Installation manual

8-2
For more information call your Leviton representative or the Leviton Technical Hotline at 800-722-2082
© Copyright 2001 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
Installation Manual
What You’ll Need to Install Mud Rings or Electrical Boxes:
• Room locations for mud rings or boxes
• Measuring tape
• Small carpenter’s level
• Screws or nails for attaching to framing members
• Drill or hammer
8.2 Mud Rings
Leviton recommends using mud rings rather than
receptacle boxes to terminate your low-voltage cable.
Aside from acting as mounting hardware for a device
and wallplate, a mud ring allows complete access to
the stud or joist space for storage of the service loop
which in turn means less danger of damaging the
cable. Mud rings are available at electrical distributors,
home centers, and wherever drywall supplies are sold.
In some localities, the code mandates electrical boxes
and conduit for low-voltage wiring. Always check your
local regulations before installing low-voltage cable.
If electrical boxes are required, use the deepest 4-
square boxes available to allow for cable bend radius
and service loop.
8.2.1 Location of Mud Rings
Every wallplate location will require a mud ring as will
any empty conduit run for future wiring purposes. The
floor plan will indicate specific locations. Mud rings
should be located away from AC wiring and devices,
baseboard heaters, and potentially wet areas such as
sinks. Distances from the floor will be determined by:
• Convention, using AC standards
• Specifics of the job
• Matching existing devices
8.2.2 Mounting
Metal mud rings are typically nailed to framing mem-
bers prior to the installation of drywall. Retrofit or low
voltage rings can also be installed in existing walls dur-
ing remodeling work. Use a small carpenter’s level
when mounting to assure a level and straight installa-
tion.
The bottom of the mud ring opening should match the
height of the bottom of electrical boxes for consisten-
cy. This height varies from approximately 14" to 16"
from the floor for most walls. A height of 46" to 48" is
used for volume controls, wall phones, and other hand
control devices, or at the same level as light switches.
Special locations such as built-in cabinets and shelves
for home entertainment systems may require other
heights. Be sure to check with your builder for any
special instructions.
Installer’s Tip: Even the best technical installation can
be marred by sloppy trim work. A crooked mud ring will
yield a crooked wallplate and that’s what your cus-
tomer will see every day. Take your time and mount the
mud rings carefully.
8.3 Structured Media Center
The Leviton Structured Media Center (SMC) is the dis-
tribution center for your project’s telephone, cable, and
data features. The SMC centralizes these various func-
tions in a single box that can accommodate future
expansion to meet your customer’s needs. This section
will cover selecting an appropriate location for your
SMC, proper mounting procedures, and installing the
optional AC Power Module.
8.3.1 Location Matters
Each job and building design will determine the loca-
tion of your Leviton SMC. Location guidelines were
mentioned in Section 7. To summarize:
1. Do not mount the SMC in a fire-rated wall.
2. Choose a dry, well lighted room
3. Be sure you have convenient access to your SMC for
future additions of structured cable
4. Keep a minimum distance of five feet between the
SMC and the service panel
5. If possible, consider a central location that will result
in the shortest distance between the SMC and the
structured cable termination points
6. Mount the top of the panel approximately 60" from
the floor.
A room over an unfinished basement or crawl space or
under an open attic space will allow structured cable
to be installed in the SMC at a later date if expansion
or updates are desired. Typical locations include utili-
ty rooms, closets, and basements, but any room can
be used.
Installer’s Tip: An open, clear space in a closet makes
a fine location for an SMC. It also allows the contrac-
tor to install a removable wood panel above and below
the SMC, thus providing access to the wall cavity. This
makes future cable installations considerably easier.
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