Internet/ Security system Pre-wire

9 years ago

I'm in the middle of a new build and looking at installing a
secu

rity system. I have a few questions:

For the internet cable: Should
I run cat6 cable? How much would I need for the floor plan (rough estimate)?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

For the Security system: Should
I run cat6 cables to potential camera locations? What time of cable is needed
for the sensors (window, door, etc...)? Again, any tips are appreciated.

Please see the attached floor plan for reference.

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Comments (3)

Ron Natalie
9 years ago
Evem Cat5 cable is worthless for anything other than analog voice if you don't install it properly. Most cameras will work fine at cat5 speeds. You are getting into the really esoteric stuff (10G data) where cat 6 makes a difference (and again it needs to be done right). You won't get the high end speeds cat6 can do if you don't terminate it right.

Cat5 goes for about $40 for 1000'. Cat6 for $150 for 1000'

You can do the math on your plan to figure out how much you're going to need.

Most security stuff (motion detectors, door/window sensors, glass break) don't even need cat5. They just need a couple of thin conductors from the alarm control box out to all the locations.

The question is how many terminations are you gonig to have? How much wifi are you planning to use? Are you going to use cable TV? Satellite? Watch stuff on the internet like a FireStick, Roku, etc....?
freeoscar
9 years ago
I recommend Cat 5e for the cameras - as Ron pointed out, we are quite a ways from need Cat 6 for cameras. And not only is Cat 5e a little cheaper, but more importantly it is a much more flexible wire - so it's easier to run long, twisting lengths (cameras, at least the outside ones, are among the longest runs. They are also much easier to terminate.

You want 22/2 cable for alarm sensors, and 22/4 for powered devices like sirens or motion detectors. For locations where you want the alarm keypads I'd wire 22/4 and Cat 5e. Depending on what type of system you are using and what type of keypad (or touchscreen), you might need one, the other, or both.
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Jake The Wonderdog
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
freeoscar has it right: Cat5e is much easier to use and terminate than Cat6 and unless you run a data center out of your house you will never need 10G speeds on any network connection.

Much of your data will end up being wireless, but do run Cat5e to places that would benefit from a wired data connection ( a few runs to the TV / Home Theater area, one to the alarm panel, one to any TV and also a couple in the office.) I also run one to a centrally located wireless access point or two. If you plan on security cameras run the Cat5e for them too.

The 22/2 and 22/4 is correct also for the alarm.

Along those lines, I like for my powered sensors to be wired (CO, motion detectors, smoke detectors, glass breaks) The door and window switches I'm fine with wireless.

Both Cat5e and 22/4 is cheap per 1000'

Make sure you get solid copper Cat5e, not copper covered aluminum.