What Is Structured Wiring?

Structured wiring is a "network" of specialized wires and cables installed throughout your home, ideally, during its construction. Each system consists of three basic components:

• Individual room outlets
• A central hub
• Wiring and cables connecting each room to the hub

The systems are modular so they can be custom-configured for just the functions and features you want. With the necessary communications and coaxial cables installed out of sight behind the walls of your new home, and with attractive wall plates installed in most rooms, you can add other functions later without going through a messy and expensive retrofit.

What Structured Wiring Can Do For You

With structured wiring installed, you can enjoy access to many types of information and entertainment anywhere in your home. Here are some examples of typical features today's homeowners choose for individual rooms:

Telephone

Up to four analog lines or more are available with a phone system in the hub area.

Computer LAN (local area network)

Connect individual computers within the home to each other and to the Internet.

Video

View any video source including VCRs, satellite and cable TV, home theater and closed circuit TV (CCTV) to monitor other areas of the home or perimeter on any TV in the home.

Audio

Listen to music on in-wall, in-ceiling or component speakers.

Infrared Remote Control

Have complete control of whole house audio/video distribution from any room.

A basic system is a low-cost addition to your new home that will provide benefits every day. When you are ready to sell, the system should be an attractive feature to prospective buyers.

Room Outlets

Décor-matching wall plates have connectors for video, telephone, data, and FAX. There are wall modulators for CCTV cameras, as well as infrared signal receivers. Other types include audio and speaker wall plate connectors. All outlets run to the Central Hub.

Central Wiring Hub

An enclosure is mounted in a central, temperature-controlled area. All wiring from each room outlet is routed to this panel. All incoming services (phone, cable TV, XDSL, satellite, etc.) also meet here. Using the "Home Run" technique instead of the traditional "daisy chain" approach, each room outlet is connected by its own cable to the central wiring hub. The room outlets functions may be changed at a later time by reconnecting cables in the Central Hub. Other equipment (i.e. modulators, amplifiers) would also reside in this area.

Video and Data Cabling

Category 5E cables are used for all voice and data communications. These are unshielded, with four twisted pairs, and are capable of operating up to 100 megahertz with data rates up to 100 megabits per second. Coaxial cables are RG6, quad-shielded for interference-free video distribution. Fiber optic cables may be added to accommodate future services.

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• OnQ Structured Wiring Technical Overview
• HAI Automation Control
• Audio/Video Management System Brochure

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