home wiring and electronics handbook

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3C – The Home Electronics Handbook for Better Living 2002 (1.2.1)

TheHome Electronics

Handbookfor

Better LivingThe revolutionary book that helps you make intelligent selectionswith respect to your electronic lifestyle & budget, while protecting

your investment in the connected home.

Written by: Frank Damico & Jim Ankeny

An educational resource provided by 3C Systemswww.3csystems.com

919-469-5021Revision 1.2.1, September 27, 2002

http://www.3csystems.com/

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Table of ContentsAbout the Authors………………………………………………………..…3

Purpose of This Handbook & How To Use It……..…………………….….5

What is a Custom Electronics Integrator ?…….…...……………..….….….6

30 Provisions You Should Expect from YourCustom Electronics Integrator………………….….………….…………….7

10 Things to Look For When Hiring a Home ElectronicsIntegrator…………………………………………………………...….……9

The Better Living Design Process….......….......………………….……….11

Top Trends for Custom Homebuyers.………………………....…………..12

Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………..……..……13

Audio Systems…………………….…….………………….…….………..17

Data-Video-Phone Systems…………………….……………….….……...19

Security Systems…………………….………….…………………..…..….21

Home Theater Systems…………………….....…………….…………..….24

Automated Lighting Controls………………………….……….….……....27

Central Vacuum Systems…………………….……………..……..……….30

What Do Others Say about 3C ?........................…………….…….……….32

How to Get Started..................................…………………………..……....33

3C Selection Ideas for Better Living……………….……………………...A1

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DedicationThis handbook is dedicated to all professional builders and homeowners

looking for better living through home electronics. Without their input and feedback overthe last 16 years, this book would not be possible.

About The Authors

Frank DamicoBefore joining 3C, Frank spent 17 years at IBM Microelectronics & Personal Systems.Frank started his IBM career as a facilities project engineer, designing multi-milliondollar mechanical & electrical systems for semiconductor clean rooms. He also hired theconstruction contractors and managed each facilities project. Later in his IBM career,Frank earned his MBA and directed the marketing & business development for two newbusiness units at IBM. During this time, he learned how to strategically position a newbusiness and make it the logical choice in the marketplace. Frank is also a musician whohas hands-on experience with high quality audio, video and computer systems. With hisbackground in facilities engineering, marketing, and audio/video systems – a career with3C seemed at natural fit for him. Frank is responsible for all Marketing & BusinessDevelopment at 3C. Since joining the company in 2001, Frank has led the effort toexpand 3C’s custom builder division. Frank has also introduced new policies &procedures at 3C to improve the design/install process and quality control.

Jim AnkenyJim Ankeny is co-owner and Senior Design Consultant at 3C. He has 17 years of customdesign & installation experience with audio visual systems, multi-line phones, homeautomation, access control, and security systems. Jim has designed & installed customsystems for sophisticated homeowners in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. Heis actively involved with CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and InstallationAssociation), the only national organization for certified custom installers, and isresponsible for 3C’s educational and certification programs. Jim has a diversebackground anchored in the Audio/Video Automation industry and brings sales,marketing, and operations skills and knowledge to the company. His promotional skillsin the past have produced events boosting sales increases as high as 300 percent. As theprevious owner of his own home automation company, he introduced new audio/videoproduct lines to 3C. Jim has also created a unique design process for 3C clients to helpthem balance their electronic lifestyle and budget while protecting the resale value of thehome.

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Contributing Technical Expert

Jim HurdisJim Hurdis founded 3C Systems in 1986, and is co-owner and President of the company.He has a reputation in the industry for designing & installing unique and highly reliableelectronic systems. With over 1,000 installations throughout North Carolina, Jim’s clientsinclude many sophisticated custom homebuyers and commercial business owners. He hasalso done engineering analysis and consulting for many national corporations. The 3Cshowroom in Morrisville adjacent to the Raleigh-Durham Airport artfully demonstrateshis ability to combine electronic style and performance.

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Purpose of this HandbookThe purpose of this handbook is to allow custom home builders and their clients to makeinformed and intelligent choices in custom home electronics & integration, resulting inbetter living and better resale value of their home. This educational resource is a result ofover 20 years of research and experience crystallized into one comprehensive book. Youshould use this book to help you spend more time on creating the lifestyle you want, andless time on learning the technical details to get there.

How to Use This HandbookThis educational resource has been designed to help you answer the questions below onyour journey to better living through home electronics. We hope that this book willanswer most of your questions to help you make informed and intelligent decisions. Ifthis book does not address all your questions about custom electronics integration, pleasesend your questions to [email protected].

