In July of 2000, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) changed the minimum requirements for telephone wiring in new construction. Wiring cables are classified by categories according to use and capacity as determined by the Electric Industries Association (EIA) and the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA). These associations have also developed standards for cabling. Category 3 wire was chosen by FCC as the minimum standard.

However, many consumers have stronger networking needs. They may want to transfer more data faster, interconnect computer system components, remotely control home security or HVAC systems, or perhaps increase their video entertainment capabilities.

Structured wiring systems have become increasingly popular to meet those consumer demands. These systems often use a Category 5 (or better) cable for voice and data and RG6 coaxial cable for video. Fiber optic cable is also available, but many regard the installation as more difficult and expensive.

Wiring installed in the home may not be the limiting factor in terms of data transfer. While utility and cable companies are constantly upgrading their systems, not all areas of the country may offer high speed internet. Because changing the wiring system in a home after initial construction may be difficult and expensive, planning ahead and installing a better system may be a wise choice.

Additional products exist on the market which allow computer users to bypass the need to hardwire a home network. Wireless routers, costing less than $100, may seamlessly communicate with computers, printers and other components.

Structured Wiring Basics
Today's home wiring includes more than the standard suite of electrical connections. Dedicated wiring for data, telephone, audio, and video are fast becoming standard options

How it works


Structured wiring distributes a variety of data signals to electronics in the home, such as cable television, telephones and Ethernet computer networks. A structured wiring system is designed with "home run" cables from each room in the house back to a central distribution box.

Structured wiring typically uses RG6 cabling for video signals rather than the prior standard of RJ59, which cannot transfer digital images. For voice and data transfer, the system uses Category 5 wire, which is four pairs of twisted, unshielded, solid copper. Category 5 wiring allows much faster data transfer rates — equal to bandwidth — than telephone systems.

In 2002, the Federal Communication Commission began requiring new wiring installations and modifications to use a minimum of Category 3 wire for voice and data transfer. Category 3 wire is similar to Category 5, except it has two pairs of wire instead of four, resulting in less bandwidth.

With greater bandwidth, Category 5 wire is more expensive, costing approximately $65 per 1,000 feet, compared to about $40 per 1,000 feet for Category 3 wire, and about $25 per 1,000 feet for standard phone wire. The total installed cost of a structured wiring system depends on the size of the home, the number of desired technologies, and the number and types of devices connecting the whole-house system to each technology.

Besides the improved networking capabilities, Category 5 wiring can also become the basis for extensive home automation systems, including security systems, energy use controls and more.

When to retrofit


Retrofitting structured wiring is not always an easy process, depending on the home and what the homeowner wants the system to do. If you're just adding dedicated communication and data cable lines, a whole-house structured wiring system may not be necessary, says Cerasuolo. Many of the functions of a home automation system can use the power lines already in the home, or be improved through wireless technology. Structured wiring comes into play when there is a greater demand by homeowners for entertainment, which is often only necessary in a few rooms in the house.

Ironically, it may be easier in homes built before 1950 (depending on the region), which often have cavities behind the floors, ceilings and walls. This means drilling fewer holes during installation.

In newer homes with concrete floor slabs, minimal space within wall cavities, and more complex designs, installation requires removing wall linings. That means a bigger mess and additional cost.

Sometimes you can run wiring along floors and walls behind hollow moldings, but Cerasulo cautions that this option is a better choice for telephone and other low-rated wires than for structured wiring. Local codes may not allow hollow raceways/moldings. You must also consider fire hazard ratings. Lastly, highly rated cable — Cat 5 and 5e — will not work appropriately if it bends dramatically (like around corners) or if the cable is pinched by molding that is too small in areas.

The easiest time to install structured wiring is when a bigger remodeling job requiring new power wiring is already in the works. McClellan reports that installing a fairly basic system that covers windows, doors, and lights is pretty simple. In these cases, "installing a structured wiring system is no more difficult than putting in an alarm system, which is a common retrofit in existing homes.

Structured wiring is a generic term used to describe many different types of residential wiring products that distribute a variety of data signals throughout a home. Signal types such as cable television, telephones, and Ethernet computer networks are common examples.

