Low Voltage wiring help???

[Jeepster1407]

     I'm in the process of building a house and am contracting it myself. When it comes to electrical I'm not real savvy with the AC stuff. I've already contracted out the high voltage wiring for power, lights, receptacles, etc. But I'd like to do the LV stuff myself, such as home security, and structured/smart wiring. I'm about to the point where I need insulation so I gotta get the ball rolling on this soon.

     I'm looking at pre wiring my alarm system with triggers at every exterior door and window along with triggers at both garage doors and the door to the basement. Anyone know if I should use Normally open or Normally closed contacts on the windows and doors? I'm also getting Cat5e for all the home integration. I know Cat6a is better but I think this will far out do my needs and I believe Cat5e is still gigabit rated right??? Any tips on stuff to get? One last thing,  what wire should I get for the alarm system? Will standard telephone work and be cheapest or should I get the 12/2 twist..


I was looking at these contacts
http://www.alarmcontacts.com/product.php?productid=31&cat=23&page=1

these contacts for the garage doors
http://www.alarmcontacts.com/product.php?productid=1014&cat=27&page=1

This roll of Cat5e
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092THNDW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3W3STWCK1O3NR

Any suggestions?

[Cannonballkev]

Run a conduit from your basement to the attic just in case you forgot something.  Couple cat 5's and coax to your TV locations.  22 gauge for alarm wires.  Don't forget power at your TV locations if they are going above fireplaces. Also, if planing on TV above fireplace, where is your audio equip going? Run conduit between fireplace and cabinet to side . 1 1/2.  Any speaker wire you need ran, do it now.  ( you can use coax for long subwoofer runs)Let me know if I can be of assistance.   I've been doing this for 18 years. Where do you live?

[jc79]

Think about where you might want speakers, too.  Ceiling in the kitchen?  On the deck/patio/porch?  Want a WiFi router somewhere upstairs to ensure a good signal (another Cat5 run there)?

[Jeepster1407]

I'm in Dahlonega. I have power at all the places for the hanging TV's. I'm going to run cat 5 everywhere I can foresee needing it.

[Cannonballkev]

I stay at the RRanch in Dahlonega during the week ( live in Hiawasse, work in Smyrna) I can come by one evening take a look if you want.

[Jeepster1407]

That would be cool... What's your # and I'll text you the address

[Cannonballkev]

404-934-8452
Kevin

[Bruce]

Don't forget a pull string in the conduit.

[94xjsport94]

The contacts of a switch will have to be determined off of how the program is written. Standard telephone wire should work.

[Cannonballkev]

Don't forget a pull string in the conduit.

Small plastic taped on to pull string, like a ballon.  Good shop vac, sucks it from one end to the other.  Done it many many times

[Jeepster1407]

Gotcha... Thanks for the tips. Guess I need to know which is more common NO or NC as to which to install.

[94xjsport94]

KP should be able to tell you everything you want to know.