is phone wiring needed in current day builds?
Is there any reason other than cable connections or use of a phone when cell systems are down to install phone wiring in a current whole house remodel? The clients do not intend to use cable services, but I can imagine them changing their minds when their lives are less hectic.
Replies
At the least I would put a conduit in to get from basement to attic.
Agreed. A minimal amount of conduit or use-neutral cabling (CAT-whatever) would be advised, so that the future occupant can install home electronics that is reasonably safe from CIA monitoring (or at least install normal TV/phone runs from the service entrance to the home's data center).
I would consider running CAT6, CAT5e, and RG6 to each bedroom and/or locations for TVs to a central location. You can pull all 3 to each location at the same time. Easy to wire the either of the network cable runs for phone. You can also use the CAT6 to run HDMI.
Just curious, why would you run both CAT5e and CAT 6?
What mlefke said. We like to use one of the lv panels and put it beside the main electrical (if that's convenient), leave a conduit (or other) where the service will be coming in from outside) to provide a convenient place to collect your runs. Use LV outlets in the obvious places as as said, pull the wires from outlet to main panel before closing the walls--and then hook up as needed. Nice to put a recessed outlet where the main flat panels will go as well. Pull RG6 or Cat 6 to locations where you might want security cameras as well.
Nothing annoys me more than seeing a bunch of holes punched into new construction by cable company barbarians because the contractor didn't look ahead.
What paredown said... Running various forms of copper is cheap when the walls are open, expensive and ugly afterward.
Where I am, the AHJ makes us run at least one phone circuit. For most people, it's more decorative than functional, although in some places, it's the only way to get any kind of broadband or may be the best alternative to a greed-driven cable company. I think the security cam thing is overblown, but a lot of people disagree with me and cams have helped solve a number of crimes.
The code requires a communication outlet but that can be phone, LAN or a telegraph line. These days I assume that should be a CAT5/6. You can run just about anything from that with the right baluns.
800.156 Dwelling Unit Communications Outlet. For new
construction, a minimum of one communications outlet shall
be installed within the dwelling in a readily accessible area and
cabled to the service provider demarcation point.