Smart Home Wiring Guide

Why Smart Home Wiring Matters Now

The average American household now has 25+ connected devices, and that number is growing annually. Wireless technology handles many needs, but a properly wired home provides the reliable backbone that wireless depends on.

Retrofitting structured cabling after walls are closed costs 3-5 times more than including it during construction or renovation. If you are opening walls for any reason, it is the ideal time to install future-proof wiring.

Structured Cabling Basics

A structured cabling system uses a central distribution panel (typically in a utility closet or basement) with dedicated cable runs radiating to every room. This star topology ensures each room has independent, reliable connectivity.

Recommended Cable Types

Cat6A Ethernet: The current standard for residential networking. Supports 10-gigabit speeds up to 100 meters. Costs approximately $0.30-$0.50 per foot for cable, plus $5-$15 per terminated end. Run at least two Cat6A cables to every room — one for network, one for future use.

RG6 Coaxial: Still needed for cable TV and some satellite services. Run one per room where TV viewing is anticipated.

Fiber Optic: Increasingly available for residential use. Future-proofs for bandwidth demands beyond 10 gigabit. Consider running conduit (empty pipe) to allow future fiber installation even if you do not install fiber now.

Smart Device Power Planning

Smart home devices require thoughtful electrical planning:

Smart switches: Require a neutral wire in the switch box (not present in many pre-1980s homes)

Security cameras: Benefit from PoE (Power over Ethernet) to avoid separate power runs

Smart locks: Battery-powered models avoid wiring complexity

Motorized shades: Require a dedicated outlet near each window header (plan during framing)

EV charger: Requires a dedicated 240V/50A circuit from the panel to the garage

Whole-Home Automation

Centralized automation systems (Control4, Savant, Crestron) require dedicated wiring and professional programming. Hub-based systems (Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Google Home) work primarily over Wi-Fi and are more accessible for DIY implementation.

For new construction, install conduit between the automation panel location and key rooms. This allows future cable pulls without opening walls.