Many homeowners today cannot imagine a home without high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi, without home automation controls for services such as lighting and music and updated security systems with cameras.
This is why many home builders make the installation of structured cable a new construction standard or offer it as an option. And while some of the basics are the same, installing low voltage cables is a whole different game. Whether you manage an electrical project or own a home, this guide will help you better understand how low voltage wiring works and how an electrical contractor can help you.
Low voltage wiring in a nutshell
So how does installing structured cabling differ from installing a standard electrical wiring?
Most wired wall outlets run on 120V or 240V. But low voltage wiring doesn't carry the same current as outlets, appliances, and switches normally found in homes. Low voltage wiring is designed to carry 50 volts of electricity or less. Common low voltages are 12V, 24V and 48V.
Low voltage wiring is often used for smart doorbells, telephones, garage door opener controls, heating and air conditioning thermostats, landscape lighting , alarm system, sensors and controls (security system cameras, motion detectors), audiovisual cabling (surround sound systems, cable TV, intercom systems), Internet and Wi-Fi and LED or low voltage lighting .
The infrastructure on which low voltage cabling operates is called structured cabling. A structured cabling system is built on a network separate from most of the cables in a house. In most cases, the main electrical system of the house is installed first, followed by the low voltage wiring.
The optimum performance of a structured cabling system depends on good design. Good design considers airflow and cooling issues, allows for redundancy, chooses the correct cabling for the job, and plans cabling fixes.
Some of the more common cable types used in low voltage wiring include:
Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP) - Cat 6 or 6a cables are the most commonly used in homes today.
Fiber Optic Cable - Used for long distances. It is difficult to use and requires specialized crimping tools and connectors.
Speaker Cable: Used for audio and home theater applications throughout the home.
Thermostat Wire
Coaxial (Coax) Cable - The most common types used in a home are RG-59 /U(.
64mm core and single armor), RG-6/U (1024mm double armor core) and /RG-6/UQ (1024mm quad armor core.
Security System Cable - Typically 18 and 24 AWG, with two or four conductors.
The security system structured cabling is simple, efficient, advanced adaptable and organized.
You can quickly locate specific threads. It is also flexible and easy to modify or add. It can transport data at high speed while reducing power and maintenance costs.
Here are some of the most important details that electrical contractors will need to know before installing electrical systems. structured cabling.
You cannot pull low voltage cables the same way you pull electrical cables.
The low voltage cable is very fragile. Rough handling can damage it, deform it and affect cable performance. A maximum pulling force of 25 pounds is recommended, although each manufacturer has their own standard that you should follow.
Another important thing to note is that low voltage, such as fiber optic cables, cannot bend at a 90 degree angle. If you need to turn it in another direction, you will need to form a ring.
Again, follow the manufacturer's standards for determining the maximum radius of the ring. Cable fibers tend to bend or break, which can degrade the signal.
Low voltage cables should be installed at least one meter from the main electrical cables in the house, parallel to all cables. Increased strain on power cables can create signal interference that can affect data cables. If you cannot avoid installing low voltage cables on electrical cables, they should be installed at a 90 degree angle.
And copper cables should generally not exceed 100 meters, although there are some exceptions.
A Great Growth Opportunity
The global structured cable market is expected to reach $17,181.2 million by 2022. The market is particularly robust in the United States
due to the high demand for internet connectivity and also because many tech giants are based here.
This creates an excellent financial opportunity for electrical contractors . Although there is fierce competition from other cable installers such as electronic systems contractors, alarm system installers and home entertainment installers, electrical contractors are better off in many respects to take advantage of this lucrative opportunity.
Why? General contractors like to work with companies they know and companies they have had good experience working with in previous jobs.
General contractors know the importance of relationships based on trust. Additionally, electrical contractors are an important part of the project and are already in the process of installing major electrical components. For example, they cannot be replaced by an alarm installer.
Another reason general contractors prefer to outsource all cable installations to contractors in electricity boils down to the bottom line. Having an electrical contractor as a single point of contact instead of dealing with multiple installers can save a general contractor up to 20% on the cost of electrical installation the workforce.
Should you jump on the bandwagon?
Just because it would benefit general contractors doesn't necessarily mean electrical contractors should jump to the edge. As we have seen, the installation of the main electrical system is very different from the installation of the low voltage system. Without proper training and experience, seizing this new opportunity could lead to a failing network. And it could put a black mark on your company's professional reputation.
It also requires a shift in focus: your business will need to be more customer service oriented when dealing with customers.
Low voltage wiring operates under a different set of rules and governing bodies (IEEE, ANSI, EIA, TIA, and BICSI) regarding electrical wiring, which follows the standards established by the NEC. Low voltage licenses vary from state to state and even city to city in some states.
The structured cabling industry also faces competition from other home networking technologies such as power line carriers and wireless systems. Both are less expensive to install and require minimal professional installation experience.
However, structured cabling is a business opportunity that electrical contractors should not overlook. This will require licensing, insurance, professional certifications, and the ability to test and certify your system installation.
But, with the proper training and certification, electrical contractors can successfully compete with other cable installers.
If you'd rather dip your toes in water than dive into it, consider partnering with a low-voltage contractor as a subcontractor. This way you can learn the basics before making a decision.
The role and responsibilities of low voltage contractors have expanded to include system designer, application integrator and troubleshooter, and installer. Low voltage contractors may be very willing to hand over part of the installation to electrical contractors. It could be beneficial for everyone.
Each company must make its own decision. But, going forward, electricians with structured wiring experience and training will have a significant competitive advantage over electricians who don't have this tool in their toolbox.
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