Make Your Home Smart with Structured Wiring – Part 2
As discussed in Part 1, structured wiring creating a network is the important first step for a home automation system. When properly installed, it provides benefits such as speed, flexibility, consistency, easier maintenance, and troubleshooting. The installation of structured wiring in homes being constructed will be different from an existing home that is being retrofitted.
Part 2 covers additional structured wiring tips for newly constructed and existing homes. Work with an experienced licensed electrician to achieve the best results.
Newly Constructed Homes
Below are structured wiring tips for new homes:
- The ideal starting point for a home’s structured wiring is inside an equipment closet, where you can install a patch panel so cabling can be terminated and well organized.
- For added efficiency and faster troubleshooting, it is advisable to also install the equipment rack inside the equipment closet.
- To achieve better organization, cables should run vertically from a crawl space or attic to the ceiling. For safety, J-hooks should be used to secure cabling in a high location to prevent people from tripping over them.
Existing Homes
Below are structured wiring tips for existing homes:
- Good planning will make it possible to avoid cutting into walls of an existing home for the installation of a home automation system, which can be programmed to manage lighting and climate control automatically.
- It will be necessary to run an Ethernet cable to each device that requires the Internet, such as a desktop computer, Smart TV, or wireless router.
- Manufacturers of the alarm systems you plan to install have their own requirements. Some devices like motion sensors and automated locks use a wireless connection.
- Generally, coaxial cable will be connected to a television’s set top box to receive upstream and downstream signals from the local cable television service.
- If running speaker wiring around the home is not feasible, wireless speakers can be used instead.
Electrical Services You Can Trust
Founded in 1991, Meyer Electrical Services provides home and commercial electrical services in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C., where we are licensed and insured. Based in Bethesda, our team proudly serves all of Montgomery County. Receive a free consultation for custom electrical work today by calling (301) 941-1400.