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| Volume 3 Issue 4 August 1998 |
Features
Interviews
Columns |
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| HTINews Interview - Aug98 - [HTI Home Page] |
DIY Marketing Program Promote Your Products and Services [Click Message To Learn More] |
Home Toys Cabling
Interview
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Residential Cabling System MaryLu Hildreth rcs@molex.com www.residentialcabling.com 978-772-5700 |
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: Two runs of RG6 coax cable and Cat-5 (or higher performance) twisted pair cable, homerun to a centrally located cross-connect panel. Minimum of one wall plate per living area (bedrooms, living room, kitchen, family room) that will provide tel/fax, computer, internet and video connections. Connections should use the highest quality components possible (Cat-5 twisted pair terminations, crimp or compression coax fittings, etc.)
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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Future: Any whole house cabling system should be able to operate with a wide variety of home automation systems, which, in turn, provide a wide variety of benefits the home owner may want - e.g. inside/outside lighting control, temperature control (HVAC), remote control access to lighting, temperature and security controls etc.
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: Ballpark retail cost of materials for a standard 4 bedroom home with 6 wallplates as described in answer #1 would be about $1,100. Labor rates vary greatly across the country. Figure approximately 24 hours of labor (12 hrs rough-in, 12 hrs trim and test.) The difference between new construction and retrofit costs is all in labor time/costs - which can vary greatly from house to house.
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: The installation is futureproof in the sense that it is an information infrastructure. Like all home infrastructures (plumbing, electrical, etc.) future needs may necessitate additions to this infrastructure, but this infrastructure provides sufficient bandwidth for all foreseeable home electronics.
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: All qualified tradespeople can install RCS cabling/components. RCS provides free technical literature, instructions and technical support to tradespeople which allows them to install this infrastructure. RCS components are available through several national and multiple regional distributors (call 1-800-779-6770 to locate your nearest distributor or sales representative). RCS also has a "Certified Installer" category of tradespeople who have been trained by RCS to be experts at installing the RCS system.
QUESTION 6: What makes your system unique in the marketplace?
ANSWER 6: For the home owner, RCS offers reasonably priced quality systems and components that offer modular flexibility - the user buys only as many components as necessary for their system - while allowing for easy expansion as future needs may arise. RCS manufactures wall plates in standard electrical styles and colors. RCS offers the most complete line of panels - from very small apartment size units to very large apartment building units. With respect to advanced technology, the MOD-TAP exclusive KATT connector ensures quality high speed communications while providing the installer with the flexibility of multiple connections in the smallest possible space. The RCS' cabling system open (non-proprietary) design ensures the homeowner receives the best value in home cabling systems.
