SMART HOME

RECOMMENDED WIRING GUIDELINES

A guide to Smart Home cabling requirements

for the modern home
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Who is CEDIA 3

01 Introduction 4

02 Choosing your Services 5

03 Wiring Grade Requirements 6

04 Planning your Home 7

05 Incoming Services 8

06 Grade 1 System 10

07 Grade 2 System 12

08 Installation 14

09 CEDIA Verication 15

10 Running Cables 16

11 ELVHE & AVHE Planning 17

12 Termination 18

13 Documentation 20

14 Testing 21

15 Glossary of Terms 22

16 References and Associations 23

17 CEDIA.org 24

18 Notes 25
Raising standards and awareness of
the Home Technology market

Satellite Telephone Audio

Home Network Lighting

Home CCTV &

Automation Security

WHO IS CEDIA?

The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Homeowners, builders, architects and interior
Association (CEDIA) is the international trade designers, are increasingly recognising CEDIA
organisation representing the home technology members as the professional resource for home
industry. technology. CEDIA is governed by its members,
many of whom volunteer generously to ensure their
Our members specialise in the planning, design, peers have the nest education and industry support
supply and installation of technology for the modern, possible.
intelligent home. The Association was founded in
1989 and has more than 3,500 member companies
worldwide.

CEDIA was created to develop and deliver educational

programmes, certication and trade shows to make
sure that the industry is kept up-to-date with skills
and technology relevant to this specialist market. Core
to CEDIA is also raising the awareness and prole of
the industry and the Associations members to a wide
variety of audiences.

2015 CEDIA 3
 01 INTRODUCTION

AIM BENEFITS OF CORRECT CABLING

The aim of these CEDIA Smart Home Recommended The benets of installing a good infrastructure at a
Wiring Guidelines is to provide homeowners, builders, build or refurbishment stage are multifold and include:
electricians and developers with guidance for the
installation of the cabling infrastructure that is Having the ability to discretely integrate and
important to support todays digital and connected distribute Internet, Entertainment (TV, satellite and
lifestyles. music), Computer and Communication systems
around the home without having to trail any
CEDIA understands that though we would always additional wires.
recommend that you talk to a CEDIA specialist as
soon as possible in your project, you may wish to Enabling the home for future Digital Healthcare
undertake the project yourself. If at any time there is applications.
ever ambiguity, uncertainty or you would like further
advice, please contact a CEDIA member company Adding value to the home by ensuring that future
(www.cedia.org). The most expensive cable that can buyers home technology needs are met.
be installed is the one that did not get installed in the
rst place. Mistakes can be costly so it is vital to get Preserving the dcor and structure of the home by
the cabling infrastructure correct the rst time round. planning for future needs (retro-tting cables can be
disruptive and costly).

Providing the correct wired infrastructure to enable

a robust wireless network.

The ability to enjoy multi-room media systems

throughout the home.

YOUR PROJECT

A typical project cycle will contain the following steps:

Stage 4
Stage 2

Stage 3
Stage 1

Define your Planning your Testing,

Installation &
documentation
services home commissioning
& certification

Its important that you think about which services you wish to have in your home
before the design and installation stage. This will help you to work out if what you
want is achievable, with or without professional guidance.

4 2015 CEDIA
02 CHOOSING YOUR SERVICES

CHOOSING THE SERVICES FOR YOUR

HOME

Any installation will require you to make decisions and

choose which services you want to have available in
each room of your home. Each of these services will
require a minimum amount of cabling to ensure it
works with todays technology and future technology.

CEDIA has dened two grades of recommended

cabling infrastructure. The highest level beyond these
grades will give the homeowner more exibility and
scope to install more sophisticated and integrated
systems but may require professional guidance due
to their customisable nature. Grades 1 and 2 may
provide more than enough scope and exibility
for the homeowners system requirements, and will
mean a simpler design and installation process. We
recommend that every house that is being built or
refurbished has a minimum of a Grade 1 cabling
infrastructure installed.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION GRADE 1 GRADE 2 BESPOKE

SATELLITE, RADIO, DIGITAL AND Cabling for Satellite television, Freeview TV and Radio.
CABLE TV Also provision for cable TV.

HOME NETWORK - BROADBAND Cabling for a wired home network and a robust wireless
AND WIRELESS INTERNET network.

TELEPHONE Cabling for telephone points and for devices requiring a

telephone line connection (such as Sky).

MULTI-ROOM AUDIO Cabling for speakers (such as in-ceiling) and audio control
points from an AVHE (Audio Video Head End) location.

SCENE SETTING LIGHTING AND Cabling for a lighting control system and automated
BLIND CONTROL blinds, cabling and systems can vary.

HOME AUTOMATION Bespoke cabling to allow

Cabling control
for speakers of multiple
(such as systems within
the home. in-ceiling) and audio control
keypads
CCTV AND SECURITY Bespoke cabling for CCTV and security coverage of the home,
usually following a security risk assessment and design.

MULTI-ROOM VIDEO Cabling for high definition video from an AVHE (Audio
Video Head End) location.

HOME CINEMA Bespoke cabling for the required level of home cinema
design.