• What type of selections in home electronics will protect the resale value of my home?(Go to Appendix 1.0 – 3C Selection Ideas for Better Living)

• What should I look for when hiring a custom electronics integrator? (Go to pages 7-10)

• What is my electronic lifestyle profile and how much should I budget for thislifestyle? (Go to Appendix 1.0 – 3C Selection Ideas for Better Living)

• What type of design process is needed to balance my lifestyle and financialrequirements, while protecting the resale value of my home? (Go to page 11)

• What are the top trends for today’s custom homebuyers? (Go to page 12)

• How do I better understand technology for the connected home? (Go to pages 13-16)

• What should I look for before hiring a structured wiring contractor for audio, data,video, phone, security, home theater, lighting controls or central vacuum? (Go topages 17-31)

• What features and benefits in home electronics are best suited for my lifestyle?(Go to Appendix 1.0-3C Selection Ideas for Better Living)

How to Help Us Improve This HandbookWhile this book is based on many years of research and development by 3C in customhome electronics, it would not be possible without input & feedback from builders andtheir clients. 3C owes all their success over the years to the progressive homebuyers whodemand the latest technologies in the home to improve their quality of life. If there areany topics in this book that you would like more information on, or new topics that youwould like to see in the next revision, please send your input to [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]

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What is a Custom Electronics Integrator?

One of the most common questions today from custom home builders and clients is“What is a custom electronics integrator, and what can they do for me?” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines integrate as a verb meaning “to form, coordinate, or blendinto a functioning or unified whole.” Applying this meaning to custom electronics, anintegrator must be able to blend various electronic trades into a functioning or unifiedsystem that matches the custom home buyer’s lifestyle and budget. The integrator mayblend two or more of the following electronic products & services:

• Audio• Data• Video• Phone• Security• Home Theater• Automated Lighting• Central Vacuum

Another common question from builders is “What is the difference between anelectronics installer and an integrator ?” Simply stated, an electronics installer typicallyinstalls the electronic services specified by the builder for each room. This arrangementtypically works well with production homes. An electronics integrator does much morethan this, as shown in the table below.

Electronic Installer vs IntegratorElectronic Services Installer IntegratorDesign YesConsultation YesProject Management YesPre-Wire Yes YesTrim-Out Yes YesEquipment Installation Yes YesActivation Yes YesPersonalization YesMultiple function for specific wires YesProgramming YesFlexibility for Future Use YesOne-Touch Controls YesTraining Client for Better & Smarter Living Yes

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30 Provisions You Should Expect from Your Custom ElectronicsIntegratorLet’s face it, building a custom home today is more sophisticated than ever before. Backin the early 1900s, the average family had simple decisions to make regarding homeelectronics. For example, most families had only one phone and usually decided to put itin the kitchen. Since the transistor was invented in the 1950s we have seen an explosionof technology products in the home. With this expansion of technology, the builder andhomeowner have more decisions and selections today than ever in the history ofhomebuilding. In fact, today’s custom home buyer typically makes at least 50 decisionson audio, data, video, phone, security, home theater, automated lighting and centralvacuum systems. In some cases, the homeowner may need to make over 200 decisions!If you make the wrong decisions in any of these areas, you may adversely affect theappraisal of your home or your family’s quality of life. Therefore, when selecting yourhome electronics integrator, you need to find a company with the experience, knowledgeand insight to protect your investment and enhance your family’s quality of life.

List below are some guidelines to help you identify and an average installer verses andexceptional integrator. The average installer provides the bare minimum to get the jobdone with little consideration on the short/long term lifestyle of the client. Theexceptional integrator will add many more provisions to assure better living for theclient while protecting their investment. Please make note of the 30 items you shouldexpect from an exceptional electronics integrator.

An Average Home Electronics Installer provides:

1. UL approved fire alarm wiring on security systems.2. One-year warranty on security systems, or less than one year.3. Configurable network center box for data-video-phone.4. Cat5 wiring for data & phone.5. Central Vacuum from subcontractor.6. 16 Gage twisted pair stranded stereo wires.7. High fidelity in-wall/in-ceiling speakers.8. Volume, keypad and multizone audio controls.9. Home Theater projection screens and surround sound system.

