Structured Wiring System
Whether you are looking to speed up your internet connection or add a new surveillance camera system, you’re going to need the right structured wiring system. In fact, proper wiring of a home can mean the difference of having systems and devices communicate with each other or not. Despite this fact, it is often one of the most overlooked low cost opportunities while building a home. In addition, unless your home was built within the last few years, there will not be much to work with in terms of existing wires and cables. Fortunately, most low voltage systems can be retrofitted.
Structured Wiring
New Home Versus Retrofit
Much like the electrical wiring in your home carries the voltage you need to power your electronics, a structured wiring system provides a whole-house network of audio, video, data, telephone, home automation components or security signals. With more and more devices in your home connecting to the internet, having a strong wiring infrastructure is more important than ever. The good news is, structured wiring can be installed while a home is under construction, retrofitted during a remodel or added on its own. With the in mind, we offer some guidelines for new construction as well as retrofits below.
Keep in mind, these are general guidelines to help you with your structured wiring system. However, each structure is different and may require additional guidelines.
New Construction
Follow these guidelines for new homes:
- Start: wiring the home in an equipment closet
- This is where a patch panel can be installed
- And cables can be terminated and organized neatly from that location.
- NOTE: you may want to consider installing an equipment rack in the same location.
- Next: run cables straight up and down from the ceiling into an attic or crawl space.
- Then: secure them with J hooks and place them high.
Retrofits
You may wonder whether you can have AV, lighting and other home automation systems installed in an existing home without tearing into walls. The answer is yes.
Follow these guidelines for retrofits:
- Ethernet and coax cables will need to be run to each applicable device.
- The Ethernet cable needs to be attached to devices that require a network connection.
- For example, thermostats and lighting can use the existing wires of the thermostat and lighting models they are replacing.
- Smart locks, video doorbells and other devices use a wireless connection while touch screens need a network connection.
- The Ethernet cable needs to be attached to devices that require a network connection.
- The coax cable needs to be attached to a TV or other device that require this cable type.
- For speaker wire that can be routed through your attic or walls, and when necessary they can also run along the exterior of your home.
- And, when in doubt, contact Shultz Audio Video to help!
Structured Wiring Solutions, By Shultz Audio Video
Audio video systems, computer networks, security systems, surveillance cameras, and smart home control will only work best if a home has the proper wiring and cabling throughout. And, with the proper wiring, you can turn a slow internet connection into a fast one. So, if you’re stressed out and wondering what wires go where… do not worry! Our structured wiring services include full project documentation with wire maps and photos so every project runs smoothly. Contact us at (760) 505-7461 to book your appointment.
