How to Create Reusable ETS Templates

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Introduction

Reusable ETS templates are one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tools in professional KNX projects.

When done properly, templates:

  • Reduce programming time dramatically
  • Improve consistency across projects
  • Minimise human error
  • Make multi-integrator work safer

When done poorly, templates:

  • Create hidden logic errors
  • Spread bad design decisions
  • Become difficult to modify
  • Lock projects into rigid structures

This article explains how to create ETS templates that are genuinely reusable, flexible, and safe for long-term use — based on real project experience, not just ETS features.

What an ETS Template Really Is (And Is Not)

An ETS template is not:

  • A copy-paste project
  • A frozen “perfect” solution
  • A shortcut to skip design thinking

A good ETS template is:

  • A structured starting point
  • A collection of proven patterns
  • A way to enforce standards without restricting flexibility

Templates support engineering judgement — they don’t replace it.

When ETS Templates Make Sense

Reusable templates are most valuable when:

  • You repeat similar room types (hotel rooms, offices, apartments)
  • You work with the same KNX devices regularly
  • Multiple integrators work on the same design language
  • Projects evolve over time but follow similar logic

Templates are less useful for one-off experimental projects.

Core Principle: Templates Must Be Modular

The biggest mistake is creating monolithic templates.

Correct Mindset

Build templates as modules, not as complete buildings.

Good template units include:

  • Typical room (office, hotel room, apartment)
  • Lighting zone
  • HVAC zone
  • Meeting room
  • Corridor

Each module should:

  • Work independently
  • Be reusable in different projects
  • Allow easy modification

Step 1: Standardise Before You Template

Never template chaos.

Before creating a template, standardise:

  • Group address structure
  • Naming conventions
  • Control vs feedback separation
  • Basic logic patterns
  • Folder structure

If standards are unclear, templates will only multiply confusion.

Step 2: Choose a “Reference Project”

Always base templates on a proven, working project.

The reference project should:

  • Be stable on site
  • Have minimal bugs
  • Represent your best practices
  • Have clean ETS structure

Never template a project that is still evolving.

Step 3: Strip the Project Down to Its Core

Templates must be clean.

Remove:

  • Project-specific addresses
  • Client names
  • Temporary logic
  • Experimental functions
  • One-off fixes

Keep:

  • Device types
  • Parameter settings
  • Logic structure
  • Naming patterns
  • Folder organisation

The goal is clarity, not completeness.

Step 4: Design Template-Friendly Group Addresses

Group addresses inside templates should:

  • Follow a clear hierarchy
  • Avoid absolute numbering dependencies
  • Be easy to shift or extend

Recommended Practice

  • Reserve ranges for template use
  • Avoid mixing unrelated functions
  • Use consistent naming even if numbers change later

Templates should adapt to projects — not force projects to adapt.

Step 5: Use Placeholders Intelligently

Good templates include intentional placeholders.

Examples:

  • Room-XX
  • Floor-YY
  • Zone-A

This forces integrators to:

  • Rename consciously
  • Avoid copy-paste mistakes
  • Think before deployment

Never hardcode room numbers or client-specific labels.

Step 6: Template Logic Carefully (High Risk Area)

Logic is where templates can become dangerous.

Safe Logic Templating Rules

  • Keep logic local to the module
  • Avoid cross-module dependencies
  • Document logic intent clearly
  • Use comments generously

Logic templates should be predictable, not clever.

Step 7: Test Templates Like Real Projects

Before using a template in production:

  • Deploy it into a test project
  • Simulate multiple instances
  • Check group address collisions
  • Verify feedback behaviour
  • Test expansion scenarios

A template that works once is not proven.

Step 8: Version Your Templates

Templates evolve — pretending they don’t is risky.

Best Practice

  • Maintain version numbers
  • Track changes
  • Document improvements
  • Never silently modify templates

Treat templates like source code.

Step 9: Train Your Team on Template Usage

Templates only work if everyone understands:

  • What can be modified
  • What must not be changed
  • How to adapt templates safely

Untrained use is worse than no template at all.

Step 10: Know When Not to Use a Template

Templates should not be used when:

  • Project requirements differ significantly
  • New technology is being tested
  • Design constraints are unknown
  • Client demands custom behaviour

Templates are tools — not rules.

Common Template Mistakes Seen in Real Projects

❌ Templates tied to one project
❌ Hardcoded group addresses
❌ Overly complex logic
❌ No documentation
❌ No version control
❌ Copy-paste without understanding

These mistakes turn templates into liabilities.

Benefits You’ll Actually See on Site

Well-designed ETS templates:

  • Reduce commissioning time
  • Improve consistency across floors or buildings
  • Lower error rates
  • Make future upgrades safer
  • Increase team confidence

These benefits compound over time.

Conclusion

Creating reusable ETS templates is not about speed — it is about repeatable quality.

A good template:

  • Encodes best practices
  • Supports flexibility
  • Prevents common mistakes
  • Improves collaboration

In large or repetitive KNX projects, well-designed ETS templates are one of the most powerful tools an integrator can have.

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