Table of contents: Buyer's guide Top 5 KNX switch/blind actuators 24gang
Universal KNX switch actuators with 24-way outputs control lights, blinds, windows and sockets. They are real all-rounders and monsters in the smallest of spaces. Purchasing advice and comparison of the top 5 "Made in Germany" top models from ABB, Gira, Hager, MDT & Theben
Switch sockets throughout the house with 3,000 watts of power each, switch the towel/electric heating on and off, switch conventional light bulbs or fluorescent lamps, operate the shading in the form of zip screens, external blinds or Venetian blinds or switch everything in the house on/off centrally: Good KNX switch actuators are real all-rounders and offer a lot for the money.
Today’s top models can switch 24 separate circuits, each with a current load of 16 amps (230 volts), and offer a variety of functions in a very small space that was unthinkable just 10 years ago.
And that’s by no means all. They can probably be kept up to date for the next 25 to 30 years via software updates, which is not even possible with other smart home systems. If you want to get started quickly with KNX, take a look at our “KNX programming: 8-hour click guide to ETS5/6“.
Gira designed its KNX actuator, which was introduced almost 4 years ago, as a combination actuator or universal actuator that can also switch shading in the form of blinds, shutters and skylights. This is also available from the other test candidates such as ABB, Hager, MDT and Theben: Blind control and switching functions together with additional functions in one actuator. MDT even offers the option of using any channel output as a “simple heating actuator”. The best heating actuator currently available is our Top 5: KNX heating actuators in comparison (comparison test).
We had tested the Gira KNX switching actuator exclusively in our workshop in 2020 and found it to be good, also in view of its good price/performance ratio. It was then used in many of our clients’ projects.
A few years have now passed and we have invited the best KNX switching actuators with 24-way outputs – also known as universal actuators – to take part in a major comparison test.
There is a real innovation and price war for KNX switch actuators/universal actuators. And the history of KNX switch actuators is just as long as that of KNX itself: There have been good KNX switch actuators from manufacturers such as Siemens, Gira, ABB and Hager for almost 30 years.
A new addition in the last 10 years has been the manufacturer MDT, which has put massive pressure on the entire industry to lower its sales prices. At the same time, the traditional manufacturer Siemens has all but left the market for KNX actuators.
There are also new manufacturers from Turkey and China, but they cannot keep up in terms of features, operation and software documentation. This means that the single criterion of “what is the lowest price” is also untenable.
You also need to know this: Whereas a good KNX switching actuator used to be able to switch a maximum of 4 to 6 outputs with a maximum current load of 10 amps, today it has 24 switching outputs in a very small space with many functions that were not even conceivable 10 years ago. So we raise the curtain on the best KNX switching actuators with a minimum of 16, 20 and a maximum of 24 outputs. They compete together in this comparison test:
The Gira switching/blind actuator standard 24-gang KNX, which is completely identical in construction to the Jung KNX universal actuator 24-gang. The main difference is that Jung stays out of the raging KNX price war and leaves the territory to the manufacturer Gira in the Gira-Jung alliance. As a result, Jung KNX switching actuators are always slightly more expensive than Gira KNX switching actuators at the street price.
The former top dog MDT brings its AKU-2416.03 KNX switching actuator 24-fold into the round. The ABB SAH/S24.16.7.1 switching/blind actuator 24-fold, the Hager TYM620D 20-fold switching actuator and the brand new Theben RM 16 T KNX switching actuator 16-fold are on a par. All five test candidates are universal actuators, so that a direct comparison is possible.
Note: Like our other comparison tests, this article is updated regularly. This top 5 of KNX switch actuators or universal actuators is therefore a snapshot that may change in the coming weeks and months. This also applies to the prices.
Purchasing advice: KNX switch actuators in this article
- ABB SAH/S24.16.7.1 Switch/blind actuator 24-fold
- Gira switching/blind actuator standard 24-gang
- MDT AKU-2416.03 KNX switching actuator / shutter actuator 24-fold
- Hager TYMS620D Switch/blind actuator 20-fold
- Theben RM 16T KNX switch actuator / blind actuator 16-fold
Price war among KNX switching actuators: Where is this leading?
