Dive Into the New Age of Residental Prewires

When prewiring a house for various technologies and systems, there are several key considerations to ensure a well-organized and functional setup. Here are the top 10 things to keep in mind:

1. Plan and Design: Start with a detailed plan that includes the locations and types of wiring for all the systems you want to install, such as electrical, audio, video, security, and networking. Consider future needs as well.

2. Choose the Right Cabling:

   • Use high-quality, industry-standard cables such as Cat6 or Cat6a for networking, and RG6 for video distribution.

   • Use in-wall rated cabling to meet safety and building code requirements.

3. Location Planning:

   • Carefully select the placement of outlets, jacks, and conduits to ensure they're easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing.

   • Consider placing conduit between floors to accommodate future cable installations.

4. Structured Wiring Cabinet:

   • Install a structured wiring cabinet (also known as a structured media panel or home network enclosure) to house networking equipment and distribution components.

5. Labeling and Documentation:

   • Label all cables and wires clearly, so it's easy to identify their purpose.

   • Maintain comprehensive documentation of the wiring layout for future reference.

6. Future-Proofing:

   • Install extra cabling for potential future needs or technologies you may not have at the moment, like fiber optic for high-speed networking.

7. Power Outlets:

   • Place outlets strategically for power-hungry devices, like TVs, gaming consoles, and charging stations.

   • Consider dedicated circuits for high-power equipment to prevent overloading.

8. Security and Surveillance:

   • Prewire for security cameras and alarm systems, ensuring proper placement and cabling for monitoring key areas of your home.

9. Home Theater and Audio:

   • Plan for in-wall or in-ceiling speaker wiring for a surround sound or multi-room audio system.

   • Ensure HDMI and audio cables are routed to your TV and AV receiver locations.

10. Lighting Control:

    • Prewire for smart lighting control systems, such as installing low-voltage wiring for switches and keypads.

    • Consider motion sensor and smart lighting options for energy efficiency.