10 Best Practices for Low-Voltage Wiring in

Written by Dave Harris, trueCABLE Technical Specialist, BICSI INST1, INSTC Certified

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Technology advances along, and at a pace most people have difficulty keeping up with. Given that new devices are out there for IoT (Internet of Things) plus new and even fancier WiFi routers to handle faster Internet speeds, how has this affected the low voltage cabling side of the equation?

Not quite as much as you would expect, quite frankly. Although newer and fancier gadgets are appearing all the time to make your Internet faster and lights turn with a mere few words, physical data cabling has been ready for this for years. Cat6A Ethernet cable has been routinely specified for new construction for the past ten years. But even lowly Cat5e and RG6 cable still have a purpose in this modern age, depending on a case by case installation assessment.

Now, considering the advances and the likely, but rather unpredictable future advances in the next several years; we should turn an eye to best practices to make sure you are ready. It really comes down to what you are doing, and what you would like to do in the future.

The past few years revealed a few things, however. It revealed that your typical speed Internet connection of yesteryear and the WiFi router you bought a few years ago just won’t cut it. trueCABLE saw an explosion of people beginning to wire up their homes, and quite a few upgrading. When you have multiple smart TVs, IoT devices like Amazon Alexa and smart lights, plus any kids or relatives all trying to do remote schooling or work from home, what you thought worked great back in all the sudden is not doing so well. It got so bad, I even wrote about it in Your Network in Uncertain Times: Coping With COVID-19 .

Since that time, many things have returned to a state of reduced urgency, but demands on network infrastructure have only increased. Surveillance and security are now being operated over Ethernet. Advancements in video technology require networks that operate at the limit of copper’s physical capability. And now, more and more service providers are connecting to homes and small businesses with optical fiber operating at 10Gbps and higher.

Low Voltage Best Practices

Given all of that, here are my new Best Practices for the year and forward, until I change my mind again:

1. Move away from Cat5e Ethernet.

..for all but specific use cases. Yes, ANSI/TIA still has this Category officially listed as suitable for Ethernet networks up to 2.5 Gb/s. The reality is that Cat5e is nearing the end of its useful life for more advanced needs. Cat5e is useful for certain situations where the end device does not and never will require as much as 2.5 Gb/s (sometimes not more than 1 Gb/s), but many of those devices require PoE (Power over Ethernet). Cat5e, although it does support PoE at lower wattages than Cat6 or Cat6A, was not envisioned or designed to ever actually support it. The main advantage of Cat5e is that sometimes the installation environment demands a thinner cable, like tight WiFi Access Points and IP surveillance camera housings. It’s also easy to terminate. Use it when necessary; use it wisely.

2. Move towards Cat6A Ethernet.

Although Cat8 is officially recognized by ANSI/TIA, it is essentially Cat6A that supports 25G or 40G up to a very short 98 feet. After that, it is 10 Gb/s just like Cat6A. Cat8 is rarely seen outside of data centers. For all practical purposes, Cat6A is likely to be the last practical copper twisted pair Ethernet cable ever developed, short of a breakthrough I am not aware of. Cat6A has the advantage of supporting 10 Gb/s up to 328 feet under the correct conditions. It handles PoE very well, up to 90 Watts in some cases! The one downside to Cat6A is that it is a bit more challenging to install, but trueCABLE is doing cartwheels to make this an easier process. If your intention is 10 Gb/s networking now or in the near future, you should definitely opt for Cat6A Ethernet if your budget allows.

3. Use Cat6 Ethernet for tight budgets.

Cat6 has been, and continues to be a good middle ground for short run 10 Gb/s. It supports 10Gb/s up to 165 feet, but more realistically 120-130 feet in low density environments (read: few runs). This Category supports 5 Gb/s up to 328 feet, which is more than the average Internet connection speed. Plus many home WiFi routers are now just appearing that can handle 2.5 Gb/s and 5.0 Gb/s switch connections. Cat6 also handles PoE just as well as Cat6A. So, Cat6 is a good fit for the moment, but it is not as forward looking anymore. Beware 10 Gb/s over Cat6, however. High density networks using Cat6 to push 10 Gb/s are prone to alien crosstalk issues unless quite a few mitigation measures are taken. These mitigation measures might cost you more than if you had installed Cat6A in the first place. See When Aliens Attack! Avoiding Ethernet Alien Crosstalk .

