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Low Voltage Home Pre-Wire Guide:

Introduction

Wiring Design Goals and Caveats

The design of the house wiring discussed in this article is based, of course, on our goals for our new home. Therefore, the design details reflect our desires, budget, and priorities; yours will probably be quite different, so keep our goals in mind as you read.

Our basic goals in wiring the house were to plan for anything we thought we might want even in the distant future, since this house is planned to be our retirement home. Thus, we wanted to put in all the wiring we could think of now while the house was being built so we did not have to do major renovations to obtain the features we might like to be able to have later in life (when we could hopefully afford full implementation). Not all wiring will be used for existing components; some may never be used unless we win the lottery. Neither of us are "fanatics" about audio, video, automation, or computers, though we both enjoy high quality components and environments. We use high-end equipment for music (mostly classical and jazz), but are not overly compulsive about being true audiophile "snobs". The whole-house audio system was designed to be more than intercoms could provide, but not the ultimate system. We both use personal computers in business and at home, but it's not our life. We enjoy spending less time with mundane tasks, so some automation is nice, but we are not true home automation freaks or tinkerers (though I wish I had more time for such tinkering). I have experimented with X-10 since years ago, but currently own only a few lighting controls.

Remember that our wiring design and implementation is for non-fanatics who enjoy high quality, but wish to balance budget against results (bang for buck). Also, the information gathered here is based on interpretations and extrapolation of information from many sources, some of which were conflicting. However, I believe we have a good quality installation with room for growth and expansion in the future.

Since CEBus standards use mostly conventional wiring types and schemes, I reviewed their specifications for home automation guidelines to follow. I felt that following these standards as guidelines would give me adequate future automation enhancement paths without committing to a single standard that may not pass the test of time. Following mostly conventional standards made it easier to work with contractors and subcontractors on fulfilling my requirements, yet could meet my (somewhat conservative) desire for supporting future technological advances in home control. Note that my information for CEBus installation specifications was based on the 1992 release, 3rd edition. I am sure more recent standards have been released, and I don't know if the updates affect the wiring I installed. However, I believe most of the latest changes affect the device communications protocols more than the wiring hardware, so I have confidence I am pretty well covered.

Information Sources

Sources for the information in this article include (in no particular order):

• Audio/Video installation information obtained from consultants at local A/V stores like SoundTrack (Custom Home division) and Listen Up.
• Articles from the last two years (1993 & 1994) of Electronic House magazine (P.O. Box 339, Stillwater, OK 74076-0339, USA; 405-624-8015)
• An Installer's Guide to CEBus Home Automation, 1992, 3rd edition; Parks Associates, 5310 Harvest Hill Road, Suite 235, Lock Box 162, Dallas TX 75230-5805, USA; 214-490-1113. Provides CEBus standards.
• News articles on comp.home.automation on the Internet
• Information published in sales catalogs from home automation companies such as Home Automation Laboratories (HAL - no longer in business) and Home Automation Systems, Inc. (HAS), whose catalogs contained articles recommending wiring schemes and control systems (infra-red repeater systems, speaker impedance matchers/switches).
• Interviews with local friends and acquaintances in the field of data communications who have had experience with wiring their own homes or businesses.
• Local wire supply house support personnel.
• Our general building contractor, electricians, etc.

Thanks to all the above for the information and help!

Since I've been asked a few times, here is some information on SoundTrack. SoundTrack is a chain of stereo stores in Colorado, which also carries in-wall wiring and controls. In Denver, they have a "Custom Home Division" which designs and installs whole-house audio and home theaters. SoundTrack is affiliated with a chain of stores outside Colorado under the name Ultimate Electronics, carrying the same line of products. This chain exists as far east as Tulsa OK, and is also in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho; it is not available on the West coast. You can contact the SoundTrack in Denver at:

     2553 South Colorado Blvd.
     Denver, CO   80222
     (303) 759-5401

My contact there was Rick Duhaime (system designer for Custom Home division).