Structured Wiring Basics
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Structured wiring is one of those exceptional advances in which all participants are at an advantage. Structured wiring, which consists of dedicated lines for data, telephone, audio, and video, is becoming a popular electrical configuration for many residential homes. This type of wiring distributes a variety of data signals throughout a home including cable television, telephones, and Ethernet computer networks. In short, structured wiring can be described as combining all of the communications wiring in your home and treating it as one wiring system.

How it Works:

Different manufacturers offer a variety of wiring options. Generally, structured wiring will include at least two coaxial cables of RG-6 quality and two twisted pair cables of Category 5 (CAT-5) or higher quality. Category 5e and RG-6 quad-shielded coaxial cable are the recommended wiring for homes. Fiber optic cable is also an option. Typically, the different cables are then bundled together and covered with a plastic coating. Bundling is common because it is easier to install. The bundle is run through the walls of your house, leading to a wall outlet. The outlet plates, equipped with this bundling, are about the same size as a normal wall faceplate. Keep in mind; structured wiring is installed with less effort and at a cheaper cost at the time of construction.

Benefits of Structured Wiring:

• Structured wiring package allow multiple data distribution options to be readily available in the home.
• Homeowners can enjoy more music and relaxing entertainment.
• Communication is made easier, from within the home and to outside the home.
• Increased security.
• Increases resale value of the home.
• It is safe, neat and not subject to damage compared to running visible wiring along baseboards.
• Home networking is made easier, especially with the help of a router.
• Each of the cables can be individually isolated from the rest of them and tested for shorts and opens if need be.

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