2015 CEDIA 5
03 WIRING GRADE REQUIREMENTS

GRADES OF INSTALLATION

Each CEDIA wiring Grade has a minimum cabling requirement dened as a benchmark to correctly wire for the
services within the home. As the Grade level increases so does the complexity of the cabling needed, and the
level of product and technology level that is required to correctly specify and design a system. Grade 1 systems
are simple enough that they can be installed by a homeowner with condent technical abilities, or by a qualied
electrician. Grade 2 system cabling demands some additional input at the design stage, and can require a more
complex installation depending on the multi-room equipment to be installed and so may need help from a
specialist CEDIA member. Due to the customisable nature of bespoke systems it is always recommended that a
CEDIA member is consulted as early as possible in the project lifecyle.

GRADE 1 GRADE 2 BESPOKE

A Grade 1 cabling infrastructure A Grade 2 cabling infrastructure A bespoke system may encompass
involves installing a combination includes all the cables in a Grade 1 all the cables in Grades 1 and 2
of twisted pair data cable infrastructure in addition to cables in addition to cables designed
(called Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a) in designed to enable the installation for Home Automation. This
combination with TV & Satellite of whole-house entertainment functionality can include a lighting
Coaxial cable (typically called systems. These systems allow control system, motorised curtains
CX100 or WF100) to most rooms the use of discreetly hidden and blinds, access control systems,
in the house excluding lavatories speakers and in-wall control CCTV networks, environmental
and bathrooms. This will allow points to deliver and control a and heating control, as well as
easy delivery of internet services, wide range of entertainment systems that allow all of the above
home networking, TV, satellite, options. Used in conjunction with to be controlled and integrated
radio, telephone, conferencing and the cables installed for Grade 1, a by a single control system using
other entertainment services to Grade 2 system can deliver high in-wall controls and hand-held
these rooms. Modern construction quality music and TV pictures remote controls. Due to the
techniques are very unfriendly to around a home fed from a central bespoke nature of some of these
high-speed wireless connections equipment hub. systems, unlike Grades 1 and
(Wi-Fi) and a cable infrastructure 2, generic recommendations
will allow the wireless equipment cannot be made so it is essential
to be optimally located for good to discuss your requirements for
signal strength and speed. these advanced systems with a
CEDIA member.

MINIMUM CABLING MINIMUM CABLING MINIMUM CABLING

SAT SAT2

CX100 or TV FM

CX100 or Cat5e, Cat6 or SAT SAT2

Bespoke depending on design
Cat5e, Cat6 or SAT SAT2
Cat6a
Cat6a Cat5e/6/6a +
TV FM

TV FM

4 core

INSTALLATION INSTALLATION
SAT SAT2

TV FM
INSTALLATION
A homeowner, qualied electrician A qualied electrician (with audio CEDIA member only
or CEDIA member system installation experience) or
SAT SAT2

SAT SAT2

CEDIA member
TV FM

TV FM

6 2015 CEDIA
04 PLANNING YOUR HOME

PLANNING
YOUR HOME SERVICE DESCRIPTION SYMBOL

Any system will require SATELLITE, RADIO, DIGITAL AND CABLE TV

planning before an (add where ever you want a entertainment outlet) ENT
installation ever begins.
Whilst design changes
can happen on-site BROADBAND AND WIRELESS INTERNET
during a project, these (add where ever you want a home network outlet) COM
should always be based
on an initial design.
Multiple changes on-site TELEPHONE
due to lack of planning TEL
(add where ever you want a communications outlet)
only serve to slow the
installation process
and add cost to the
project. With only basic MULTI-ROOM AUDIO SP
oorplans it is possible - speaker
to plan which services - control keypad AC
you need prior to the
design or installation
stage. SCENE SETTING LIGHTING If you require Lighting or Blind
AND BLIND CONTROL Control, Home Automation,
CCTV or Security then you
should contact a CEDIA
SAMPLE HOME AUTOMATION
member. They will design and
HOUSE PLAN install your system to your
CCTV AND SECURITY requirement.
The example below
shows communications,
entertainment and multi-
room audio locations.

TEL COM TEL COM

SP
SP kitchen SP bathroom study
dining

SP
AC AC ENT

AC
corridor
SP
AC COM

ENT
living room SP
COM hall
TEL master bed garage
SP
SP COM
TEL ENT

2015 CEDIA 7
05 INCOMING SERVICES

An important area that can be overlooked in a

project lifecycle are the incoming services to the
home. Its important to ensure that the correct cable
connections are in place for incoming services to
be connected and distributed around the home.
Dierent incoming services enter the property from
dierent locations, but all should end in a common
location within the property called the Extra Low
Voltage Head End (ELVHE).

Each incoming service will have to be commissioned

by a service provider or specialist installer to be
made live. Its advised to contact any service
provider or arrange for any TV and Satellite dish
installation early on into the project lifecycle so any
work can be scheduled, and cable entry points can
be identied to connect to the incoming services.

t,
Sa
T V, B
ing r DA
om o
Inc FM

Extra Low Voltage Head End

The incoming services
distribution point for
the dwelling

ble
g ca
in
om
Inc

&
ne
pho
le d
te ban
mingoad
o b r
Inc

8 2015 CEDIA
SATELLITE DISH, TV CABLE TV SERVICES
SAT SAT2
TELEPHONE AND
(FM AND DAB) AERIAL TV FM
BROADBAND
Cable TV services require
Typically installed at roof level connection that typically enter the The telephone line can enter the
and so it is recommended that home from street level and can home from high level or may
a specialist TV aerial installer is provide cable TV services, phone
SAT SAT2

enter from street level. A Cat5e

contacted to install equipment at and broadband. Cat5e and Coaxial connection should be run in
TV FM

high levels. A bad dish or aerial cable provision should be run from provision from this location to the
installation will result in poor signal the entry location to the ELVHE. ELVHE.
distribution around the home.
Coaxial cables (and earth) should SAT SAT2

be run from the dish and aerial

SAT SAT2

TV FM
location to the ELVHE.
TV FM

RECOMMENDED CABLING MINIMUM CABLING MINIMUM CABLING

5 x Coaxial CX100 or Cat5e, Cat6, SAT SAT2

cables (+ Cat5e, Cat6 or SAT SAT2

Cat6a or CW1308 TV FM

optional Cat6a TV FM
cable
earth*)

