Start with plans
Share floor plans early so wiring lands where devices will live.
Every room
Consider these in most rooms:
- Network cable for TV locations
- Ceiling network cable for Wi-Fi access points
- Speaker wire for ceiling or wall speakers
- Power and cable at each TV location
- Wiring for shades and keypads
Outside
Plan cable for cameras, doorbells, outdoor Wi-Fi and speakers.
The closet
Choose a central equipment location with power, ventilation and space to grow.
Label everything
Labeled cables save hours during trim-out and service.
Room-by-room checklist
- Living and family rooms: Cat6 and HDMI conduit at the TV, speaker wire for surround or ceiling speakers
- Kitchen: Cat6 at a touch screen location, speaker wire, under-cabinet lighting power
- Bedrooms: Cat6 at the TV, keypad locations by the door and bed
- Office: two or more Cat6 drops
- Each floor: Cat6 to one or more ceiling access points
- Exterior: Cat6 to cameras, door station and gate; speaker wire to patio
- Windows: power or low-voltage at motorized shade locations
The equipment location
Pick a central, conditioned closet for the panel or rack, with a dedicated circuit and ventilation, and conduit to the main TV wall. Avoid attics and garages.
Documentation
Label both ends of every cable and keep a map by room. Buyers and service techs will thank you, and it makes trim-out fast.
Common questions
When is the best time to pre-wire?
After framing and rough electrical, before insulation.
Do you partner with builders?
Yes. See for builders and your region.
What about Control4?
See the Control4 pre-wire guide.