4. Use fiber optic cable for extremely high bandwidth applications.

This is especially for covering long distances. We are talking about 25 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, and even 100 Gb/s here. These speeds are not often seen outside data centers, but some medium businesses are adopting this technology. They will almost always opt for fiber optic to achieve these speeds. High speed over very long distances is another reason to go fiber optic. Wish to go at 10 Gb/s to 900 feet with a single cable? You are now in fiber optic territory! The downside, of course, is cost. Fiber ain’t cheap. Installation of expensive and fragile, bulk-unterminated fiber takes training, skill, and tools that can run into the thousands of dollars. An alternative is using fiber optic patch cables to your transceivers, but they will restrict your ability to customize your install and start getting expensive on long lengths. Bulk fiber optic cable is still not practical in the “weekend warrior” realm. This is the realm of professional installers who know what they are doing.

5. When installing RG6 coaxial cable, always opt for solid copper.

And specifically, center-conductor cable. Solid copper is superior to CCS or copper clad steel. At one time copper clad steel was OK assuming you were using relatively ho-hum, low-definition (720p or less) cable TV programming, but coax cable is now being called upon to handle 2K and 4K programming in addition to carrying your Internet connection. If your system is satellite based, you MUST use solid-copper-conductor coaxial cable to the dish itself due to LNB voltage requirements. The best bet is to avoid CCS and stick with solid copper. It is not only required in many instances now, but is the only way forward.

6. Select a reputable vendor for your cables and accessories.

The market is filled with low voltage cable that does not meet industry standards, such as CCA or copper clad aluminum.

• Never use CCA for Ethernet, see Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper: The Ultimate Test on a Fluke Versiv DSX CableAnalyzer for more information.
• Make sure your vendor offers a good warranty and is willing to educate you. trueCABLE, for example, offers a Forever Warranty against defects in material and workmanship. Many vendors offer one year or require you to use a $12K Fluke Networks Cable Analyzer in order to achieve a warranty at all. Incidentally, did you know that 80% of Ethernet patch cables on the market FAIL strict patch cord testing? Vendors should also thoroughly document their products and it would also be nice if they provided extensive educational materials, but few offer what we do in our Cable Academy .

7. Plan your installation to achieve success.

The days of running Ethernet patch cables across your floors or taped to your ceiling are over. While you can get away with many questionable material choices or installation practices, it behooves you to learn about the correct way to install low voltage cabling so you don’t cause yourself a problem now or in the future. The vast majority of network issues are due to poor installation practices.

• Rather than run a single cable to your bedroom or office, you are better off with two or more. What if one run fails, or you need higher bandwidth for your second device?
• Color code your installation if possible. It is nice to know what cable does what function just by looking!
• Label your cables. Always, always, always label your cables. At both ends!
• Watch out for problem areas like electrical motors and high voltage electrical cable. You may need to opt for shielded Ethernet or quad shield RG6/11 coaxial cable in trouble spots. In extreme trouble spots, you might even need metal conduit too. See Top 2 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet and Power Cable .
• Consult with industry experts! Yes, opening up the manual or calling someone for advice might seem like an extra step, but it can save you 25 steps in the future by saving you from yourself. You may wish to start with Top 5 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet Cable .

8. Protect your installation for longevity.

It’s important to protect the cable from damage during installation. Within an Ethernet cable, the spatial orientations of the conductors relative to each other must be maintained for the cable to perform as intended.

• Stepping on or driving over Ethernet cable might not damage its current-carrying capability, but it will degrade its data transmission capability.
• Be sure to observe the minimum bend radius for your particular cable. Use sweeping bends when preparing conduit.
• 25 ft-lbs is the maximum amount of pulling force that should be applied while installing solid copper Ethernet cable. If you feel a large amount of resistance or a “hard stop,” then stop pulling and investigate. Use cable lubricant as necessary.
• Indoor cable must be kept strictly away from water, before and after installation.
  