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An Exceptional Home Electronics Integrator provides:

1. All of the above, plus the following:2. Free design and consultation for audio, data-video-phone, security, home theater,

automated lighting, and central vacuum.3. Free project management for custom builders.4. English Display Keypad with easy to read zones and alarm conditions.5. A Supervised Alarm Circuit to assure all circuits are active.6. Custom designed motion detectors to avoid false alarms.7. Power supervision of smoke detectors to assure active detection.8. Shielded wires from alarm control box to keypads to assure data & alarm integrity.9. Two-year warranty on security systems.10. High Definition video cable (RG6 Quad Shield).11. “Puncture Guard” wrapping of wire bundles and stud plates.12. High speed termination of data wire.13. Spare data and video wiring to the attic and crawl spaces.14. Double wiring feeds to phone and cable service.15. Central Vacuum work done in-house (not subcontracted).16. Triple filtration of vacuum system for longer motor life.17. Pre-wiring of rooms for both volume and keypad audio controls.18. “Hum-Guard” wiring installation for audio.19. Integrated “Smart-Sound” controls (e.g. whole house door bell chime).20. Multizone Music – different music in selected rooms.21. One-Touch Control for Home Theater and Automated Lighting.22. Competitive pricing for Home Theater equipment with “just-in-time” delivery

process.23. Safety lighting integrated with security & fire system.24. Single keypad lighting vs. entire row of unsightly switches.25. Engraved faceplates for lighting keypads.26. Personalized lighting presets for artwork, landscape or architectural detail.27. Remote activation for lighting via phone or car visor control.28. Wireless lighting controls for existing homes.29. Automated lighting control to reduce energy costs.30. Visitor and safety alert lighting.

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10 Things To Look For WhenHiring a Home Electronics Integrator *

1. Integration Knowledge & Experience – Make sure your integrator’s team members havedesigned, installed AND integrated electronic systems in a large variety of homes. The more thebetter. Ask them how many years have they been in the Triangle? How many homes have theirsecurity systems? home theater and media rooms? vacuum systems? data networks? Do theysubcontract any trades, i.e. vacuum and security? If so, whom do you call if you need warrantyservice? What are the size and complexity of homes they have completed? Can you meet andtalk with a lead technician or project manager? Ask them if they have recently integrated phone,home theater, doorbell, stereo, and closed circuit cameras into a one-touch control system? If not,you need to question their knowledge and experience as a systems integrator, and make sure theirsolutions will suit your lifestyle.

2. Current References & Testimonials –Ask for permission to contact two or three recentclients; a low and high complexity home to give you two different viewpoints. Also ask to speakwith two or three builders they work with. Ask to visit and see their work in completed homes.When you visit the homes, make sure they show you the quality of their wiring at wall panels,outlets, and audio/video equipment. Find out how old the testimonials are. Many companieshave the same testimonials they had 5 years ago--that is not a good sign!

3. Visionary Design & Consultation- Do they have a logical design & selection process thatallows you to see all the options and cost/benefit trade-off of home electronics? Ask them if theyrun spare data and video wiring to the attic and crawl spaces. Do they run RG6 Quad Shield forhigh definition video? Ask them if they run double wiring feeds to phone and cable service. Dothey pre-wire rooms for both volume and keypad audio controls? Do they pre-wire for surroundsound in the space you plan for a future home theater? Beware of suppliers who do not providethese services, because the future value of your home depends on it!

4. Reference Materials that Provide Insight-Make sure they have reference materials to helpyou make intelligent choices. Ask them if they have a selection matrix that can quickly estimateyour budget based on your lifestyle profile. See if they have a selection matrix to quickly showyou various home theater configurations and budgets. Do they have information on homeelectronic trends and what they mean to you? Do they clearly explain the product features andbenefits that relate to your quality of life? If they do not have good reference materials, you mayunknowingly select products that have an adverse effect on your lifestyle and future homevaluation.

5. Product Quality Inside & Outside the Walls-Find out what kind of wiring & equipment theyuse and why they use them. Do they install supervised alarm and smoke detector circuits toassure all circuits are active? Do they install shielded wires from alarm control box to keypads toassure data & alarm integrity? Do they use high-speed termination of Cat5 data wiring? Do theyuse “Hum-Guard” wiring installation for audio systems? Do they use “Puncture Guard”wrapping of wire bundles and stud plates? Do they test wires and circuits before you move in?Are network wires wrapped neatly and marked for identification? Beware of installers who donot maintain these high quality standards. Once the walls are closed up, the cost to fixshortsighted wiring can be astronomical!

