News

CEDIA Releases its Recommended Wiring Guidelines Defining Smart Home Cabling Requirements for the Modern Home (9/1/2013)

CEDIA (the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) has released its Recommended Wiring Guidelines document to bring clarity on the types of cabling infrastructure necessary to support the technology typically required for the modern home.

This new publication provides a useful and practical step-by-step guide. It identifies the key requirements for an installation and defines three grades of recommended cabling infrastructure. These guidelines also create a business opportunity for CEDIA EST2 Certified members who can qualify as a CEDIA Structured Cabling Assessor and provide independent verification and testing for developers and consumers that a cabling infrastructure has been correctly designed and installed. Details of a new CEDIA Structured Cabling Assessor course will be announced in early 2013.

The Recommended Wiring Guidelines classify three grades of cabling infrastructure. Grade 1 will ensure the effective and reliable delivery of internet services, home networking, TV, satellite, radio, telephone, conferencing and other entertainment services to most rooms in the house. A Grade 2 installation will additionally provide the capability for whole-home distribution of audio-visual content using discrete in-ceiling speakers and in-wall control points. With a Grade 3 infrastructure, functionality is further extended to embrace lighting control, motorised curtains and blinds, access control systems, CCTV networks, environmental and heating control, as well as systems that allow these technologies to be controlled and integrated by a single control system using in-wall controls and hand-held remote devices.

Through a clearly defined staged process and using explanatory diagrams, the document outlines the incoming services and the planning, cabling and testing essentials which should be followed for each Grade. CEDIA is extensively promoting the recommended wiring guidelines document to consumers, developers and other relevant building industry professionals.

“This document provides the essential guidance that’s needed on wiring to support today’s digital and connected lifestyles,” says Matt Dodd, CEDIA Education Chair. “These guidelines provide Best Practice advice for all involved in the residential custom installation sector, and will also help specifiers and developers make the right choices at an early design stage.”

He adds, “The most expensive cable that can be installed is the one that did not get fitted in the first place. Mistakes can be costly so it is vital to get the cabling infrastructure correct the first time around. Qualifying as a CEDIA Structured Cabling Assessor will also offer CEDIA Certified members the chance to grow their business by verifying work on behalf of developers, builders and homeowners to ensure standards are maintained.”

www.cediaeducation.com/resources/whitepapers