SAT SAT2

TV FM
SAT SAT2

TV FM

2015 CEDIA 9
06 GRADE 1 SYSTEM

GRADE 1 SERVICES DESCRIPTION

To provide cabling to enable one or more of the The Grade 1 cables must all start from a single
following services. location, known as ELVHE (Extra Low Voltage Head
End).
Satellite, radio, digital
and cable TV The ELVHE should have all incoming services routed
to it, to include cable TV, telephony, internet, digital
TV, digital radio, and satellite TV.
Broadband and
wireless internet A simple wiring hub should also be supplied as part
of the design and in all instances cables should be
tested, certied where applicable, and made live.
Telephone
MINIMUM CABLE REQUIREMENTS

In order to meet the CEDIA Grade 1 level a minimum

number of outlets must be present in at least 4 rooms
of the installation:
SAT SAT2
1 x Data outlet
1 x Telephone outlet TV FM

1 x TV/Sat/Radio
plus incoming services

All cables listed are to meet a minimum performance

specication for the application. Higher performance
cables may be used.
SAT SAT2

TV FM

SAT SAT2

TV FM

SAT SAT2

CABLE TYPES USED

TV FM

Cat5e (reference standard -

SAT SAT2
5 x WF100 foam lled coax* cables
TIA/EIA-568A/B). TV FM
(may be in a single sheath).

WF100 foam lled coax*

(reference standard).
SAT SAT2 **CW1308 may be used to interface to
TV FM the telecoms network if BT does not
*air spaced dielectric cables
SAT SAT2
provide the cable, but Cat5e would be
are acceptable but will not
TV FM
perfectly suitable.
meet CATV providers minimum
requirements.
SAT SAT2

TV FM

10 2015 CEDIA
Telephone (Cat5e) TV/FM/SAT (WF100)
Data (Cat5e) SAT(WF100)

Consideration must be given to the

location of satellite TV cables to
ensure the dish location can point
toward the relevant satellite.
SA
SAT SA
SAT2

TV FM

t,
Sa
Grade 1 cabling can be terminated in a single TV, B
double socket combining TV, Sat, FM, Telephone ing DA
and Data modules. Mains power should be om or
Inc FM
located by each socket.

All in room cabling should be

star wired back to the Extra
Low Voltage Head End
(ELVHE). All incoming
service cables should be
installed from point of origin
(roof, street) to the ELVHE.
ble )
Ensure there is a suitable g ca ATV
in rC
mains power supply adjacent om d/o
to any ELVHE equipment and Inc L an
E
outlets in remote rooms. (T

&
ne
pho
e
tel and
mingoadb
o br
Inc

DESCRIPTION CABLING CONNECTION (A to B )

TV / SAT / RADIO 2 X WF100 COAX* TV / SAT / RADIO OUTLET ELVHE

DWELLING
DATA 1 X CAT5E DATA OUTLET ELVHE
SERVICES
TELEPHONE 1 X CAT5E TELEPHONE OUTLET ELVHE

DIGITAL TV & RADIO 1 X WF100 TV/FM AERIAL LOCATION ELVHE

INCOMING CABLE TV 1 X RG6 OR SIAMESE CATV PROVIDER CABLE INCOMING CABLE LOCATION ELVHE

SERVICES SATELLITE 4 X WF100 SATELLITE DISH ELVHE

TELEPHONE & BROADBAND BT CABLE TERMINATED AT NTTP** INCOMING LINE LOCATION ELVHE

2015 CEDIA 11
 07 GRADE 2 SYSTEM

GRADE 2 SERVICES Each audio zone to be wired for multi-room audio will
have a Cat5e + 4 core speaker cable run via a suitable
In addition to services provided in Grade 1, a Grade 2 control position (typically a switch level backbox),
wired home includes the provision of wiring a number and then from the control position to the rst speaker
of multi-room audio zones. and then looped to the second speaker. This is the
principle of the CEA/CEDIA 2030-A standard. Wiring
in this way allows for the following options:

(a) a remote keypad

1 xto be located
Cat5e cable in each room with a
Grade 1 services
central amplier. 1 x 16/4 speaker cable
(TV, Sat, Radio,
Data & Telephone) (b) a remote sensor installed at each speaker with a

+ central amplier.
(c) a Cat5e based speaker
AVHE (with internal ampli
1 er)2
with the speaker cable being used for power.
Multi-room audio speakers

* Remote AVHE cabling - two additional Cat5e and

two additional Coax cables should
controlbe run to the AVHE
position
DESCRIPTION location from the ELVHE. Grade 1 cabling should also
be available at this location.
Cabling as listed in Grade 1 plus:
Remote AVHE cabling
Additional 4 core speaker + Cat5e cabling for a multi- 2 x Cat5e cables
room audio system. 2 x WF100 cables

