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What Is Smart Wiring?

By Autumn Lockwood

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 07Aug2011 Word count: 2313 Viewed: 215 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

You hear the term "smart wiring" used a lot these days, especially in regards to new home construction. This term refers to creating an overall wiring plan for a home, which takes into account the wiring and all electrical power sources within every room. When wiring is designed in this fashion, it creates more flexibility for the future when home changes are made and new technology is required. Because of the care taken when designing the wiring plan, in most cases extensive modifications or expensive remodeling will not need to take place when changes are needed. Although smart wiring is most commonly thought of when houses are first built, many people who have older houses are finding it worthwhile to rewire their homes using smart wiring methods. Although the process for installing smart wiring can take a lot of planning and can be somewhat expensive, it can actually save money over time, since it can save on remodeling and renovation costs. Here are some good guidelines you can follow if you are thinking about the possibility of smart wiring in your own home.

Choosing the Proper Wiring

The structured wiring system that is used with this method will be designed to provide for your electrical needs both now and in the future. Because these wiring systems are designed to be used well into the future for a variety of changing purposes, it is important to choose a wire type that is up to the challenge. Copper wiring is generally the best choice, as it can be used for many different electrical needs and has good longevity.

Strategic Power Outlet Placement

Not having power outlets available where you need them can be quite aggravating. However, as we continue to use more electrical appliances, chances are we may need even more electrical outlets in the future. To plan for the present as well as to provide flexibility for the future, the current preferred practice is to place outlets approximately five to eight feet apart in most rooms within a home. However, even with plenty of outlets, it can take a bit of planning to determine their optimal placement and height. In most cases, you will want to position them so that they are convenient to use, but not overly obvious. When choosing a location for an outlet, you will want to take into consideration your current furniture arrangement as well as possible future arrangements, any safety issues that might exist, the intended usage of the outlet, and the overall visual aesthetics of the room. For example, in the kitchen and bathroom, you would probably get more use out of outlets that are positioned higher on the walls. However, in the living room and dining room you might choose to position the outlets lower on the walls, so that they can be hidden behind furniture and yet still utilized.

Safety Considerations

Protecting your appliance and electrical devices is another factor to take into consideration. For wiring that supplies a home office, it could make good sense to install surge protectors to protect computer systems and other expensive electronics. Consulting with a licensed electrician as you plan a smart wiring arrangement for your home also makes good safety sense.

So, now that you understand what smart wiring is and what you should consider when wiring your house, you'll hopefully be able to live in a home that meets all your current and future electrical needs for years to come.

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