Since the end of 2023, a real price war has been raging among the manufacturers of KNX switch actuators. While MDT had previously set the tone for KNX switch actuators in particular for years and was always ahead in terms of the lowest price, the situation has changed: Gira and ABB are now ahead in terms of price for their switch actuators. While MDT has had to increase the price of its KNX actuators, other market players have lowered their prices. The background to this is that there are reports from traditional wholesale circles that the major manufacturers around ABB, Gira and Jung are massively dumping their prices on the market.
This is also shown by our test field, where the Gira switching/blind actuator 24-gang standard is available for 359 euros and the ABB SAH/S24.16.7 switching/blind actuator 24-gang for 399 euros. In comparison, both are combination or universal actuators that have both switching outputs and blind outputs or can be configured as such in the software.
The fact that manufacturers such as Jung, Hager and Theben are (still) staying out of the KNX price war is almost historically justified. MDT is currently under great price pressure from major market players such as Gira and ABB. After all, the latter have had to watch for years as MDT has captured around 80 percent of the German KNX market in the KNX actuators sector (!). The fact that a well-known online wholesaler with special conditions and agreements played an important role in this is another story.
MDT, the market leader in the sale of KNX actuators in Germany, cannot simply lower its prices in line with the competition. After all, since the founder left the company in 2022, the manufacturer has been backed by a Norwegian investor who is now keen to push through higher prices with the very well-established brand.
Gira, Jung and also ABB have a lot of staying power compared to MDT, as they are large companies/groups with many other product divisions, where the segment of “KNX components” only makes up a tiny proportion. We are looking forward to the developments in the coming months. It would be desirable for the market as a whole if MDT could continue to offer its products as before.
Basic functions of KNX switch actuators
- Integrated bus coupling unit (all)
- Manual operation via buttons on the actuator with status LEDs (all)
- Opening/closing circuits with 230 V and maximum 16 A (all)
- Switching sockets with 3,000 watts each (all)
- Switching conventional incandescent lamps with 2,300 watts each (all)
- Switching “old” fluorescent lamps with 1,000 watts each (all)
- Combined switching/blind actuator or universal actuator (all)
- Switching of electric motors/drives with 1,300 VA each (shading)
- Individual function as heating control with PWM control (MDT only)
- Very compact design and versatile functions
Purchasing advice: What is important when choosing a KNX switch actuator?
First of all, the number of switching outputs is a decisive purchasing criterion for many when choosing the right universal actuator: More outputs per actuator also mean less space is required in the electrical control cabinet and the costs are all the lower. This brings the three KNX switching actuators with 24-fold outputs closer into focus: ABB SAH/S24.16.7.1, Gira switching actuator 24-fold and MDT AKU-2416.03 switching actuator. All three test candidates require the maximum possible width of 266 mm or 12 partition units in the switch cabinet.
This also means that only one physical address is “used”, which would result in several physical addresses if it were divided into several smaller switching actuators.
Comparison: Costs per switching channel output
- ABB SAH/S24.16.7.1 Switch/blind actuator 24-fold = 16.62 Euro
- Gira switching/blind actuator standard 24-gang = 14.95 Euro
- MDT AKU-2416.03 KNX switching/shutter actuator 24-fold = 16.62 Euro
- Hager TYMS620D Switch/blind actuator 20-fold = 29.95 Euro
- Theben RM 16T KNX switch/blind actuator 16-fold = 29.37 Euro
1st place: Gira KNX switching/blind actuator 24-gang standard
The German company Gira from Radevormwald near Cologne is one of the forefathers in the KNX sector and has been offering KNX switching actuators for almost 30 years. The “new” Gira KNX switching/blind actuator 24-gang has now been available for almost 4 years in the standard and comfort versions. The latter – at a surcharge of just under 100 euros – can be safely dispensed with, as there are logic/additional functions that in practice run via a KNX server/visualization server anyway.
The Gira KNX switching actuator 24-gang took first place in the overall test environment. On the one hand, this is due to its excellent features as a combination actuator (universal actuator) with 24 outputs for switching operations or 12 outputs for shading drives such as blinds, external venetian blinds or Zipscreens. Added to this is the sensationally low price of 14.95 euros per switching output.
