Residential Structured Cabling:
Media Networks Come "Home"

Formerly the exclusive domain of commercial installers, structured cabling is now creating impressive opportunities for residential installers. Spurred by explosive growth of the Internet and increasingly interdependent data, audio, and video systems, homes wired with new multi-functional media outlets are, quite simply, the new "new thing." Indeed, the market for structured residential cabling is expected to increase more than 60 percent over the next four years.

Consumers are now demanding networking as a standard amenity in new home construction. Even older homes are being retrofit to new digital standards that carry data faster and more reliably across phone lines and through broadband cabling. And, as never before, the systems need to work together seamlessly.

Integrated media system installations clearly broaden the range of services that residential electrical professionals can offer. It also creates new markets for voice, data, security, and home entertainment installers. But these installations require some understanding not only of basic networking concepts, but of new 570A Residential Telecommunications Standards, and related changes to the National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code.

How Networks Work
Structured Cable networks are typically comprised of 1) a distribution device, 2) the cable, and 3) a wall outlet. The distribution device is a central point where the services are consolidated and managed (see back panel feature on Leviton), then fed out via cable runs to outlets. Users simply plug various audio, video, and computer devices into appropriate ports on the outlets to utilize the network.

Standard Electric can help contractors become better versed in the new cabling technologies, related codes, and home data network applications. We can also help develop a suitable bill-of-materials for any size job. Simply ask a member of our sales team for more information on residential structured cable installations. Also, check our Web site at www.standardelectric.com for information on upcoming Structured Cabling Seminars.