Each speaker cable and Cat5e are run together, and

provide wiring for an audio zone. These cables must
all start from a single location, known as the AVHE AVHE
(Audio Video Head End). The AVHE is located at the ELVHE
ELVHE location.
SA
SAT SA
SAT2

TV FM

Remote AVHE
Additional cabling must be run to a suitable main location
living space location where Grade 1 cabling has 2 x Cat5e cables
2 x WF100 cables
been terminated e.g. the main lounge. This cabling
Patch panels
Assign a room number for each connected room in the home.
Telephones Telephones Phone Host Terminate each CAT5e to the rear of the corresponding patch terminal

EXAMPLE: JILLS ROOM = ROOM 6 Patch connections as required

1 x Grey CAT5e
1 x White WM100
Telephone Phone Host
TV 6 SAT SAT 2
BT 6
BT 5 BT 6 Main ext 1 ext 2 ext 3 ext 4

BT 1 BT 2 BT 3 BT 4 BT 5 BT 6 MAIN BT EXT 1 EXT 2 EXT 3 EXT 4 1 x Black WM100

BT DATA

TV RADIO
1 x Red CAT5e
TV 6 Data 6

Grade 1 cabling
8 7 6 3 8 7 6 3

Phone Host
21 22
Audio Audio SPEAKER A
1 x Green CAT5e 5 4 1 2 5 4 1 2

Audio 6

Please consult the Builders Bible or contact us for support:

is referred to as the Remote AVHE cabling*, and

0870 850 1337 help@digitalplumbers .com

AUDIO 1 AUDIO 2 AUDIO 3 AUDIO 4 AUDIO 5 AUDIO 6 Main Audio EXT 5 EXT 6 EXT 7 EXT 8 PHONE 1 PHONERoom Name
2 PHONE 3 PHONE 4 Room
PHONE 5 PHONE Numbers
6 PHONE 7 PHONE 8
Main Living Space = MAIN
Connected Room 1 = Room 1
Data Data Future Telephone Use Connected Room 2 = Room 2
Connected Room 3 = Room 3
Connected Room 4 = Room 4
Connected Room 5 = Room 5
DATA1 DATA 2 DATA 3 DATA 4 DATA 5 DATA 6 MAIN DATA Connected Room26 DATA
DATA1 DATA = 3 DATA 4 Room7 6 DATA 8
DATA 5 DATA 6 DATA
Notes:

provides links to the AVHE for additional audio

sources.
AUDIO CABLING SAT SAT2

1 x Cat5e cable TV FM

1 x 16/4 speaker cable

Cat5e (reference standard -
TIA/EIA-568A/B) and 4 core
AVHE 1 2 speaker cabling (4 core speaker
ELVHE
cable with 4 cores of 16 gauge).
SAT SAT2

speakers
A shotgun Cat5e and 4 core
TV FM

speaker cable helps to minimise

control position
cable runs.

Remote AVHE cabling

2 x Cat5e cables
2 x WF100 cables

12 2015 CEDIA

AVHE
 In-ceiling speaker locations will need to be
coordinated so that an unobstructed
installation is possible. Avoid locating next
to joist, beam or pipe work.

Minimum 200mm
diameter void, 100mm
clear depth required
for installation of
in-ceiling speakers

1.5m cable coils should be left at

speaker pre-wire locations and 15cm
coils in backboxes. All speaker
locations should be accurately
recorded for future installation.

2 x WF100
Grade 1
2 x Cat5e
cabling

SAT SAT2

TV FM

1 x Cat5e + 1 x 4 core speaker cable

run via a control point location to Additional cabling (2 x Cat5e + 2 x WF100) is
speakers. This is called an audio zone. required for the REMOTE AVHE. Grade 1
Shotgun cable can help minimise cabling (2 x Cat5e + 2 x WF100) should also
cable runs. be available here.

DESCRIPTION CABLING CONNECTIONS (A to B )

2 X SPEAKERS LOCATIONS 1 X CAT5E SPEAKERS AVHE

AUDIO 1 X CONTROL POINT 1 X 4 CORE SPEAKER VIA CONTROL
ZONE 1 X WF100 POINT

ADDITIONAL CABLING FOR 2 X CAT5E REMOTE AVHE

REMOTE AUDIO SOURCES 2 X WF100 AVHE LOCATION
AVHE + GRADE 1 CABLING

2015 CEDIA 13
08 INSTALLATION

WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?

If you are the homeowner, property

developer or electrician follow
these simple steps:

1 - Decide on wiring for Grade 1 or

Grade 2.

2 - Mark up house plans (where

you want the stu ). Record which
rooms have which services within
them in the table below. Record
which room the ELVHE is located,
and also the AVHE (if located in a
remote location from the ELVHE).

3 - Begin the installation of cable,

backboxes, sockets, ELVHE and
AVHE equipment.

4 - Continuity check the cables and

record any speaker coil locations for
future reference before the walls are GRADE 1 GRADE 2
closed up.

5 - Finish installation of sockets,

ELVHE and AVHE equipment. Room Name
Sat, TV Internet Phone Speaker Keypad

6 - Mark up as built drawings and

installation for future reference
(These must include dimensions
showing where cables coils can be
located within ceiling voids or wall
voids).

7 - Get the cabling CEDIA veried.

8 - Youre done.

ELVHE located in:

AVHE located in:

14 2015 CEDIA
09 CEDIA VERIFICATION

HOW DOES IT WORK?

