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| Volume 3 Issue 4 August 1998 |
Features
Interviews
Columns |
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| HTINews Interview - Aug98 - [HTI Home Page] |
HomeTech Hot Products Continuously Updated [Click Message To Learn More] |
Home Toys
Cabling Interview "Many electrical contractors are aggressively cross-training into voice & data connectivity. Conversely, many low-voltage specialists are not fully up-to-speed on Category compliant systems. As always, check credentials and get a referral. An RCDD from BICSI and/or a CEDIA certification is a good recommendation" |
Leviton Telcom Mark Cerasuolo or Mike Shatzkin info@levitontelcom.com http://www.leviton.com Telephone: (425) 486-2222 |
QUESTION 1: (To give readers an idea of the scope of work involved.) What do you recommend as a standard cabling package for a modern home? Please list the components of the system and their uses. (i.e. Distribution Panel, Number of cables and types, outlets etc.)
ANSWER 1: We recommend the following for covering all bets:
Cabling:
- 2 runs Quad shielded RG-6 per room. Note: any room or location where security video might be useful (such as a nursery, playroom, or foyer) should have an extra run of RG-6 and/or UTP.
- 2 runs Category 5 UTP for each single use room; 4 runs for each multi-use room to accommodate voice, data, audio and video, and automation devices such as Phast and LonWorks.
- 1 run utility 4 conductor for extra automation, remote busses, etc.
- Flex conduit (as code allows) for future pulls, including fiber.
Outlets:
- For multimedia, 4-6 port wallplates with flexibility for adds and changes (converting from home theater to home office, for example). For power, surge-protected outlets wherever possible to protect electronic equipment.
Other:
- Equipment enclosure, consolidation box or plywood backboard for home run location with voice/data termination block and video termination block
- Line surge protection for all voice, data, coax and other lines!
QUESTION 2: (To educate readers on what can be expected) What systems would connect and interact via the cabling now and in the future?
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QUESTION 3: (To establish a baseline ballpark cost) Do you have rule of thumb installed costs for this standard (i.e. $/sq ft. or $/room etc.)? How much more does it cost for retrofit?
ANSWER 3: For the items described in question 1, it costs between $30-50 per room not including labor and electronic components. Generally it costs 5-10 times to retrofit rather than prewire. However, use of channel or raceway in some situations can substantially lower the price of retrofitting.
QUESTION 4: How futureproof is an installation as described here? What could be added to the system (in order of priority) to extend it's life and scope?
ANSWER 4: Enhanced Category cabling such as Powersum or Cat 5e will help the system support new data technologies.
Where possible, plastic or glass optical multimode fiber could be run as well, and conduit to each outlet, the distribution panel and between, above and below floors ensures that the system can grow.
QUESTION 5: Can I just get the electrician to install your cabling and components? If not why not and who do I call?
ANSWER 5: It depends on the aptitude and level of achievement of the particular electrician. Many electrical contractors are aggressively cross-training into voice & data connectivity. Conversely, many low-voltage specialists are not fully up-to-speed on Category compliant systems. As always, check credentials and get a referral. An RCDD from BICSI and/or a CEDIA certification is a good recommendation. Be aware that some states and localities are now requiring special licenses for low-voltage contractors.
QUESTION 6: What makes your system unique in the marketplace?
ANSWER 6: We are not providing a system per se. Systems are generally closed, with specific purposes and inherent limitations. Instead, Leviton provides integration solutions for system designers, both for connecting system components and connecting entire systems together. What Leviton offers is an ultra-high integrity network of connectivity through which the performance of systems/subsystems is assured. As the company responsible for wiring the most famous buildings in America, Leviton takes network integrity very seriously.
