Articles and whitepapers

Retrofitting Structured Wiring (2/8/2004)

By Glen Walker

The biggest obstacle to the installation of a structured system within an established residence is the need to install cable behind walls. This may require walls being chased or even knocked down which can certainly be intimidating for the homeowner. But the incentives for creating an intelligent home through a structured system far outweigh the temporary inconvenience of any building works.

Cables to be hidden behind a wall

Once a residential building has been wired, the structured system provides homeowners with the ability to easily introduce new technologies such as energy-efficient lighting and heating, security, data network and home automation systems, over time and with minimal impact and cost.

The wireless option

The desire not to disrupt day-to-day home life, due to building works for the installation, is a large factor in the consumer's ongoing interest in wireless retrofit solutions. Wireless is indeed easier to install and can be a good medium for moving data. However, the infrastructure needed for the systems that most homeowners want, such as satellite and cable, would require a wireless solution that is complicated and expensive, thereby eliminating the very reasons people seek a wireless solution.

Planning an installation

When planning an installation for an established residence, the design will of course vary according to the particular building layout. An equally important part of the process however, is to educate clients about the possibilities, capabilities and limitations of a chosen design that meets or exceeds their current and future requirements.

Systems should be designed according to individual client needs and lifestyle. For example, if the requirement is for a home network and basic lighting control, then no disruption would be necessary, since a wireless solution would be sufficient for the home network, and a simple mains-controlled unit that has RF compatibility, can be used for lighting control.

For a more advanced system the integrator may need to cable for multiple services and interface them together to provide one intelligent solution that creates the perfect living environment. This system would require a retrofit solution, so the integrator would need to work in close association with other specialists who will restore walls to their original state.

When considering a retrofit solution, the design and planning stage is critical as this will determine the amount of redecoration that will be required. Without a detailed design and project plan, the installation will become a thoroughly frustrating experience - not only for the installer, but more importantly, for the client.

There are a number of issues that need to be considered whenever designing a retrofit project:

Location for the wiring cabinet

The wiring cabinet should be in a 'central' location. This does not mean near the geographical centre of the house, but in a location where there is room for expansion and easy access to wiring routes to all the other rooms in the house.

Wiring cabinet located beneath staircase

Wiring cabinet connected

Cable Pathways

The easiest way to run cables would be vertically from the wiring cabinet to the loft or under floor, horizontally to the wall then vertically up or down the wall.

Cable run to loft

If you are fortunate enough to have wooden floors then you can run cables unobstructed alongside the joist, but remember that it is best to avoid drilling holes in joists if there is another route available. If drilling is unavoidable, then the hole should be made in the middle of the joist, but you should never drill where joists rest on a structural wall (try to at least be 1 metre away if possible).

Horizontal cable through joists

There is no easy way of cabling solid brick or concrete walls or floors other than making a channel, placing containment in the channel, and once cabled, re-concrete or plaster over containment. When choosing a pathway, always avoid water and electric services.

Outlet locations

Outlet locations will depend on the clients' requirement, although it is never a good idea to install a single outlet when the cost implication of installing a dual outlet is minimal.

Future Proofing

When designing a structured system, always allow for future expansion. Additional cable should be installed into positions where there may be a future requirement. The cable should be left in a service loop either in the ceiling void or in other suitable locations.

Documentation

A detailed design should be provided to the installation team that details cable pathways, outlet locations and cabinet position. Throughout the installation, documentation must be keep up to date with any additional requirement added to the drawing.

On completion, an installed drawing should be handed to the client as this will aid any future retrofit works. As part of the documentation, the client should be educated on the capability and functions of the system installed in order to provide the client a comprehensive understanding of the technology and to ensure a smooth handover.

Summary

By installing a structured intelligent system, you are providing a cost-effective alternative to conventional mains cabling and 'stand alone' control systems. Energy-efficient lighting, heating, security, data networks and home automation systems can now be integrated together and controlled at the touch of a button.

The installation of an intelligent system allows sophisticated but simplistic control over all areas of the home, with the added benefit of creating the perfect living environment, individually tailored to meet the needs of today and the future.

When considering a structured intelligent system, you should always consult an experienced integrator who can create a design that will enhance your lifestyle based on your particulars needs.

Through the installation of an intelligent home system, you are essentially establishing your home for emerging technologies and products of the future - in particular data and video services. Modern homes now feature broadband connection, security systems and home theatre virtually as standard - all of which are designed to enhance our lifestyle and make homes more marketable, more valuable and easier to sell.

Glen Walker is a Director of Enzcom Solutions, specialist in structured cabling and systems integration.

www.enzcom.net