Re: pre-wire home - best practices?

[Lewis Gardner <lgardner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

John J. Bengii wrote:
> Don't bother with rg59 cables. Use RG-6 which is capable of satelite
> signal bandwidth also. Same connections.

Yep, use RG6. Is size is a problem check out mini-coax


> Forget the fancy wall connections. They cost big bucks and
> make another weak spot in your connections

Wall connections should terminate in a box. Leaving lots of wire loose
in stud cavities is invitation to damage by the insulation and drywall
crews.

Proper plates and connectors are cheap if you shop eBay. Look for brand
names. My favorite is Panduit. Their minicom line is the fastest to
terminate but is not "keystone" compatible.


> Intsall a couple pieces of plastic pipe from
> attic to basement where you can put later cables through to the attic
> and drop to the needed place via the interior walls.

Be sure to cap the pipe or you will likely have problems with the fire
inspector.


> Heavy speaker wire? Cheap extension cords with heavy gauge wire used
> to be cheaper than buying the wire on a spool.

Extension cord wire is not rated for in wall use, even if used for
speakers. Use the proper rated wire. In residential use CL2 and CL3 are
the most common.

Here is some info:

www.audioholics.com/education/cables/understanding-in-wall-speaker-video-and-audio-cable-ratings