 11 things to consider when tackling data cabling for home. Installing data cabling for home is a more involved task than it would be in an office environment. The schedule drags over a much longer period, and it's hard to know in advance what you want to install, and by the time you do, it can be too late to run in the cables required. Below are some tips to make your installation go smoothly. 1. Centralize everything where possible. Installing all your structured cabling back to a central point for all television, satellite, audio systems, CCTV, internet, and Wi-Fi will give you the most flexibility in your system. Want to change from sky to virgin? No problem just change the boxes in the central cabinet, and everything updates straight away. Much better than changing 3 or 4 boxes around the house and having Virgin install all new data cabling across your skirting boards. 2. Create a central area big enough for this cabinet. The equipment gets hot so needs enough space to have airflow and cooling. A dedicated area will also make it easier to reset boxes or change equipment. An area of 1 meter wide by 1 meter deep by 2.2 meters high is usually sufficient. 3. If in doubt put in extra cables. Unsure if you want wired internet to each room. Telephones throughout. Televisions now or in the future in certain rooms. Putting in the data cabling now isn't a massive extra cost when the routes are open, especially if additional cables are running in the same direction as other cables. If you decide after completion you needed a cable you don't have then it's almost impossible or at worst case a very messy retrofit. 4. Put in a good wifi system. In fact, install a very good wifi system. Most homes now will have more than 15 to 20 devices that access the wifi and are all automatically connected. Without a top wifi system, you will either be unable to connect, or when you do it will be very slow. Put the cables and access points into your planning. Your controllers will run on wifi also. If they can't see the wifi they can't control your system. 5. Recess power and data sockets. Recess all sockets behind any televisions where possible. Flat screen televisions and ultra thin brackets are only effective if you don't have a bulky power socket and plug surface mounted on your wall pushing the TV 50mm off the wall, and losing the ultra slim picture frame effect. 6. Make sure every data cable is tested at completion. As well as testing ensure full data cabling results are provided. Data cabling throughout the project is left coiled for long periods awaiting final position install. Ensure you receive the data cabling test results to show the cables are running to full specification and standard. 7. Install your broadband and phone early. Ensure to install these is early in the project as possible. Too many homes will leave BT, Virgin until near the end to install the main lines into the house. With long lead times, your line in from the street might end up requiring builders work to get it into the building and cause a lot of mess and disruption. Install them at the beginning of the project so that they can be built around by the contractor. 8. Hold regular project management meetings with your installer. Every client's requirements are different. Make sure the heights of the televisions, the location of the speakers, and the presentation of the data cabling sockets are to your taste and design and not leave it to the last minute when some options will not be possible. 9. Get samples, photos of the proposed equipment to be installed. There are hundreds of very small varying designs for speakers, televisions, faceplates, control systems. Sign off on each element before installation is changing after install can incur high-cost building works. 10. Use the system for a week or two. Live with, and use the system for a week or two before creating a final list of snagging, amendments. It's only as you use your new system that queries and potential tweaks and changes will come to mind. It's better to collate these into one final engineering visit than each time you find something, as one change usually affects a change in another area. Ensure your installer has a final engineering, handover visit built into your proposal. 11. What's important visually? When installing data cabling for home, decide what's important to you visually. Some clients will want the best brand television or higher specification, series for their budget even if it means a smaller television. Others will want the biggest television for their budget and not worry about the brand. In which you are in advance so it can be designed into the building works and installation drawings. For further assistance or a free survey please email or call on the details below, and click like and subscribe if you have enjoyed this video.