Specifications

02 Pre-Wiring Guide
Linear Audio / Video / Data Solutions
linearcorp.com / 1 800 421 1587
Structured Wiring with Industry-Standard Cabling
Today’s installations requirements demand multi-room audio/video
entertainment and networking of telephone, Ethernet, intercom, RF
television signals, digital whole-house music, video surveillance,
and more. The key to an efficient and successful audio/video/data
installation is to pre-wire using a system.
A structured wiring system is comprised of a network enclosure
containing electronic modules that attach to a mounting grid. Cables
route signals entering into the installation to the modules in the
enclosure. From the modules, cables exit the enclosure and route to
multi-function wall plates in each room of the installation.
One of the advantages of a structured wiring system is the flexibility
offered to the homeowner by providing multiple interface jacks in
every room throughout the residence. Another advantage is the
“home run” routing of cables. Each wall plate has its own individual
cable set routed back to the network enclosure. This allows
flexibility when changing or adding services, easy troubleshooting,
and a very high-quality signal path.
Installing the cables in the walls before the construction is
completed allows the easy wiring access to all points in
the residence.
Cable Types and Usage
Another important feature of Linear’s audio/video/data solution
products is the easy assembly of an integrated home network
utilizing. The cable types listed here are available from a wide variety
of manufacturers, ensuring competitive prices, availability, and
compatibility, now and in the future.
RG-6
RF sources like CATV, off-air NTSC, and off-air ATSC (HDTV) use
RG-6 coax with standard foil shield and aluminum braid. For DBS
satellite installations—from dish, to multi-switch, to receiver—
use standard RG-6. It is perfect for most residential situations. In
commercial or extreme noise environments (such as near a radio or
television transmitter tower), use quad-shielded RG-6.
Cat-5, Cat-5e, and Cat-6
Category 5, Category 5e (100 MHz rated), or even better, Category 6
(200 MHz rated) is recommended for telecommunication, intercom,
Ethernet, and data applications. Category 5 (or higher) wiring has
four unshielded twisted pairs (UTP) for eight wires total. It’s reliable
because of its tight accurate twist of wire pairs and the balanced
mode of transmission. This design results in a cable that resists
interference from common sources in the home, such as vacuums,
microwave ovens, and power tools.
The TIA/EIA-570-A standard specifies that the length of each Cat-5
cable run should not exceed 295 ft. This guideline should determine
where the network enclosure is located. In most homes, this length
restriction is not an issue.
Access Port Recommendations
Linear’s Total Access Port™ wall plates provide an easy way to
terminate the installation’s cables at each interface jack location.
For future expansion and addition of upgrades, it is always good
practice to run extra cables. It is recommended that an extra data
and coaxial cable is available at each wall plate location.
CABLE RUNS RECOMMENDED BY LOCATION
TYPICAL ROOM MEDIA CENTER HOME OFFICE
GOOD
1 CAT-5, 1 RG-6 1 CAT-5, 3 RG-6 1 CAT-5, 2 RG-6
BETTER
2 CAT-5, 1 RG-6 2 CAT-5, 3 RG-6 2 CAT-5, 2 RG-6
BEST
2 CAT-5, 2 RG-6 3 CAT-5, 3 RG-6 3 CAT-5, 3 RG-6
RG-6 COAX CABLE
CAT-5 DATA TERMINATION
CAT-5 TELEPHONE PAIRS
CAT-5 CONNECTION TO TAP WALL PLATE