Wiring for an ELAN home is simple and straightforward. Commonly available wiring is used. ELAN's commitment to open design gives the homeowner many choices for equipment connection.
All wires should be home run to a central location (such as a utility closet, entertainment center or similar location). Generally, telephone and TV wiring can be separated from the audio wiring but many homes choose one central location. Here are some simple suggestions:
1. Run CAT 5 or better wire for telephones and data lines. This will provide for four lines to each location.
2. Run RG-6 or Quad 6 coax to all TV and touch panel locations. Dual runs of these wires make future expansion a possibility.
3. When running audio wires run four conductor (16/4 or better) Through all keypad, volume control and touch panel locations. This provides the best flexibility in the future. Then run 16/2 to each speaker location.
4. Run CAT 5 for control wires to each keypad, volume control And touch panel location. This will allow IR and network control of these devices.
5. Incoming service lead wires will need to be run for telephone, cable, satellite, door speakers and any cameras.
6. If a computer network such as a LAN is planned, run separate CAT 5 wire for this purpose.
7. If lighting control is a desired upgrade, most manufacturers have control wires that need to go to the control locations of your choice.
8. Control wiring for security and HVAC systems should consider interface wiring for house wide control systems.
Make sure no wires are run in close approximation of electrical wires. They should never use the same routing holes or be run along side of electrical wires. It is always a good idea to layout the desired locations on a blueprint. This will help you visualize what is needed where.
Installation costs for wiring vary and some installers charge by the drop or run. Generally speaking, installers do not make their profit on wiring alone. And, many times the wiring quote is made with the finished project in mind. Most installers do not want to install systems when the wiring has been done by the homeowner or another dealer. This is simply a question of not wanting to be responsible for someone else's work. Because wiring is a small part of the cost of a total system, it is wise to have it professionally done.