9. Skip the WiFi except for any device that absolutely requires it.

WiFi has its place, but by design it will never replace hard wired networking. It simply cannot, no matter how many new WiFi 6, 7, or 8’s come out. Don’t blame me, blame physics. The airwaves are getting jammed with more and more devices using WiFi signaling. Sure, it seems convenient until things are not working well.

• The general rule of thumb is, if it can be wired then wire it.
• WiFi is for convenience and mobility, or when there is no other choice.
• Don’t count on WiFi for reliability.

10. Stay up to date with the latest tips, tools, and tutorials in the networking.

If there is one thing on this entire list, I would stress this one the most. The more you know, the better off you will be. Our Cable Academy is a great starting point, but consider attending a few webinars or actual training classes. Much of this is offered freely.

Conclusion

So, there are my recommendations for . What will bring? I have no idea, as the world is shifting so quickly that making predictions anymore is rather difficult. Connection speeds of 10Gbps are being provided over new fiber networks directly to homes and small businesses. One thing is certain: this new fiber infrastructure is capable of much higher speeds in the future. To utilize these speeds, small local networks will increasingly rely on optical fiber instead of twisted-pair copper cable in their own installations. Regardless of where we end up, I wish everyone...

HAPPY NETWORKING!

trueCABLE presents the information on our website, including the “Cable Academy” blog and live chat support, as a service to our customers and other visitors to our website subject to our website terms and conditions. While the information on this website is about data networking and electrical issues, it is not professional advice and any reliance on such material is at your own risk.

30 April,

Low Voltage Wiring Basics: Unleashing the Power

Low voltage wiring is a crucial element in the world of electrical installations, powering a wide range of devices and systems we rely on daily. From lighting systems to communication networks, low voltage wiring plays a critical role in ensuring efficient and safe operations. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of low voltage wiring, its applications, and the advantages it offers. Additionally, we’ll provide helpful charts, address frequently asked questions, and discuss how low voltage wiring is utilized in IP intercom systems.

Table of Contents

Low Voltage Wiring Basics

What is Low Voltage Wiring?

Low voltage wiring refers to electrical wiring and cabling that carries a voltage of 50 volts (V) or less. It is commonly used for various applications, including security systems, lighting, and telecommunications. Low voltage wiring is designed to be energy-efficient and safer to work with compared to traditional high voltage wiring.

Wiring Low Voltage: Understanding the Process

When working with low voltage wires, certain guidelines and best practices must be followed to ensure safe and efficient installations. These include using appropriate wire types and gauges, proper wire routing and organization, and adhering to safety regulations.

Low Voltage Wires: Exploring the Types

Low voltage wires come in various types, each designed for specific applications. Some common types of low voltage wires include:

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1. Twisted Pair Cable (Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat 7, Cat 8)
2. Coaxial Cable
3. Shielded Cable
4. Fiber Optic Cable

Here’s a comparison chart of these different wire types:

Applications of Low Voltage Wiring

What is Low Voltage Wiring Used For?

Low voltage wiring is employed in a wide range of applications, thanks to its efficiency, safety, and versatility. Some common uses for low voltage wiring include:

1. Lighting systems
2. Security systems
3. Home automation
4. Audio and video distribution
5. Telecommunication networks
6. IP intercom systems

IP Intercom Systems and Low Voltage Wiring

All IP intercom systems operate on low voltage wiring, ensuring energy efficiency and safety in communication networks. IP intercoms use internet protocols to transmit audio and video signals, offering clear and reliable communication over long distances.

Benefits of Low Voltage Wiring

Low voltage wiring offers numerous advantages, such as:

1. Improved safety: Lower voltages reduce the risk of electrical shocks and fires.
2. Energy efficiency: Low voltage systems typically consume less power, resulting in lower energy costs.
3. Versatility: Suitable for various applications, from lighting to telecommunications.
4. Easier installation: Low voltage wiring can be installed with fewer restrictions and permits compared to high voltage wiring.

Low Voltage Installation

Low-voltage installations typically follow these steps:

1. Planning: This involves determining the layout and components of the system, often in consultation with the client or user.
2. Installation: This involves physically installing the components, running wires and cables, and connecting everything together. This needs to be done in accordance with local codes and standards.
3. Testing: After installation, the system needs to be tested to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
4. Maintenance: Over time, the system may need maintenance or repairs. This could involve replacing components, troubleshooting issues, or upgrading the system.