And what no other test candidate offers: The wide terminals at the top and bottom, each with 24 connections, offer plenty of space for installation in the electrical control cabinet. Overall, the workmanship of the KNX switching actuator is of a very high quality, and manual operation of all 24 switching channels works via the four buttons with visual status indication via LEDs.
The labeling of the individual switching channels in the ETS software is exemplary, something that only a few had in this form in 2020 and is now standard practice for all test participants.
For the blind actuator function, two adjacent relay outputs are combined to form a blind output. Mixed operation as a switching or blind actuator is also possible, but the outputs are halved for blind operation.
The technology of the Gira KNX switching actuator was developed jointly by Insta GmbH for Gira and Jung. This is why the “Insta” imprint can be found on both circuit boards. The large KNX switching actuator is therefore also available from Jung in an identical design, albeit at a slightly higher “street” price. The extent to which wholesalers calculate the margin for their electricians depending on the order volume is another matter.
Gira KNX switching actuator 24-gang standard rating
Overall ranking: 1st place
2nd place: MDT AKU-2416.03 Switch/blind actuator 24-fold
As a German company, MDT has made a name for itself throughout the D-A-CH region with its broad product range and affordable prices. Compared to the first place winner, the Gira 24-gang switching actuator, the MDT AKU-2416.03 is equipped quite similarly: There is manual operation of all switching channels via six buttons on the actuator itself, which can be deactivated via ETS software.
The MDT’s range of functions as a switching and blind actuator is topped by the additional feature of being able to configure a switching output as a heating actuator with PWM control. No other candidate in the test environment offers this.
In general, the MDT AKU-2416.03 is a true functional giant, resulting in a whopping 211 communication objects when all functions are fully activated and utilized! The parameterization/setting in the ETS software is clear and easy to understand and can be done quite quickly, if you ignore the so-called “gimmicks”.
Until recently, the MDT universal actuator with its 24 outputs was right at the top in terms of price/performance ratio. Since the end of 2023, Gira has taken this position through price reductions and ousted MDT from the throne of switching actuators. This puts the very good MDT AKU-2416.03 switching actuator in second place without being inferior.
In terms of price per switching output – an important criterion in the DIY scene – MDT is in second place at 16.62 euros. However, this is unlikely to be a criterion for electricians, as the work involved in terms of connections and installation in the control cabinet is added to the price, which is therefore not transparent for the building owner.
MDT AKU-2416.03 Switch actuator 24-fold Rating
Overall ranking: 2nd place
3rd place: ABB SAH/S24.16.7 Switch/blind actuator 24-fold
Alongside Gira and Hager, ABB is one of the traditional manufacturers of KNX switch actuators. The German company ABB Stotz-Kontakt was founded 133 years ago and has been offering KNX switch actuators for almost 30 years.
The current top model, the large universal actuator ABB SAH/S24.16.7.1 with its 24 outputs, can be configured as a switching and blind actuator. By configuring an output as a “blind actuator”, the number is reduced by half – as is the case with all other participants in this comparison test.
ABB SAH/S24.16.7 Switch actuator 24-fold Rating
Overall ranking: 3rd place
4th place: Theben RM 16T switch/blind actuator 16-fold
Theben is one of the traditional German manufacturers in the KNX environment. The company from Haigerloch in the Black Forest operates as a family business and has made a good name for itself in terms of product quality over the years. One of the manufacturer’s superlatives is the 16-fold KNX switching actuator RM 16T, which is actually a universal actuator and is therefore included in this test environment.
The settings for parameterization are kept very clear and fairly free of “play functions” that many other KNX actuators have integrated.
Theben RM 16T switching actuator 16-fold rating
Overall ranking: 4th place
5th place: Hager TYMS620D Switch/blind actuator 20-fold
The German company Hager has been around for almost 70 years. Due to its many acquisitions over the years, it can be seen as a large “group”, while the owner family Hager operates in the background. With the Hager TYMS620D 20-fold switching actuator, the years of KNX tradition are particularly evident in the settings of the product database: the functions have been available in this form for what feels like 15 years.