CERTIFICATE NUMBER

A qualied CEDIA Structured

Cabling Assessor* (CSCA) will
verify or certify all of the cabling
at the time of installation. This
type of extra low voltage wiring SMART HOME
is not covered under BS7671
regulations and therefore does CABLING CERTIFICATE
not need to be signed o under Address:

the usual electrical certicate that

is issued for a home.

This certificate validates that on the day of issue the

The assessor will test all cabling, property described above meets CEDIAs required
check the documentation is standard for smart wiring technology and that:-
correct and when complete issue
a CEDIA certicate of conformity 1) The cabling, which has been tested as continuous, is functional and safe to use
2) The installation has been carried out using components which are suitable & compatible with
for the home. This guarantees Extra Low Voltage wiring technology

that the wiring is correct, ready 3) There is a design, or appropriate documentation, showing the layout and routing of the wiring
and other components used in the installation

to use, and safe when you move 4) The minimum number of cables, outlets and functional terminals are installed to warrant our
certificate
in. All you have to do is start 5) The system is either Grade 1 or Grade 2 in terms of design and installation complexity

plugging in equipment. It does not offer:

1) Any guarantee that the system and installation will remain compatible with, or suitable for, any
particular type of technology

All CSCA indivduals will be 2) Capability for alteration, addition or variation

3) Compliance with any future standard or requirements
CEDIA ESC-T certied and will 4) Any warranty by CEDIA as to performance or adaptability

be carrying with them a photo ID

card. Assessor Name Company Name

To meet the CEDIA Grade 1

cabling infrastucture a minimum
Grade Date of Assessment

number of cables must be present

in the installation:
[email protected] +44 (0)1480 213744

1 x Data outlet
1 x Telephone outlet www.cedi a .org

1 x TV/Sat/Radio
plus incoming services

To meet the CEDIA Grade 2

cabling infrastucture a minimum
number of cables must be present
in the installation:

Grade 1 cabling (as above)

4 x 4 core speaker + Cat5e cables

(to support 4 zones of audio)

* Refresher courses are conducted periodically to ensure that all CSCA individuals maintain structured cabling best practices

2015 CEDIA 15
10 RUNNING CABLES

ELECTRICAL CABLE DOS AND DONTS

REQUIREMENTS

Low Voltage and Extra Low Voltage

cabling requires some special
consideration when being run
around the property. Due to the
type of signals they carry, they are
susceptible to interference from
mains and high voltage cabling. A
Dont allow the cable to form Use tie wraps loosely on large
qualied electrician will be able to
right angles or sharp bends. Use bundles. Do not overstress cables
run these cables with this in mind.
sweeping bends, no tighter than by over tightening cable ties,
Some guidelines are:
the curve of a can of Cola. especially to the point where
crush-stress is visible.
Ensure all exposed cables (or those
run underground) are suciently
protected.

If sockets are not to be terminated,

leave tails on all cables - 3 metres
at the equipment site, 30cm at a
backbox.

Label cables in a unique fashion Dont allow the cable to kink, Use a cable pulling accessory. Pull
and x near the backbox. knot or snag while pulling it cable using less than 25 pounds
o the spool or out of the box; (11.3 kg) of pull-force.
Use 47mm deep backboxes for deforming the pair-twist will alter
sockets. the performance of the cable.

Ensure cable entry into backboxes

is from the bottom of or top of the
backbox.
3

Cables shouldnt run parallel

to mains/lighting cables for any 0.5 1 1 0.5
distance greater than 2m, unless at
All dims in M
least 450mm apart. There are no
problems if cables just cross at 90 Use j-hooks or similar devices Ensure 1.5m cable coils are left
degrees. designed to support cables. at speaker pre-wire locations to
Do not overstress cables by allow for easy installation. Record
overloading. any pre-wire locations accurately.

MAINS & HIGH VOLTAGE

450mm
MINIMUM

LOW VOLTAGE CABLING

16 2015 CEDIA
11 ELVHE & AVHE PLANNING

EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE HEAD END AUDIO VIDEO HEAD END (AVHE)
(ELVHE)
The AVHE is located at the ELVHE. A suitable patch
The ELVHE is where the incoming services and most or enclosure panel may be installed or shelving could
cables will run back to. A location for this needs to be be provided for the equipment (with the cables
determined for the electrical contractor at an early being terminated in a backbox with a faceplate at the
stage. The ELVHE can be hidden away under the shelving location). Ensure there is appropriate mains
stairs or in a utility room, for example. It needs to be power adjacent to any head end equipment. Any
placed somewhere accessible and at an appropriate AVHE location will need to be suitably ventilated.
height from the oor so an electrician or engineer can
safely work on it. Grade 1 cabling Additional remote
AVHE cabling
The panel needs 2 x 13 Amp double switched socket
outlets located close to it. It is recommended that
cable management be provided to run the cables
to the ELVHE. Trunking can be used to feed cables
directly into the cable knock-outs, or run alongside
as indicated. The electrical contractor will decide the
best way of managing the cables.
*

Incoming Cable, Sat,

TV, FM and DAB services

Cable trunking BENEFITS OF CORRECT CABLING

The remote AVHE cabling should be co-located to

ELVHE the Grade 1 cabling termination point e.g. the main
This contains patching for the lounge. Consideration should be made as to where to
Cat5e cabling and typically house the audio sources and amplier components
will incorporate the TV
- this may often be within a piece of joinery. Any
amplier.
equipment will need to be suitably ventilated.
Incoming telephone line
terminated in master phone
socket.

