Cabling for the future

‘Smart wiring’
‘Home networking’
‘Connected homes’

However it’s marketed, smart wiring is becoming an important factor as the nbn is implemented throughout Australia. We’re suddenly connected with internet speed unseen before and its’ opened up the opportunity to utilise fast internet in all areas of our home. And herein lies the problem. If your home is not cabled and ready to distribute, an opportunity is being missed.

In essence, smart wiring is the convergence of various technologies into one platform. Network communications, security, lighting, solar panels and battery storage, blinds, free-to-air TV, satellite TV, audio visual communications, speakers, intercoms, door locks, air-conditioning systems and others are all wired into a single location and integrated to allow for seamless control of all these applications. It’s amazing technology. At times it’s beautiful to watch and control.

It’s also not new. Technology like this is commonplace in commercial sectors. It has been around for decades. The same practices are emerging in the residential market. While companies like AMX and Crestron dominate commercial automation, we see companies like Elan, Logitech, Push, Savant and Control4 dominating the residential scene. Even Clipsal (and their renowned lighting control arm, Cbus) are moving into the home automation market.

It’s an exciting time to build a new house. Depending on your budget and your requirements, you should cable for the future. Don’t let naysayers convince you that connecting technology within your house is a trend. Even if you don’t see value with running cables everywhere (and don’t forget spares) include it in your budget, because in ten years it will be expensive to retrofit. This is a real problem I’m personally facing now – in an older house with limited cabling access. Even if you have no intention to automate your new home, have a cabling backbone installed to allow for this to easily be retrofit. It is a valid selling point if you ever move to offload your home.

Here are a few things to remember when preparing to automate your home:

• Write a list of applications you wish to integrate.
• Do some research on the automation brands available and make sure they meet your requirements.
• Talk to your audiovisual integrator, builder or electrician about your requirements.
• When dealing with a builder or an electrician, don’t be afraid to bring in your preferred audiovisual integrator. Some builders align with a few smart wiring companies who have been known to charge exorbitant rates for basic systems.
• Ensure adequate wireless coverage throughout your house.
• Run spare cabling to most (if not all) wired points in the house.
• Request high quality cabling (eg for video transmission over Ethernet request shielded cat6A cable).
• Ensure you have experienced technicians/commissioners/programmers working to complete your system.

Finally, embrace the wonderful world of automation. There is a wealth of control available at your fingertips, and when implemented correctly, will improve your relationship with technology at home tenfold.