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6. User-Friendly Contract with Details-A professional electronics integrator always has acontract with an executive summary and details for each room. Ask the integrator for a sample ofa recent contract with details. Make sure the executive summary shows the cost at each phase ofthe project, the cost of equipment, and a roll-up for each trade. The detail section should showequipment detail by room AND by trade. There should also be a timeline with progress paymentsdue at each phase of the project. Make certain the integrator also has insurance to protect you.Any supplier without insurance is not a professional and should not be considered at all.

7. Hands-On Product Demonstrations-Do they have a showroom? Are their display productsup to date and in working condition? Can they demonstrate the operation & controls of productsthey recommend? Can they show you the components of your data-video-phone network? Dothey have in-wall speakers for you to hear and compare? Do they have a surround-sound system?Can you visit a few of their clients’ homes to see more products? If they cannot provide suchdemonstrations and give you the confidence you need for product selections; you may bechoosing the wrong products.

8. Proactive Project Management-After you sign contract with your integrator, who is going tomake sure the project gets done right and on time? Who is the project manager you would callduring pre-wire? During trim out? During installation, programming and activation? How muchexperience does the project manager have? Also find out how many trades is he managing? Is hemanaging three trades and sub-contracting vacuum and security? If so, who is responsible forthe quality of all five trades? A good project manager always knows what the most likely risksare for your project and has a proactive risk-avoidance plan. If the supplier does not have aproject manager and a risk-avoidance plan, it’s like flying a plane without a pilot. Is the salesconsultant also working as the project manager? If so, this creates a conflict of interest where theclient-on-contract always ends up on the short end of the stick.

9. Responsive & Effective Customer Service –Does your integrator have an experiencedtechnician assigned to customer service calls? How many years have they been resolvingcustomer service calls? Do you get a return call with an action plan within one business day?How many punch list items are listed with recent clients? How many have been completed? Arethe clients satisfied with the customer service? What kind of warranty comes with each of yourcustom electronic systems? If some systems are subcontracted (e.g. vacuum, security, hometheater), who is ultimately responsible? If the supplier cannot demonstrate responsive andeffective customer service, you need to look elsewhere or be prepared for frustration.

10. Professional Affiliation-Membership in professional organizations such at CEDIA (CustomElectronic Design & Installation Association) or the HBA (Home Builder’s Association) makesthe statement that this integrator maintains high moral and professional standards within thecustom electronics industry. Make sure your integrator is well connected and respected in at leastone professional organization.

Your Next StepCall 3C at 919-469-5021 for a free consultation. Join the thousands of satisfied clients in theTriangle who have done their homework and selected 3C for over 16 years. We look forward tobringing you better living in your most valued investment, your home.

* Based on the following articles: National Association of Home Builders guide on Choosing A Builder,American Institute of Building Design article 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Design Professional,and Carolina Living article on Selecting a Custom Home Builder.

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The Better Living Design Process by 3C

1. Executive summary of 3C company & product categories.

2. Review of client’s lifestyle, floorplan, and specific ideas.

3. Overview of the benefits for each category in the home.

4. Determine client’s baseline interest level in each category,looking at current and future needs in the home.

5. Demonstrate features, benefits and trade-offs for variousproducts available within each category.

6. Review each room on floor plan confirming interest levels ineach category. List desired features for each room.

7. Client meeting adjourned with follow-up meeting scheduled.

8. Design custom electronic systems to meet client’s requirementsfor each room and category.

9. Create & deliver proposal agreement to builder & client withdetails by room and category.

10. Review proposal agreement with builder & client.

11. Update proposal as needed, deliver to builder & client.

12. Agreement sign-off.

13. Update change orders as needed. Deliver to builder & client.

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Top Trends for Custom Homebuyers **

! The Internet– 60% of households on-line.– America online has 30 million members.– Internet use doubles every 100 days.– Used for communication, shopping, doing research, managingfinancial portfolios, and news.

! Home Computers– 58% of households with PCs.– 26% of households with two or more PCs.– Less then $500 for a new PC.

! Functional Home Office– 30% of workforce work at home part-time or full-time.– 81% of homebuyers want home office space.– Pre-Internet wiring standards will not support today’s home office needs for high-speed Internet, multiple phone lines, modem, and fax communications.

! Access to Entertainment Services–68% of households have cable TV services.–Consumers are demanding more services like digitalsatellite, internet TV, digital cable & HDTV, and movies on demand.– More services place greater demands on the home’s cabling system.