2 x 13 Amp DSSO

* Dont forget that suitable mains power supply will be required

for the remote AVHE and any head end equipment.

2015 CEDIA 17
12 TERMINATION

Use TIA/EIA-568B standard for wiring both sockets and plugs. TERMINATION - PLUGS

Crimp-style connectors have

two parts: a ring (or crimp) and
PIN T568B COLOUR PIN T568B COLOUR a terminator. They are typically
more dicult to install, but can
1 5 attain the greatest lengths and best
white/orange white/blue connections when used correctly.
stripe stripe

2 6
orange solid green solid 6.5mm 6.5mm

3 7
white/green white/brown
stripe stripe
SAT2
8 6 4 2
4 8 7 5 3 1
T1
SA

blue solid brown solid RA

DIO

SAT2
SAT2
TV
T1
T1

SA
SA

DIO
DIO RA
RA

TV
TV
Cut the cable ush.
Trim the outer cover (usually black
rubber) back 12mm.
TERMINATION - SOCKETS Be very careful not to cut into the
metal braiding directly beneath the
outer housing. The braiding may
be both loose wire and a foil-like
6.5mm 6.5mm
metal present in shielded wire.
Carefully pull back the inner
braiding (second channel) outside
the outer cover. Check to make
SAT2

8 7 6 3
T1
SA

sure none of the braided wire gets

568B

O
DI
RA

SAT2
TV SA
T1

5 4 1 2
wrapped around or touches the
TV
T1
SA

O
DI
RA

copper center conductor.

RA

TV
DIO

SAT2

Trim back the (usually white, but

1- / orange 5 - WHITE / blue
2 - ORANGE 6 - GREEN may be clear) dielectric plastic from
SA
T1
TV

3- / green
4 - BLUE
7 - WHITE / brown
8 - BROWN
the inner core cable.
RA

Be absolutely sure not to scratch

DIO

SAT2

or nick the center conductor. Any

damage to this conductor can
severely impact your signal.
Push the connector down over the
cable end so that the copper core of
Ensure the core is fully pushed back into the IDC connector or it may the coaxial cable sticks out.
result in no or a poor connection. Be sure the dielectric (aluminum
foil) is trimmed so that it does not
enter into the terminator of the
connector.
Crimp or screw the connector into
the end of the cable.
6.5mm 6.5mm

Use a F-Connector barrel adaptor to

connect WM100 cables directly to
one another.

18 2015 CEDIA
 CAT5e termina
cable cut to an
the swing doo
8
7
6
3
8

5
7

4
6
8
1
3

2
The IDC tool i
7

inner core of t
3 2
6 1
7 4
8 5
3
6 6 1
2
7
8 4
5
2
3 5 1
6 4
7 5 3
8 6
3 4 7
6 2 8 12
7 1 3
8 4 6 2
5 7 1
3 3 2 8
5
4
6 1 11

the correspond
7 4 3 2
8 5 6 1
3 7 4
6 2 1
2
3
8 5
7 6 10 1 2
8 4
5 7
2 8 4
1 1 2
5
4 9 1
5 3 4
6 5 3
7 6
8 16 7
3 8
7
6
1
2
3 24
8 4 6 2
5 7 1
3 15 2 8
5
4
6 1 3 23 2
7 4 6 1
8 5 7 4
3
6 14 1 2
3
8 5
7 6 22 1 2
8 4
5 7
2 8 4
13 1 2
5
4 21 1
5 3 4
6 5
7
8 20
3
6 2
7 1
8 4
5
3 19 2
6 1
7 4
8 5
3
6 18 1 2
7
8 4
5
2
17 1
4
5

TERMINATION - PATCHBAYS

Patchbays come in a variety of sizes and mounting options. Most will be contained within a patch panel.
Good patchbays should provide colour coded wiring information.
50mm

Use an IDC Tool

Use TIA/EIA-568A/B wiring
Dress the cables from one side and run them in between the IDC blocks
Align the pairs with the associated IDC 8 7 6 3 8 7 6 3 8 7 6 3 8 7 6 3
21 22 23 24
Avoid untwisting the pairs as much as possible 5 4 1 2 5 4 1 2 5 4 1 2 5 4 1 2
Punch down all the way and inspect each punch down to save time later
Do not untwist the cable pairs more than 12mm or strip back more than 15mm
of the cable jacket.

ELVHE ENCLOSURE EXAMPLE COAXIAL CABLING - STANDARDS

Only CAI approved coaxial cabling should be used -

WF100, WF125 and WF167.

Maximum cable run 50m.

CAT5E CABLING - STANDARDS

Cat5e is supplied by a number of manufacturers.

Always use a known brand as cheap imported cable
can often be of a poor quality.

It is recommended that Cat5e wiring is completed to

TIA/EIA-568A/B standard for wiring both sockets and
plugs. Maximum cable run 90m.

2015 CEDIA 19
13 DOCUMENTATION

It is important that all cables are documented and

tested and a CEDIA member is well equipped to do
this. This will allow homeowners, developers and
builders to ensure that the user of the home can
take full advantage of the installed cables. In todays
digital driven lifestyle, this will enhance the value of
the property and make it more desirable to potential
purchasers.

The system should be documented as follows

The positions and type of all outlets should be

marked on an architectural plan drawing of the
property.

There should be an accompanying schedule of

cables describing cable type, termination type
and locations of both ends of the cable. The
identications for the cables should tie in with the
identications on the plan drawing. The schedule
should also act as the inspection and test sign-o
sheet at time of commissioning.

