreviation SELV mean, and what is its key property?- A.Standard Electrical Low Voltage: a circuit that must be bonded to protective earth
- B.Safety Extra Low Voltage: a low-voltage circuit electrically separated from higher voltages and isolated from earth
- C.Secure Ethernet Line Voltage: a data-only supply
- D.Single Ended Low Voltage: a voltage referenced to one mains phase
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· EasyCorrect answerB — Safety Extra Low Voltage: a low-voltage circuit electrically separated from higher voltages and isolated from earthLearning tipCorrect: This matches the definition given for SELV.
Q49
What is the permitted voltage range in a SELV network?- A.120 V for AC and 50 V for DC
- B.25 V for AC and 60 V for DC
- C.50 V for AC and 120 V for DC
- D.30 V for AC and 30 V for DC
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· MediumCorrect answerC — 50 V for AC and 120 V for DCLearning tipCorrect: The text lists 50 V for alternating current and 120 V for direct current.
Q50
Below which voltages is NO special protection against direct contact required?- A.50 V AC or 120 V DC
- B.60 V AC or 25 V DC
- C.30 V AC or 30 V DC
- D.25 V AC or 60 V DC
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· MediumCorrect answerD — 25 V AC or 60 V DCLearning tipCorrect: These are the limits stated for omitting direct-contact protection.
Q51
How must a SELV network be treated with respect to earth?- A.It may not be earthed and is isolated from earth and protective earth conductors
- B.It must be solidly earthed at the power supply
- C.It must be connected to the protective earth of the mains
- D.It must be earthed only in wet rooms
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· MediumCorrect answerA — It may not be earthed and is isolated from earth and protective earth conductorsLearning tipCorrect: SELV must not be earthed and stays isolated from earth and PE conductors.
Q52
May a cable intended for mains installation be used to wire the KNX TP network?- A.Yes, any cable rated for 230 V is suitable for the bus
- B.No, cables intended for mains networks may not be used for TP networks
- C.Yes, provided the cable is green
- D.Yes, but only in dry rooms
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· EasyCorrect answerB — No, cables intended for mains networks may not be used for TP networksLearning tipCorrect: The documentation prohibits reusing mains cable for TP installation.
Q53
What generates the SELV voltage for the KNX TP bus?- A.A direct tap off one mains phase
- B.The earthing system of the building
- C.A power supply with secure mains separation
- D.A battery inside each bus device
KNX Installation· SELV networks & insulation· MediumCorrect answerC — A power supply with secure mains separationLearning tipCorrect: The documentation states a power supply with secure mains separation generates the SELV voltage.