! Assurance of Resale Value–Many perceived luxuries of the past are now standard features, e.g. air conditioning, dishwasher, Cable TV– Homebuyers don’t want their primary investment to be technologically obsolete in 5 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions **

What is Bandwidth?A wire’s capacity for information is called bandwidth. The more bandwidth a wire has,the faster the rate of information transfer through the wire.

What is Bell Wire?One pair of copper wires designed for voice conversations only, subject to noise andinterference. Bell Wire has been used in the majority of homes until recently.Information rate capacity is equivalent to a squirt gun.

What is Category 5?Four twisted pairs of high quality copper wire enclosed in an outer jacket, used forphone-fax-modem and high-speed digital computer transmissions. Cat5 supports fourphone lines with one cable and has a high immunity to interference. Information ratecapacity is equivalent to a garden hose.

What is RG6 Quad Shield?Coaxial cable with insulated center wire and four layers of shielding that supportshundreds of channels and digital data. RG6 is used for cable TV, digital satellite, cablemodem and high-speed interactive video services. RG6 also has a high immunity tointerference. Information rate capacity is equivalent to a fire hose.

What is Modem?A Modem is used to transmit computer data over standard phone lines and typicallypackaged in a new home computer. Today’s standard computer modems transmit up to56,000 bits per second.

What is ISDN?ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDN is the digital equivalent ofstandard computer modem transmission and transmits high-speed data at 128,000 bits persecond, almost three times faster a standard modem. ISDN service is provided by theTelephone Company over high-quality copper phone wire.

What is DSL?DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line service and transmits high-speed data anywherefrom 50 to 270 times faster than a standard modem. This translates to a range of 1.5-9.0million bits per second. DSL service is provided by the Telephone Company over high-quality copper phone wire.

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What is Cable Modem Service?Cable modems transmit high-speed data up to 900 times faster than today’s analogcomputer modems at a rate of 30 million bits per second. Since neighborhood users“share” available bandwidth, actual data throughput speed will be slower. Cable Modemis provided by the cable company over high-quality coaxial cable.

What is Ethernet?Ethernet is a commercial networking standard for transmitting data between computers,typically connected via cables to an Ethernet hub. Each computer must have an Ethernetnetwork interface card. 10BaseT means the computers are connected with twisted paircable (CAT5) at 10 million bits per second data throughput.

What is DBS?DBS stands for Digital Broadcast Satellite and allows video programs to be received by asmall 18-inch satellite dish. Signals are decoded at the TV with a set-top receiver. Usersmay need a traditional TV antenna for local broadcasts, such as local news.

What is Whole-House Video?With Whole-House Audio, any video source can be seen on a specific channel on everyTV in the home. VCR or DVD programs can be viewed on any TV. A camera in thebaby’s room allows sleeping infants to be watched remotely from any room. A frontdoor cameral enables screening for possible intruders.

What is a Structured Wiring System?Structured Wiring (SW) is a distribution network for data, video, audio and phonecommunications in your home. This network includes a central location for incomingdata-video-audio-phone signals, which are distributed via wires & cables to variousrooms in the home. Room outlets use high-quality cable connections to assure speed andperformance transmission. SW systems are flexible and can easily be redirected as thehomeowner’s family grows and their needs change. A SW system can provide the“electronic foundation” for telephone, fax, modem, cable TV, digital satellite, high speedinternet, computer networking, audio, and connected home management.

What is “Puncture-Guard” Wiring?This is a technique used by skilled technicians to protect the structured wiring invulnerable wall studs. After drilling holes in the studs and pulling wire through, thetechnician will hammer a strike plate on the outside surface of the stud. This strike plateis a 2”x3” steel plate that will prevent penetration of future screws or nails into the studsection after sheetrock is installed.

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What is “Hum-Guard” Wiring?When installing low-voltage audio wiring inside stud bays, it is very important to stayclear of high voltage wiring for lights and power outlets. If audio wiring is installed nearhigh voltage wire, it will induce electromagnetic forces on the audio wire and create ahumming sound in your speakers. Skilled audio technicians will find the best way toavoid high voltage wiring, e.g. running audio wire on another stud 16” away. We callthis “Hum-Guard” wiring.

Why should I install structured wiring in my new home when the industry is goingwireless?While wireless phones and Internet connections have become popular in older homes thatwere not built with Cat5 structured wiring, these products cannot give you samebackbone reliability and distributed bandwidth of a wired network. Wireless phones anddata connections do serve well for extended or supplemental communications. This isanalogous to space heaters supplementing the furnace in your home. The furnace is yourprimary source of heat, and Cat5 wiring is your primary source for phone & datacommunications. Just like you would never rely on primary heating from portable spaceheaters, you should not design your phone & data backbone with wireless products.