As an option, a schematic drawing showing the

topology and connections of the installed cabling
is recommended.

The preparation of these documents could be

carried out by the Architect, Electrical Contractor,
Builder or ideally a CEDIA installer whose
specialist eld this is.

20 2015 CEDIA
14 TESTING

IMPORTANCE OF TESTING

Fixing a fault at second x is 10 times cheaper than xing a fault at commissioning.

Do not leave all the testing to the end perform appropriate testing at each stage. After each Cat5e cable has
been terminated it must be continuity tested and wire mapped.

There are three categories of testing:

VERIFICATION QUALIFICATION CERTIFICATION

Verication answers the Qualication answers the Certication answers the

following question: following question: following question:
Do I have end-to-end continuity Can this cabling link support the Does this cable comply with
and a proper wiremap on the bandwidth requirements of the performance requirements of
cable? network and applications? the International TIA or ISO
standards?
Verification Tools Provide: Qualification Tools Provide:
Basic continuity wiremap Identication of links that will The denition of performance
Identication of shorts or not support certain network and the level (Category or
opens in a cable speeds and Class) of performance is
Length, and tone tracing technologies. dened by industry standards
Distance to TIA/EIA-568A/B denes Cat5e,
performance Cat6a, ISO/IEC 11801 and 61935
faults like dene Class C, D, E and F.
crosstalk.
Assurance Industry standards specify a
that existing level of performance based
cabling will on bandwidth analysis that is
support new independent of a particular
technologies, network technology.
like GBE and
VoIP, before
upgrading.

WIREMAPPING Correct Wiring Crossed pairs

1 1 1
2 2 2
The wiremap shows some common examples of 3
4
3
4
3
4
incorrect terminations that can show up in testing. 5 5 5
6 6 6
These are used for testing to make sure pin 1 on 7 7 7
8 8 8
patch panel goes to pin 1 on outlet etc.
Correct Wiring Crossed pairs
1 1 1 1
Additonal testing is2 possible for: Continuity, Shorts, 2 2 2
Crossed Pairs, Reversed
4
3
Pairs. Split Pairs will not 3
4
3
4
3
4
be detected by a simple
5 wiremap test. A more 5 5 5
6 6 6 6
sophisticated test is7 required to detect split pairs. 7 7 7
8 8 8 8

2015 CEDIA 21
15 GLOSSARY OF TERMS

4 CORE SPEAKER CABLE (16/4) COAXIAL CABLE

A high current, 4 core loudspeaker cable designed to A two-core cable comprising a central conductor
carry speaker level audio from amplier outputs to surrounded by an insulator and wrap around braid
loudspeakers. Each core is 16 American Wire Gauge which acts as shield and ground return and an overall
(AWG) in size. insulating outer sheath. Used for radio frequency
signals such as television, radio, satellite and CCTV or
AUDIO VIDEO HEAD END (AVHE) analogue audio and video. Various types and speci-
A dedicated central location within the home where cations are available dependant on intended use.
audio and video equipment is located alongside cable
termination points connected to remote rooms. CROSSTALK
The amount of a signal in one wire or circuit that
BROADBAND is unintentionally induced into an adjacent wire or
High-speed data (typically an Internet connection) circuit carrying a dierent signal.
to the home via the telephone line, CATV, mobile
phone network or a combination of satellite dish and CW1308
telephone line. 4 pair solid core telecoms cable. Cat5e is generally
preferred for CEDIA installations.
BT BRITISH TELECOM (TELEPHONE
PROVIDER) DAB
The UKs national supplier of physical phone lines into Digital Audio Broadcasting or Digital Radio
the home. Actual provider of services delivered over modern replacement for FM radio using digital
the phone line may be by third parties. transmission. Popular in the UK and some parts of
Europe.
CABLE TV (CATV)
Television, phone and data services delivered to the DSSO
home together using an underground cable rather Double Switched Socket Outlet - a UK standard wall
than aerial or satellite dish and separate from the mounted mains power outlet for appliances.
usual telephone line. Typically uses a coax or bre-
optic cable. ETHERNET
Network data communication using wired or wireless
CAT5E connections. Deploys the IEEE802 standards and is
Category 5 Enhanced a data cable consisting of used for distributing Internet access, media and other
4 twisted pair conductors used for home networks communications around a home.
but can also be deployed for telephone and other low
voltage communications. EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE
Ocial terminology for electrical supplies of less than
CAT6 50V AC or 120V DC.
Category 6 as Cat5e but with additional physical
spacing internally and thicker wire cores to allow EXTRA LOW VOLTAGE HEAD END
faster data speed and /or longer cable lengths. (ELVHE)
A dedicated central location within the home where
CAT6A network, data and other small signal communication
Category 6 Augmented as Cat6 but with equipment is located alongside cable termination
additional physical spacing internally and thicker wire points connected to remote rooms.
cores to allow faster data speed and/or longer cable
lengths. FIBRE-OPTIC
A type of cable which uses light, rather than
CCTV electricity, to pass data from one end to the other.
Closed Circuit Television Security cameras and Often made from a glass core surrounded by a
connected monitors and recorders typically used for protective covering, cheaper variants use a plastic
security purposes. material. Used for very high-speed data.

