How convenient it is to have a home that functions exactly as you want it to. That’s what you can expect from today’s Smart Home Technology. However, installing for a smart home takes more than just purchasing new gadgets. You will want to look at how to wire a smart home to get the most benefit from this technology.
The type of wiring normally used for smart home automation is structured wiring. This is hard wiring designed to handle your whole-house network including audio/video, lighting, data, telephone, security, and home automation.
Common Protocols for Smart Home Wiring
According to smarthome, the home automation superstore,
“There are a number of different theories on how automation wiring should be done and what types of cables should be used.”
They continue to list some of the types of wiring and cabling methodology that is most commonly used. These include:
- Wiring for control protocols, or equipment controlled over power lines.
- Placing a neutral wire at each wall switch that can control dimmers, switches and keypads.
- In-wall transmitters for controlling complex lighting groups.
- Deep junction boxes that can incorporate switches and keypads.
- Whole-house surge protection to protect electronic equipment, appliances and entertainment options.
- Relocation of non-automation wiring loads onto another electrical system, such as those for laundry and kitchen appliances.
- Creating a central wiring hub and installing data cabling for Ethernet networks, audio/visual, telephones, security systems, and HVAC systems.
Smart Home Wiring in New Construction
The best time to wire a smart home is during new construction. Incorporating smart home technology in at the beginning can save money and extra work later on. Lifewire offers tips on how to prepare a new house for home automation that include:
- Running neutral wires to all junction boxes. These are required for most powerline home automation devices.
- Additional deeper junction boxes. You may not use them now, but they will be in place as you add future technologies.
- Cable conduits running anywhere you anticipate using wires for speakers, video cable and network cable. This eliminates the need to fish wire through the walls later on. Terminate all conduits into existing junction boxes.
- Building a centrally-located wiring closet to store media servers, distribution panels and patch panels.
- Planning for whole-house audio with speakers installed in ceilings and walls.
See a list of installation tips on how to wire a smart home for retrofits and new construction.
Should I go Wireless?
Although wireless connections are convenient, they are not as fast as wired connections. If network speed, dependable signals, the ability to configure are important, structured wiring is generally preferred. Look at your anticipated usage to determine how to wire your smart home.
Contact JFC Home Technology
Want to know how to wire a smart home? Just ask us.
We’ll help you learn how to wire your smart home automation system and assist you in choosing the home automation products and technologies that best suit your needs.
At JFC Home Technology, we’re experienced in all the technical and physical aspects of audio/visual and network installations. Let us help you install your new smart home technology. Contact us today.