What is “Smart-Sound” audio control wiring?“Smart-Sound” audio control wiring is used to pre-wire your home for two differentaudio functions: 1-simple volume control, and 2-full system keypad control. This givesyou the option to install simple volume control knobs and later upgrade to keypads formultizone audio and system controls. Analogous to “a stitch in time saves nine”, thislow-cost pre-wire technique can save you thousands of dollars if you need to upgradefrom knobs to keypad controls. That’s why its called “Smart-Sound” wiring.

How can I quickly tell what electronic systems my family needs based on ourlifestyle?3C has created a set of user friendly selection tables that quickly show you electronicselections for four different lifestyles: Bronze-Silver-Gold-Platinum (see appendix in thishandbook). Match the lifestyle profiles in each table to yours and this will help youdetermine what electronic systems are best suited for you and your family.

What budget should I plan for my electronics lifestyle?3C has created a set of user friendly selection tables that quickly show you electronicselections for four different budget ranges: Bronze-Silver-Gold-Platinum (see appendixin this handbook). Match the budget range in each table to yours and this will help youget started. Then check the lifestyle profile and selection features for your budget rangeto see if your budget realistically matches your electronic lifestyle. Then work with anexperienced design consultant to optimize the best electronics mix for each room in yourhome.

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What is a Supervised Alarm Circuit?Designed to detect a break or short in the alarm circuit which assures that the circuit isactive and in working condition. Without supervision a wire could be shorted before thecontact and your system would never recognize the door is open (or window).

Why do I need shielded wires for my security keypads?Shielded wires have an additional layer of insulation wrapped around the signal wire toyour keypad. This additional layer or “shield” assures data integrity and proper keypadfunctionality in harsh electrical environments. Skilled security system designers andtechnicians use only shielded wires to connect your keypads to your control panel.Beware of security companies that try to cut costs & labor by not installing shieldedwires in your security system.

** Some top trends and questions from Home Wiring 101, by OnQ Technologies.

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Audio Systems

Imagine being able to listen to your favorite music from anywhere in the home whileanother member of your family is listening to another selection or medium in anotherroom-all from the same system.

High quality audio components and microprocessors can be either discretely concealed ortastefully presented in a central audio/video area. In selected rooms throughout of thehouse, Decora styled keypads, full-featured command stations or concealed sensors willforward your instructions (volume, selection, and on/off) to the central system. Inresponse, the room comes alive with clean, clear, stereo music often using the new in-wall speaker systems (now rivaling the better, cabinet speakers).

When shopping for your audio design & install company, make sure you ask thefollowing questions:• Are your technicians trained and certified to install integrated audio systems, e.g.

Elan whole house door chimes?• Do you use 16 gage twisted pair stranded stereo wires? 12 & 14 gage when required?• Are your technician trained and certified to install multizone audio systems and

controls?• Do you pre-wire rooms for both simple volume control AND full system keypad

control?• Can your in-wall speakers get down to 32Hz frequency response? Up to 22KHz?• How much clearance do you allow between speaker wiring and high voltage wiring in

the stud bays?

To better understand audio products and how the features & benefits align with yourlifestyle, go Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideas for AudioSystems.

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Sample In-Wall Speakers

Selected Audio Product Manufacturers

Niles, Bay Audio, Atlantic Technology, Gallo Acoustics, Energy,JBL, Infiniti, Advent, Sound Dynamics, AR – Acoustic Research

Rockoustics

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Data-Video-Phone Systems

" Sending a PowerPoint presentation to your client while in your pajamas." Receiving image files on your PC from your high school reunion." Researching a term paper on a Mac in your daughter’s bedroom." Watching your favorite team win the big game from any room in your home." Talking to your mom on speaker-phone while you prepare a family meal.

All these modern conveniences have become part of the American way of life in recentyears. It’s no wonder that 70% of new custom homes have a network distribution systemfor data, video and phone. Why do more and more families want this network of wiresin their home? The answer is simple. To spend less time driving, less time flying, andmore quality time with family and friends. While inventions of the car and airplaneseemed to separate the traditional family of 100 years ago, today’s connected home givesyou the ability to bring family & friends closer together.