The top model offers its 20 outlets evenly distributed at the top and bottom, so that there is sufficient space for cable installation – after all, 40 power cables have to be placed.
Hager TYMS620D Switch actuator 20-fold Rating
Overall ranking: 5th place
Conclusion: Real KNX monsters - never seen before
Let’s summarize: The KNX switching actuators with 16-way, 20-way and 24-way outputs that we have tested and recommended here can be used for universal switching tasks in a house. They are real performance monsters for comparatively little money! So anyone who says “KNX is too expensive for me” should take a look at our comparative tests from Blog & Testlab to find out more.
Never before have there been so many functions per KNX switching output for the money. Even large outputs with up to 3,000 watts – per output, mind you – can be switched. In extreme cases, a 24-way switching actuator can handle a total of up to 72,000 watts (!), which is more than many house connections – see our article on electrical planning – have in terms of power.
Even old incandescent lamps with up to 2,300 watts or old fluorescent tubes with up to 1,000 watts can be switched on and off with the KNX switch actuators we tested. If you need electric drives with up to 1,380 VA (VA stands for volt-ampere) per channel in the form of blinds, zipscreens, electric skylights or bottom-hung windows, the universal actuators tested here are the right choice.
The ABB SAH/S24.16.7 switching/blind actuator, the Gira Gira standard 24-gang switching/blind actuator and the MDT AKU-2416.03 KNX switching/blind actuator compete directly against each other in the top models among the 24-gang KNX switching actuators. All three candidates offer extensive switching actuator and blind actuator functions that can be individually parameterized for each output channel.
1st place
2nd place
3rd place
4th place
5th place
The top position is clearly occupied by the Gira switching/blind actuator standard 24-gang as it offers the best mechanical terminal blocks including full-width access from above and below. Gira has also tidied up its product database and made it very clear. No other test candidate offers this in this form. Last but not least, the 24-gang switching actuator from Gira is available at the lowest price per channel or switching output.
In second place is the MDT AKU-2416.03 KNX switching actuator / blind actuator, a universal actuator or combination actuator like all the other test candidates in this field. MDT is the only KNX actuator to offer the option of parameterizing individual outputs as heating actuators in addition to their functions as switching actuators or blind actuators. This is sufficient for many a heating control (including PWM control) in a room without having to purchase an additional, fully-fledged heating actuator.
MDT is not quite as efficient as Gira when it comes to the connections of its 24-way switching actuator, as the MDT AKU-2416.03 does not utilize the entire width for cable outlets upwards and downwards. In terms of price, MDT cannot quite keep up with Gira and is therefore more expensive, even at the street price.
The ABB SAH/S24.16.7 switching/blind actuator 24-fold, which is similarly well equipped to Gira and MDT, came third in our comparison test. Manual operation of all 24 switching outputs can be easily carried out using 4 buttons on the actuator itself and 10 status LEDs.
As with the MDT, one could criticize the not quite full use of space at the top and bottom outlets. After all, 48 “power cables” have to be inserted or neatly accommodated over a width of 25.5 cm.
In terms of price, the ABB and MDT KNX switching actuators are on a par, so that the “channel price” or “price per output” is 16.62 euros. Like Gira and MDT, ABB is also entering the tough price war in order to score points with the best price for placement in the distribution/switch cabinet.
Theben is slightly behind in fourth place with its brand new RM 16T switching/blind actuator 16-fold. Here it is mainly the sales price or “price per output” that prevents a better ranking: Just under 30 euros per switching channel is exactly twice as expensive as the Gira KNX switching actuator.
The 16 outputs towards the top, which are divided into two stages and consequently offer plenty of space when connecting the 32 cables, are positively striking. The terminals are top-quality and give a high-quality impression.
The Hager TYMS620D switch/blind actuator with its 20-fold (combination actuator) is in a good 5th place . Unlike the manufacturers mentioned in this comparison, Hager does not enter the price war and tends to land in the middle of the field in terms of the so-called street price. Only the electrical companies involved know that special discounts are sometimes granted depending on the size of the project.
Frank Völkel & Smartest Home Team
Since 2007, we have been testing KNX components for functionality and practical suitability in order to use only the best products in our customers' homes and villas
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