Article
Structured wiring is a network, specifically designed for your needs, that is run throughout the home during its construction. Although considerably more difficult and expensive, structured wiring networks can be installed after construction has been completed if access to all areas is available (i.e. a basement, crawl space or attic). A structured wiring network usually includes all the wire runs necessary for the distribution and control of audio, video, security, telephone and computers.
If you are building a home, you probably want to plan for structured wiring in your home. When you have your home wired, everything that is wired throughout the home does not neccessarly have to be installed at that time. The great thing about structured wiring is that it prepares you for today as well as future technologies. Here are some considerations: will you want music throughout the house? Do you need a computer or more than one computer? Will you have off-air TV via antenna or cable or satellite or all of the above? Will you want room-to-room paging and control? Will there be adequate telephone jacks? Will there be a home theater (surround sound)? Is paging, door answering a consideration? Would you prefer one set of controls for lighting, temperature, music, video etc. Lots of decisions to be made. Thinking about the moderm conveniences of home electronics is sometimes put off until it is too late or at the very least much more costly. If you research your possibilities before the drywall goes up you can make your new home a much more enjoyable one.
Most builders are not electronic specialists. They certainly know more about home construction than about home systems. That is why you will need to be persistent in most cases to get what you want. Many builders focus only on TV and telephone outlets and their placement. You may need to make sure you are getting all that you need and want. TV and telephone outlets should be home run to a central location (that is, each wire should terminate at a common central point). This facilitates easier changes in the future and provides the purest signal quality. For telephone, ask for data grade, enhanced category 5 wiring. This will serve your internet requirements better. For TV, the RG-6 or Quad 6 cabling is superior and carries a higher bandwidth rating as well. Some people often ask about fiber optics. This cable is generally more expensive and competing standards do not necessarily make it a wise choice. With the great number of coax and telephone wired homes, the best bet is CAT5 and RG-6.
Beyond TV and telephone is where you will need to make sure you have a wiring specialist to ensure success. Audio wire, control wire, doorstation, cameras, automation and local networks are all possibilities.
Wiring for them may be the best money you spend on the "infrastructure" of the home. Many wise homeowners think ahead and make sure that during the building process, future capabilities are taken into consideration. Taking the time to map out these possibilities is well worth it, but don't delay....the framers are moving quickly! If you are building a new home you need structured wiring!
Randy Garcia
Audio Video Innovations
info@avinnovations.net