While shopping for your data-video-phone integrator, make sure you ask the followingquestions:• Do you secure your wire bundles with tie-wraps or staples? While staples save time,

a skill technician uses tie-wraps to assure better quality signal transmission.• Do you install spare Cat5 wire and RG6 quad shield cable to the attic and crawl space

for future system expansion?• Explain how you terminate your data wire jackets? While standard stripping saves

time, a skilled technician will bring the wire jacket all the way to the terminationpoint to assure the highest possible data speed for your network.

• Do you install double wiring feeds for phone and cable service?• What type of TV cable do you install to assure clear reception of HDTV? The right

answer is RG6 Quad shield video data cable. While one-third of installers savemoney using lower grade cable, their clients will be unhappy campers when HDTVprogramming becomes the standard in the next 5 years.

To better understand audio products and how the features & benefits align with yourlifestyle, go to Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideas for Data-Video-Phone Systems.

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Schematic of a Data-Video-Phone System

Selected Data-Video-Phone Product Manufacturers

OnQ TechnologiesHome Director

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Security Systems

The components' of such home security system can generally be divided into thefollowing categories:

Control. The control includes the electronics, standby backup power, communicationsequipment, etc. It is usually installed in a closet and is rarely accessed by the client. Thecontrol is where all of the wires end up or where the wireless signals are received.

Remote Stations. Often called command stations, keypads, or touchpads, the remotestations are convenient locations from which the control status is determined, and fromwhere the system may be disarmed, armed, or reset. When the system is turned off, asecurity code or combination is required Optionally the systems will allow the client touse any telephone in the home (or in the world) to accomplish what was once onlypossible from a remote station.

Protective Circuit: The protective circuit is the array of sensors and devices that allowthe control to determine whether someone is entering or already in the house. Theprotective circuit is generally divided into two areas, the perimeter and the interior. Mostinstallations will employ sensors for both areas. Perimeter protective devices areappropriate both when the family is asleep, and when the home is empty, this equipmentwould concentrate on entry points at the exterior doors, windows, and glass. interiorprotection is most appropriate when the home is empty, these devices are strategicallyplaced in passageways to "trap" an intruder regardless of the initial means of entry.

Alarm and Reporting: When a hostile entry is detected, a variety of reactions areavailable, including: audible alarms, interior and exterior sirens, some of which speakEnglish: lights, either existing house lights or strobe lights; 24 hour central stationmonitoring and authorized appropriate response service options.

The equipment above comprises what we call the “controlled" system. Controlledequipment is available to detect an intrusion at your discretion, you determine when andhow much equipment should be protecting your home at any given time.

Listed below are some options for what is called 24-hour circuits. These devices wouldbe tied into the same control as the protective circuit and remote stations, but since it isdifficult to predict the event of a fire, robbery, or medical emergency, these devices arealways available whether the intrusion system is on or off.

24-Hour Fire. Both heat and smoke detectors are required. In this application, reliabilityis essential.24-Hour Panic. For times when you might wish that the system had been on, both hard-wired and portable wireless buttons.

24-Hour Robbery. Silent sneaky equipment for the most unlikely but dangerouspossibility.

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24-Hour Medical Alert. Press a medical button and you call the paramedics, great forbaby-sitters, parents with small kids and high-risk medical problems24-Hour Special. Anything that plugs in, Gets hot or cold or wet can be monitored, theonly limit is your imagination.

While shopping for your security systems integrator, make sure you ask the followingquestions:• Does your standard package include an English Display Keypad? While some

installers save money with non-display keypads, their clients suffer the consequenceswith more false alarms and unnecessary service calls.

• Does your standard package include Shielded wires from the alarm control box to thekeypads? While unshielded wires cost less, shielded wires assure data integrity andproper keypad functionality in harsh electrical environments.

• Does your standard package include a 2-year warranty on parts & labor?• Does your standard package include a two-pair Supervised Alarm Circuit? While

some installers save on wiring cost with one-pair circuit, a supervised circuit willassure you that all wind and door circuits cannot be broken.

• Does your standard package include special motion detectors for pets or other unique“away from home” situations?

• Does your standard package include power supervision of smoke detectors?• Does your standard package include UL approved fire alarm wiring with a fire

resistant jacket?

To better understand audio products and how the features & benefits align with yourlifestyle, go to Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideas for SecuritySystems.

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Selected Security Product Manufacturers

DSCNAPCOAdemco

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Home Theater Systems

With recent advances in video, computer, and audio technologies, you can nowexperience movies in your own home that can rival, and even surpass, that of a traditionalmovie theater. Whether you choose direct view, rear projection, or the incredible visualimpact of a two-piece front projection system, you will be impressed with today'sdramatic departure from the small and visually unappealing screens of yesterday.Breakthroughs in audio technology are even more electrifying than those in the area ofvideo. Producer/Director George Lucas, whose film company revolutionized film makingthrough intense development of the soundtrack, once said, “Half of the film experience isthe sound."

