Structured Cabling in a home or business is the art of running all Low Voltage cables to one connection area. In a home, this is usually a box either surface or flush mounted that can accept modules to connect these cables to the service providers for Phone, Internet and TV.  And once the basic components are in place, we can add many other types of connection that can work in tandem with these services. Some examples would be to connect cameras looking at the pool out back or the front door and tie them in to the TV's so you can see these cameras at any TV in the home. You could also connect some cameras or a DVR to be seen on all computers in the home through the network. But having all of these cables in one area gives you choices later on.

 When designing a system, it is best to research what is available, and what you might want to have right away and for the future. Cabling, while not unexpensive, is much easier and less expensive to install when a home is being built or remodeled. So my rule of thumb is to install what you think you might need because you will almost always wish you had it there later. The standards call for two CAt 5e cables and two RG6 Coax cables at all outlets. While this is normally more cable than you need, it does give you options later, especially as new devices release that can use these cables. Some rules I like to follow is think of a room and how the furniture can be located in that room. In a bedroom, where could the bed go? Where would you put a TV in reference to the bed? Remember that you probably will want the TV on the opposite side of the wall from the bed. And you will probably want the phone jack next to the bed. Perhaps you will want a TV mounted on a wall stand. If so, wire the jack next to an outlet near a wall stud for mounting the stand. That way you won't have to look at the wire hanging down the wall or running across the rug. The idea is to think through the options available.

 Structured cabling covers several other types of services. Let's look at a few;

Whole House Audio- Audio is one service that I will never be without. It gives rhythm to a home.It gives a mood, any mood, to an event. You can have Reggae on the pool deck, Classics in the study news in the shower and smooth jazz on sunday morning. It's 70's night at the party and 80's night in the game room and the kids can just plug in their I-pod anywhere for just therir group of friends. Music is like a good smell. It brings you back to a time in your life you like to remember. There are many types of systems that will require different cable designs. It is best to do your homework before you begin to wire.

Intercom- There are two primary types of systems; Global systems where you can call all rooms in the home with one button or a room to room system where you can have individual conversations. Both are easy to install. With either system you can hear the doorbell ring and answer the door. You can also monitor a baby room from other stations so you can lay the baby down for a nap and hear them at the pool. You can also mute a room if you want to nap. You can even unlock the door and let someone in if it is wired up properly. Again, choose your system and wire to the specifications as they often differ from company to company.

Surveillance- Cameras will give a piece of mind to any home. They allow you to see who is behind the closed door or wall while staying secure. In the world we live in, this information can be vital. Cameras can be connected in many different ways. Some of the most common ways are seeing them on the TV, Computer or over the Internet when you are not at home. You can view them on a screen, perhaps mounted near the intercom, or record them on a DVR. You can look in on the baby and not enter the room. This all leasds to security, convenience and piece of mind. Again, there are several ways and wire types that can be used to connect Cameras. Determine what you want before you run the cabling.

Structured cabling can give you plenty of convenient features and they don't have to cost an arm and a leg. Many of the basic conveniences can be installed with just a little bit of knowledge. And there are many technicians out there who can offer asssistance in the larger jobs. Plan for the future and you can save alot of money later when cabling is tough to install. And, of course, CED Outlet is always available to assist with your designs. Above all, we want you to purchase the items that will allow you to achieve the end result you are looking for. Give us the opportunity to help you and you will end up a happy customer.