Structured Cabling Control Centre

Brian33

Hey all,

I hope that title actually describes what I'm asking about...I'm posting a question for my Dad, and I'm not really as down with the sparky lingo as he would be...

He's building a new house and some home automation stuff...he's laid most of the cabling and stuff at this stage, but he wants to know how to build a 'control centre' or 'communications cabinet' or whatever...or, if anyone knew a place where they could be bought for him to install himself, that'd be cool too.

This is the kinda thing he's looking for (description taken from smarthomes.ie's 'Smart Connection Centre':

"This Connection Centre will include the Telephone Panel to handle incoming Telephone and Fax lines. Telephone and Computer Panels for enabling individual Telephone and PC points in each room, TV Splitter and Amplifier Unit for distributing TV and Satellite to each room, Computer Network Switch/Hub for Networking PCs, Broadband Router for providing simultaneous Internet Access in each room, CCTV connection Plate, and a discretely concealed Power supply panel."

I know the CCTV connection plate, telephone and computer panels, and TV Splitter are important to him...the computer network switch/hub is much less important...

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,
~B

zing

How much cabling is involved ?

It sounds like he's looking for something like:
http://www.connectixdirect.com/acatalog/Mini_Cabinets.html
I've seen similar for sale in B&Q in the past and odds are the likes of Maplins, Farnell, Radionics, etc.. will sell something along those lines.

However if there's a lot of cabling involved and there's available space he might want something a bit bigger like:
http://www.connectixdirect.com/acatalog/Wall_Mounting_Cabinets.html
or just go with a regular (i.e. 19") half height floor standing cab.

Hate linking to just one vendor as there are lots that will supply similar products. Your on the right lines with the words structured cabling - throw them along with cabinet into your favorite search engine and you should get more results - narrow down further with "wall mounted", etc...

After you've got a cab you obviously need the various patch panels, etc.. to go into it. Odds are whoever you buy the cab off will be able to supply these as well. Also remember that there are far less patch panels, etc.. available to fit those 'mini' cabs than there would be for standard 19" cabs.

It's always handy to buy a cab that's a little bigger than you actually need as it's generally easier to work with the structured cabling if you've got a little room to play with. That said it's not as if it gets revisited often (if ever) and if you do it right & carefully you shouldn't have an issue.

antoinolachtnai

Is your dad looking for the structured cabling, or is he also looking for systems to go with it (i.e., a central stereo system, CCTV recorder, home automationetc)?

slayer91

I think the 'home automaters' called this room node 0. As you say all wiring is brought back to this central area.
Check this site for more info
http://www.automatedhome.co.uk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=2


Regards

Brian33

Zing - There seems to be lots of cabling involved, I imagine he'll for the 19' kind...thanks for the advice on the cabinet-buying!

antoinolachtnai - I guess he's thinking about the systems involved? I don't think he's planning on a central stereo system, but the other gizmos that you might put in one of these cabinets...

slayer91 - Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!

Forgive the vagueness in my descriptions...Dad's gone to work on the house before I'm home from work, and he's there till after I go to bed most nights, so haven't been able to give him your feedback yet.

antoinolachtnai

be warned, a 19" cabinet is pretty damned big! You can get less deep ones, but some stuff won't fit in them. You can get stuff that mounts on the wall too. It is advisable to have some sort of rear access on a 19" rack, which can be tricky in a restricted space.

It's important for him to price out the entire system of what he wants to do, not just the cabling (obviously).

Head The Wall

I think this is more what you are looking for. It's designed for the home and should be cheaper and tidier than the full 19" rack.

http://www.connectixdirect.com/acatalog/Connectix_Home.html

and a product I have worked with in America

http://www.leviton-lin.com/catalog/BuildPage.aspx?BuildPageID=566

Salem

Hey Brian33 ...
Print his baby off ... It should give Dad everything he needs ...
http://www.swhowto.com

Brian33

Thanks everyone for the help. Salem, I think my Dad's gonna like that link!

~B