User's Manual

USER MANUAL

PTM 210 / PTM 215 / PTM 215U / PTM 215J

DC Step code and later

6.5 Transmission Range

The main factors that influence the system transmission range are:

 Type and location of the antennas of receiver and transmitter.

 Type of terrain and degree of obstruction of the link path.

 Sources of interference affecting the receiver.

 “Dead spots” caused by signal reflections from nearby conductive objects.

Since the expected transmission range strongly depends on this system conditions, range

tests should always be performed to determine the reliably achievable range under the given

conditions.

The following figures for expected transmission range are considered by using a PTM, an STM

or a TCM radio transmitter device together with a TCM radio receiver device with preinstalled

whip antenna.

These figures should be treated as a rough guide only:

 Line-of-sight connections

Typically 30 m range in corridors, up to 100 m in halls

 Plasterboard walls / dry wood

Typically 30 m range, through max. 5 walls

 Ferro concrete walls / ceilings

Typically 10 m range, through max. 1 ceiling

 Fire-safety walls, elevator shafts, staircases and similar areas should be considered

as shielded

The angle at which the transmitted signal hits the wall is very important. The effective wall

thickness – and with it the signal attenuation – varies according to this angle. Signals should

be transmitted as directly as possible through the wall. Wall niches should be avoided.

Other factors restricting transmission range include:

 Switch mounting on metal surfaces (up to 30% loss of transmission range).

 Hollow lightweight walls filled with insulating wool on metal foil.

 False ceilings with panels of metal or carbon fibre.

 Lead glass or glass with metal coating, steel furniture.

The distance between EnOcean receivers and other transmitting devices such as computers,

audio and video equipment that also emit high-frequency signals should be at least 0.5 m.

A more detailed application note on how to determine the transmission range within buildings

is available from: https://www.enocean.com/support/application-notes/