Activities-of-the-KNX-Association

The KNX Association is far more than a governing body — it is an active engine behind the standardization, certification, and global adoption of the KNX protocol. To understand how KNX became an internationally recognized standard, it helps to look at the full range of activities the association carries out, and how these activities translated into official approvals by major standardization bodies around the world.

This article explores both: the day-to-day activities of the KNX Association, and the milestones that made KNX an international standard.

What Does the KNX Association Do?

The association is involved in nearly every aspect of the KNX ecosystem — from technical development to training and promotion. Its main activities include:

  • Technical development and promotion of the KNX standard — carried out together with KNX member companies
  • Development of ETS™ — the common design and commissioning tool software used across all KNX projects
  • Sales and support of ETS via the myKNX portal (my.knx.org)
  • Product certification — granting the KNX trademark to KNX-compatible products
  • Training and certification — through certified training centres and official training documentation
  • National and international standardization activities
  • Encouraging the setup of national groups to support local adoption
  • Scientific partnerships with technical institutes and universities — promoting KNX among students and supporting research
  • Technical support for manufacturers developing KNX-compatible solutions
  • Definition of testing and quality standards together with KNX member companies
  • Promotional activities — websites, fairs, brochures, and other marketing measures

Together, these activities ensure that KNX remains open, consistent, and globally accessible — from the first product design to the final commissioned installation.

If you’re new to the association itself, you may want to start with our article on KNX Association history, or read the broader KNX smart building standard overview.

Growth of the KNX Association

When the KNX Association was founded, it consisted of 9 member companies. That number has since grown dramatically — reaching more than 300 members as of January 2015, and continuing to expand today.

The current membership list is always available at www.knx.org.

This steady growth reflects the industry’s confidence in KNX as a long-term, manufacturer-independent standard.

KNX as an International Standard: Key Milestones

One of the KNX Association’s most significant achievements is the recognition of KNX by major standardization bodies worldwide. These approvals are what make KNX a truly international standard, not just a European one.

🇪🇺 CENELEC — European Standard (2003)

At the end of 2003, the KNX Standard was approved by CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation) as the European Standard for Home and Building Electronic Systems, as part of the EN 50090 series.

🇪🇺 CEN — European Standard

The KNX Standard was also approved by CEN (European Committee for Standardization):

  • EN 13321-1 — for media and protocol
  • EN 13321-2 — for KNXnet/IP

🌍 ISO/IEC — International Standard (2006)

At the end of 2006, KNX was approved as a world standard:

  • ISO/IEC 14543-3-1 to 7

This approval marked KNX’s transition from a European standard to a globally recognized one.

🇨🇳 Chinese National Standard (2013)

In May 2013, KNX technology was approved as a Chinese standard:

  • GB/T 20965

🇺🇸 USA — ANSI/ASHRAE 135

KNX is also approved in the USA as ANSI/ASHRAE 135, recognized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Why These Approvals Matter

These international approvals are not just formalities. They mean that:

  • KNX is legally recognized in major markets across Europe, Asia, and North America
  • Specifiers and engineers can reference KNX in public tenders and building codes
  • Manufacturers can design products for multiple regions with a single, globally accepted standard
  • End users benefit from a future-proof technology backed by international authorities

In short, standardization is what turns a good protocol into a long-term, trusted infrastructure.

📌 Key Takeaways

  • The KNX Association carries out a wide range of activities — from technical development and ETS software to certification, training, and standardization.
  • Membership has grown from 9 founding companies to 300+ members (as of January 2015).
  • KNX is approved as a standard by CENELEC (EN 50090), CEN (EN 13321), ISO/IEC (14543-3), China (GB/T 20965), and ASHRAE (ANSI/ASHRAE 135).
  • These international recognitions make KNX a truly global standard for home and building automation.
  • New to KNX? Start with our KNX Association history or the KNX smart building standard overview.