22 2015 CEDIA
FM SIAMESE (SHOTGUN) CABLE
Frequency Modulation - an electrical method of A combined cable construction where two
using a high frequency carrier frequency to move independent cables are laid side-by-side and then
lower frequency content. Used as a generalized moulded together during manufacturing. Although
term to describe VHF analogue radio services in the electrically separate, their combined form is designed
frequency range of 88MHz to 108MHz. to reduce time when running multiple cables around
the home.
GBE
Giga Bit Ethernet the fastest form of Ethernet TRUNKING
network currently in use within homes. Oers a Casing to enclose cabling when running on the
maximum data speed of 1Gb/s. exterior of an internal or external wall, external types
are normally constructed to oer some weather
HOME AUTOMATION proong capabilities. Typically made from plastic or
The electronic connection and control of electrical metal.
and mechanical devices by a wider, unied control
system, e.g. curtains, blinds, lighting, audio / video VOIP
systems, heating telecoms, internet etc. Voice over Internet Protocol telephone services
using the Internet to carry sound and pictures rather
IDC than the normal telephone service. Examples include
Insulation Displacement Connector a high Skype and Apple Facetime.
bandwidth wire connection method for low power
signal cables such as Cat5e. Used in computer WF100, WF125, WF167, RG6
network and telephone connections. Types of coaxial cable often used in residential wiring.

LOW VOLTAGE WIRELESS INTERNET

Ocial terminology for any electrical supply higher Provides access to Internet services and other internal
than those dened by Extra Low Voltage but devices in the home via a wire-free connection to a
less than 1000V AC or 1500V DC, including mains home Router using short-range radio transmission.
electricity.

MULTI-ROOM AUDIO
A centralised audio system allowing music to be
played in multiple rooms, each room having access
to dierent sources and at dierent volume levels if
required.

ROUTER
A hardware device, often provided by an Internet
Service provider (ISP), which establishes a home
computer network (with wired and wireless
connectivity) and passes data between devices within
the home and externally to the Internet.

SAT
Satellite TV TV reception from geostationary
satellites and received at the home using a small
dish type antenna.

2015 CEDIA 23
16 REFERENCES & ASSOCIATIONS

REFERENCES ASSOCIATIONS

The following were used as normative references BSIA - The British Security Industry Association is the
during the compilation of these guidelines: trade association for the private security industry in
the UK. www.bsia.co.uk
ANSI/TIA 570-B Residential Telecommunications
Infrastructure Standard (2004). ECA - The Electrical Contractors Association is
the trade association representing the interests of
British Standard BS 7671 - The national standard contractors who design, install, inspect, test and
in the United Kingdom for low voltage electrical maintain electrical and electronic equipment and
installations. services. www.eca.co.uk

CAI - Code of Practice, Electrical Safety Requirements CAI - The Confederation of Aerial Industries
for Signal Reception Systems (excluding Community Trade body for the domestic Aerial installation and
Antenna Television) CAI COP 03 - March 2010. manufacturing industry. www.cai.org.uk

CAI - Code of Practice for the Installation of Aerials/ CEDIA - Custom Electronic Design and Installation
Antennas and Receiving Equipment in the Single Association, is the leading global authority in the
Dwelling Unit. home technology industry. www.cedia.org

CAI - Code of Practice for the Installation of HBF - The Home Builders Federation is the voice of
Terrestrial and Satellite TV Reception Systems. the home building industry in England and Wales.
Their members deliver around 80% of the new homes
CEA/CEDIA 2030-A - MultiRoom Audio Cabling built each year. www.hbf.co.uk
Standard (2010).
NHBC - The National House-Building Council is the
CEDIA Advanced Electronic Residential Systems. warranty and insurance provider and standards setter
for UK house-building for new and newly converted
CENELEC EN 50173 - The European cabling standard homes. As a non-prot distributing company, it
(the British version is BS EN 50173). reinvests all income in achieving its primary purpose;
improving quality in housebuilding to protect
IEC 61935 - Species reference measurement homeowners. www.nhbc.co.uk
procedures for cabling parameters and the
requirements for eld tester accuracy to measure NICEIC - The NICEIC is an independent voluntary
cabling parameters identied in ISO/IEC 11801. body oering certication services, Building
Regulations Schemes, products and support to
ISO/IEC 11801 - The international standard species electrical contractors and many other trades within
general-purpose telecommunication cabling systems the construction industry. www.niceic.com
(structured cabling) that are suitable for a wide
range of applications. It covers both balanced copper NSI - The National Security Inspectorate is the
cabling and optical bre cabling. specialist approvals and certication body that
inspects companies providing home security, business
TIA/EIA-568A - This is the American standard and security and re safety services. www.nsi.org.uk
was the rst to be published (1991).
RDI - The Registered Digital Institute is the digital
TIA/EIA-568B - First published in 2001 this is an installation sectors professional body and trade
alternative termination standard to 568A. organisation for the digital sector.
www.rdi-online.co.uk

24 2015 CEDIA
17 CEDIA.ORG

TO FIND YOUR NEAREST CEDIA INSTALLER VISIT WWW.CEDIA.ORG

DISCLAIMER

The information provided by this literature is for general guidance only. CEDIA accepts no liability for loss
or damage howsoever arising from any installation of smart wiring technology. CEDIA recommends that all
installations are planned, managed and implemented by a CEDIA approved installer and that all installations are
veried with a CEDIA test certicate.

2015 CEDIA 25
18 NOTES

26 2015 CEDIA
 2015 CEDIA 27
 Version 3.0, January 2015

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Cambridgeshire, PE19 8EP, United Kingdom

+44 (0)1480 213 744

[email protected]
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