Wiring Options

The wires included in a structured wiring bundle vary by manufacturer, but look for at least two coaxial cables of RG-6 quality and two twisted pair cables of Category 5 (CAT-5) or higher quality. Higher end options may also include fiber optic cable. The coaxial cable used in structured wiring is the same basic type used for purposes such as connecting a VCR to a television. RG-6 is a rating of quality; some manufacturers use RG-59 or lower grades, but these lower grades may reduce picture and audio quality. "Twisted pair" refers to the telephone cable that runs to the phone jack on your wall. It is called twisted pair as it consists of two wires that are twisted around each other (the twisting actually improves the quality of the signal). CAT-5 is an indicator of quality. Generally higher numbers indicate better quality, although you should note that CAT-5e is one step better than CAT-5.

The whole suite of cables are often bundled together and covered with a plastic coating. This is advantageous as a bundle is easier to install, and the stronger wires (RG-6) help to protect the weaker wires (CAT-5) during the installation process. With good quality wires, there will be no loss of performance or interference from bundling. This bundle is run through the walls of your house, and terminated at a wall outlet. These plates are about the same size as a normal wall faceplate. Depending on the wires included in the bundle, the outlet will have from two to eight different ports to attach devices to the wiring. For example, with the four-wire bundle described above, the wall plate would have two cable jacks and two phone jacks.

Benefits

A structured wiring package means that multiple data distribution options are readily available in the home. This is where the second cable (RG-6) and data (CAT-5) lines become important. The first cable line carries a signal from a control box to the wall plate—for example, a satellite TV signal. The second cable line can then be used to carry a signal back to the control box. For example, this might be the output from a DVD player. With the appropriate hardware, this DVD signal could then be amplified and sent back over all outgoing cable lines on an unused channel number on every television. The DVD could then be watched on any TV in the house simply by tuning to the previously unused channel

Where this technology really shines is when setting up a home computer network. A single CAT-5 twisted pair line can be used to both send and receive computer data. An advanced control box, commonly known as a router, will be able to decipher the data, and send it to the correct location. Thus, data coming in over a high-speed Internet connection will be sent to the correct computer, allowing for multiple users to share a single Internet connection with no interference. Similarly, data can be sent from one computer and correctly routed by the control box, whether it is an e-mail message to be sent to a friend overseas, a file to be printed on a color printer in the upstairs office, or simply an instant message to your spouse working downstairs

How much will it cost?
A basic structured wiring system can be purchased and installed in a new home construction for approximately $1 for each square foot of living space. This system would consist of a control box capable of simple video and telephone distribution and four wire bundles running to wall plates in each bedroom, the living room, the garage and kitchen. The total cost to purchase and install the same system in an existing home can cost up to twice as much.

The GE Security Smart ConnectionCenter is a structured wiring and connectivity solution that manages and distributes broadband, internet, telephone, cable TV, satellite TV and Ethernet. In addition to the common features of a structured wiring system, the Smart ConnectionCenter allows mounting of home security systems, gateways, audio products and home servers - all in one enclosure. The Smart ConnectionCenter is a stylish solution that provides cable management, upgradeability, reliability, and modularity - price, function and performance that is unmatched in the industry.

Features and Benefits

Flexible Mounting Slots
The mounting slots in the Smart ConnectionCenter box are flexible and adjust to meet the contour of the studs during the rough-in installation. This allows the Smart ConnectionCenter box to maintain its form in spite of being tightly anchored to imperfect or warped studs.

Universal Mounting Bracket
The Universal Mounting Bracket holds any PC board and adapts easily to different sizes. That allows for easy installation of security systems inside the Smart ConnectionCenter enclosure. This innovative product makes a second enclosure for the security system unnecessary. That means there are no messy wire runs from the structured wiring enclosure to the security panel. It is a cleaner, more presentable solution.

Modular Design
Upgrading or reconfiguring a system is as easy as snapping in or replacing modules. The roomy enclosure allows easy migration to added functionality, and lets the system grow with a family’s needs. As technology advances, the full potential of the Smart ConnectionCenter can be unlocked simply by inserting additional modules. During the upgrade process, all components and mounting brackets can be reused, so there are no costly parts to throw away.

Modular Bays
The metal strips between module bays can be twisted out to allow double or larger size modules to be installed in the mounting panels or trays. These are the only modular bays in the market today.

Router
The Smart Router allows for internet access sharing, provides a firewall, and DHCP capabilities. This router connects up to 4 different computers or other devices to be shared within the home (e.g. printers, scanners, cd burners, etc.)

Home Server
The Smart ConnectionCenter allows for the mounting of a Home Server inside the enclosure. This Home Server is a commercial computer designed for continuous operation. It can serve as a storage device, a print server, music server, or as a home automation server. It is compatible with different vendors' home automation software