RE: What holes to make in the wall whilst I'm in the mood...

["James Hoye" <james.hoye@xxxxxxx>]

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> My question is this - is it worth chasing in another single box next
> to the light switch? Maybe put some Cat5e down it? I'd like whole
> house audio and maybe I could use it as a volume control for the
> ceiling speakers or something?

Or use a dual box http://www.screwfix.com/product.phtml?8949
(http://www.screwfix.com/product.phtml?1490
for plasterboard walls)- you get
2 single boxes next to each other without having to line the buggers up.
See

> Also should I run something to the window? I see LetsAutomate are
> discontinuing the curtain control but I might like to automate my
> curtains in the future. What do I need by the window? Cat5e? Power?

I would be tempted to fit a dual (or twin) box - that will allow for 2
single gang plates - ie. one fused switched spur (FSS) for the curtains,
and
one for the X10/relay/Bulkhead/??? control next to it.  Run mains to one
side, and CAT5 to the other, leaving the metal compartment diving plate in
place.  Fit a FSS to the mains to terminate it properly, and a 1G blanking
plate over the coiled CAT5 cable (leave some extra in the floor/ceiling
just
in case you need a few more inches!), and you're ready for the future.  Of
course you will label the CAT5 correctly and add it to your documentation
lest you wonder where it goes in the future.

> Also has anyone got any other suggestions for holes to make whilst
> I've got the hammer and chisle out???

IR receivers/emitters?  5A round pin sockets
http://www.screwfix.com/product.phtml?1412
for lamps (poss. under X10 DIN
module control)?  And some more power sockets - especially where you are
going to be installing PCs and AV equipment.  If you are intending to use a
lot of PCs, I would be tempted to double earth all of the sockets.  With a
switched mode power supply, there is a small current leakage to earth.  If
the earth is damaged/lose/faulty, then the equipment casing (metal) has a
tendancy to rise to either mains voltage or half mains voltage (can't
remember which - think it's half).  Accomplish this by running a separate
earth conductor in 2.5mm^2 (use stranded conduit cable) from the earthing
terminal on your CU to each socket and back to the CU forming a ring.  The
MK Logic sockets http://www.screwfix.com/product.phtml?5747
have 2 earthing
terminals for this very reason, cheaper makes probably won't.

There we go Mark - loads of references to Screwfix for you.  Do I get a
prize?
I have no connection with Screwfix other than I order quite a bit of stuff
from them - Mark alas does!

James




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Automated Home UK
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk
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