3 Types of Home Structured Wiring Systems

A home structured wiring system is one that combines all of the home's communications into a single or central point. This includes all audio, multimedia, security and other communications systems that provide internet capabilities, security monitoring, telephone and television services. There are many different types of wiring systems within a structured system. In this article we will discuss 3 of those systems. These include those systems that use a coaxial cable, category 3 to 7 wiring and optical wiring systems.

More information concerning the various types of structured home wiring systems that are available can be found by contacting an electronics contractor or retailer that specialize in wiring matters for a home. Your local cable and telephone company may also be a source for this type of information and can also provide you with a way to perform this kind of wiring if you have a need for a structured home wiring system.

Coaxial Cable Wiring Systems

A coaxial cable wiring system is one that used primarily for television, satellite, and cable. It can also be used for bringing in security cameras as well as digital audio components such as stereos. It can also be used move video between rooms such as a Tivo system or cable and satellite box output to multiple televisions in the home. 

The 2 types of Coaxial Cable that is in use are the RG-59 and RG-6 cables. With the move toward digital capabilities, you the RG-6 cable is the best type to employ for your coaxial system. To reduce the amount of signal loss that occurs through the cables, choose to have installed a quad shield cable over a dual shield cable. This choice will pay dividends in the end as you use your new communications system.

Category 3 to 7 Wiring Systems

Category 3 wiring is used more commonly in phone wire. The pair of twisted wires in the system handles 1 phone line each. Typical Category 3 wires contain 2 pairs of wire that can handle 2 phone lines. The plugs for this wiring can accommodate 3 pairs of wires for 3 lines. The phone wire can be found in solid black, red, green, yellow or orange stripe, as well as blue, blue stripe, and solid orange.

The Category 5, 5e, 6, and 7 wires are used for internet networks. The cable or DSL modem used to provide internet to your home will bring the network in, with the Category 5 being the lowest quality and the Category 7 the highest quality (subject to availability). The 4 types are distinguished only by the twists and shielding in the higher types (Category 6 and 7) that allows for a greater amount of data to be transmitted.  

Optical Wiring Systems

Optical wiring systems are used in digital audio systems. It is being adapted for other applications such as internet and television. Many phone companies are beginning the process of wiring neighborhoods with fiber optics that will provide television and cable output.