What Wire to Use

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Home Theater: Products:
 

We recommend running either a 12/2 or 14/2 speaker wire to each of your 5 or 7 speakers. The lower the number, the thicker the wire. Thicker wires will enable more power to reach the speakers.

Your subwoofer will require a RG6 wire it's line-level audio signal. We recommend using Quad Shield RG6 to eliminate interference.


Multi-Room Audio
 

Multi-Room audio systems require speaker wire and cat5e. We recommend the following wiring:

From the audio amp/receiver to the keypads: 16/4 Speaker wire & Cat5e bundle.

From the keypad to the speakers: 16/2 Speaker wire.


HDTV Distribution
  There are 2 options for distributing HDTV. You can either send the signal over MiniRGB wire (Component Video), or use Cat5e wire with converters (baluns) on either end. If the runs are less then 50 feet, MiniRGB will be the most cost effective. If the runs are over 50 feet Cat5e is the best option. We recommend 2 Cat5e to each TV.

Security Systems
 

Door and window contacts require 22/2 security wire.

Motion detectors, glass break sensors, and other powered devices require 22/4

Keypads and controls require a Cat5e.

Cat5e can always be used in placed of 22/2 and 22/4. It helps to future proof your home. We recommend using Pink cat5e for security.


Security Cameras/CCTV
  Security cameras require and 18/2 for power and a RG59 for video.

Phones
  We recommend running white Cat5e for your phones.

Data
 

For most applications we recommend using Blue Cat5e. This will support up to Gigabit networking speeds.

If you want high-speed networking capabilities Cat6 is the best choice.


Home Automation
  If you are interested in wiring your home for blind control, touch screens, thermostats, and other automation devices we recommend using Green Cat5e.