Low-voltage technicians are the professionals who perform these installations. They need a solid understanding of electrical systems and should be knowledgeable about the specific systems they’re installing. They also need to be familiar with the local codes and standards that govern these installations.

Safety is a critical aspect of low-voltage installations. Even though these systems operate at lower voltages, they can still pose risks if not handled properly. Technicians should always follow safe work practices and use the appropriate protective equipment.

Top 10 Essential Tips for Successful Low-Voltage Installations

1. Plan Thoroughly: Yes, we are talking about the plan again. Before you begin the installation, plan out the entire process. This includes determining where the components will go, how the wiring will be run, and where connections will be made. A detailed plan will help ensure a smoother installation process.
2. Follow Local Codes and Standards: Ensure your installation meets all local electrical codes and industry standards. Not only will this ensure safety, it’s also usually a legal requirement. Check with your local governing body for any specific requirements.
3. Use the Right Tools: Use tools specifically designed for low-voltage installations. This might include a wire stripper, cable tester, punch down tool, and other specialized equipment. Using the right tools can make the job easier and help ensure a quality installation.
4. Quality of Materials: Use high-quality cables, connectors, and components. Low-quality materials can lead to performance issues and may need to be replaced more frequently.
5. Labeling: Make sure to label all wires and components during the installation. This will make future maintenance or troubleshooting much easier.
6. Leave Some Slack: When running cables, leave some extra slack at both ends. This can make it easier to make connections, and it allows for some flexibility if changes need to be made in the future.
7. Protect the Cables: Make sure cables are protected from potential damage. This could involve using conduit, cable trays, or other protective measures. Also, be mindful of the bend radius of cables when installing, particularly for data transmission lines like Ethernet cables.
8. Grounding and Bonding: Ensure that all equipment is properly grounded and bonded, as per local code requirements. This is crucial for the safety and performance of the system.
9. Test Everything: After the installation is complete, test the system thoroughly to ensure everything is working properly. This should include testing each individual component, as well as the system as a whole.
10. Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Use personal protective equipment (PPE), be mindful of potential hazards, and never take shortcuts that could compromise safety.

FAQs

Q: Is low voltage wiring safe to touch?

While low voltage wiring is generally considered safer than high voltage wiring, it’s still important to exercise caution when handling electrical components. Always turn off the power before working with any wiring to minimize the risk of electrical shock.

Q: Can low voltage wires be run in the same conduit as high voltage wires?

No, it is not recommended to run low voltage and high voltage wires in the same conduit. This can lead to interference, signal degradation, and potential safety hazards. It’s essential to follow proper installation guidelines and safety regulations when working with both low and high voltage wiring.

Q: What are the primary differences between low voltage and high voltage wiring?

Low voltage wiring carries voltages of 50V or less, while high voltage wiring carries voltages above 50V. Low voltage wiring is generally safer, more energy-efficient, and easier to install than high voltage wiring. It is commonly used for applications such as lighting, security systems, and telecommunications, while high voltage wiring is used for power distribution and large electrical appliances.

Q: How do I know if my system requires low voltage wiring?

Consult the specifications or documentation of the devices and systems you plan to install. Manufacturers typically provide information on the required voltage and wiring standards. It’s essential to use the appropriate type of wiring to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your devices and systems.

Conclusion

Low voltage wiring is an indispensable aspect of modern electrical installations, offering numerous benefits in terms of safety, energy efficiency, and versatility. This comprehensive guide has explored the basics of low voltage wiring, its applications, and its role in IP intercom systems. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for low voltage wiring is expected to grow, making it a critical element in the design and implementation of various systems and devices. Always remember to follow proper installation guidelines and safety regulations when working with low voltage wiring to ensure optimal performance and protection.

Useful Resource

For more information on low voltage wiring, you can refer to this trusted source: The Engineering Mindset. The Engineering Mindset offers a wealth of knowledge on various electrical topics, including low voltage wiring principles, best practices, and safety guidelines.

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