Providing the high levels of directionality and faithful reproduction of the filmmaker'soriginal intent requires the proper equipment and significant design experience.Developments by Dolby Laboratories have brought us technology for three dimensionalsound positioning, or "surround sound." Surround sound divides a movie’s sound intothree front channels, which are primarily used to handle dialogue, music, and effects. Inaddition, there are also rear, and side channels (with two speakers each) which areprimarily used for effects.

A properly designed home theater can fully reproduce the superb effects of this systemachieving natural sounding dialogue located at the speaking actor's position on the screen.Sonic imaging also matches on-screen movement. The sound of footsteps follows themovement of an actor precisely; the roar of race cars screaming around a track goes fromthe screen, around to the side, behind, and back to the front as if the cars were in the roomcircling the audience at a loud, jet-fueled pace.

A truly skilled custom integrator is able to design and build electromechanical solutionsto fit your unique environment. Screens and projectors can drop down from the ceilingand televisions rise up from custom furniture. If you want dual living modes for youHome Theater space, this is easily accomplished with proper wiring & control systems.Simply press a button and watch your screen & equipment disappear.

While shopping for your Home Theater integrator, make sure you ask the followingquestions:• How many years have they been in business and installing theaters? Experience is

the most important factor in you selection process. You want someone you can trust-who isn’t going to “drop the ball” halfway through the project.

• How many Home Theaters and Media Rooms have the sales consultant designed andinstalled?

• Are they willing to take the time to help you understand the options available to meetyour requirements and your budget?

• See if you can speak with clients who recently invested in Home Theater with theintegrator. Are they happy with the system? Can they operate it with ease?

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• Can they integrate with all the other parties involved (i.e. architect, interior designer,builder, cabinetmaker)?

• Do they offer all the projection methods – rear, front, tube and plasma.• Can they provide high fidelity in-wall, in-ceiling, free standing and bookshelf

speakers with full range frequency response?• Do they have the skills to design & program an integrated system controller with one-

touch operation and personalized controls? Most retail providers do not have the skilllevels and training required to do this.

• Do they have a showroom with surround-sound and one-touch controls? Is theshowroom clean and functional?

• Do they carry high performance products with good warranties?• What kind of electronics skills, training and experience do the project managers and

lead technicians have? When it comes to custom home entertainment installations,there is nothing more dangerous-or costly-then a “little knowledge”.

• Are they members of CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association)?

To better understand Home Theater systems and how the features & benefits align withyour lifestyle, go to Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideas forHome Theater Systems.

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Sample Widescreen TVs

Selected Home Theater Product Manufacturers:

Sony, Integra, RCA, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Toshiba

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Automated Lighting Controls

Proper lighting control in your home gives you the opportunity to accentuate features ofyour home or prepare it for specific situations. Proper lighting design will let you takecontrol of just a few or all of the lighting and electrical loads in your home. You candesign lighting "scenes." Each keypad button is capable of setting a particular "scene" -triggering several actions with one button press. A keypad button labeled "MORNING"can slowly raise lights, turn on the shower, and increase the thermostat to a comfortabletemperature. A button labeled "NIGHT" raises exterior lighting and arms the securitysystem.

You can also change the look and feel of your home for parties, family gatherings, orthose romantic moments. Turn off all the lights in the house from beside your bed.Another option is to program events. Do you need some low lighting in the hall when oneof the kids gets up at night? A motion detector from your security system can tell thelighting controller to bring up the lights to 20% brightness between 11pm and 6am, orany times you desire. Would you like all the lights in the house to come on if the securitysystem goes into alarm?

As you can see, the possibilities are endless. You can do just about any light scenes youcan imagine. And you can modify the system controls later if your needs change. Youdetermine each scene in your home and they are custom programmed to fit your lifestyle.

There are Four Key Benefits With Automated Lighting Control Systems:1. Save Energy2. Design Lighting Scenes3. Integrate Lighting With Other Systems4. Simple & Convenient Operation of Lighting Systems

If you decide to hire an automated lighting integrator, make sure you ask the followingquestions:• Can they provide safety lighting integrated with security & fire system?• Do they install single keypad lighting vs. entire row of unsightly switches?• Can you get engraved faceplates for lighting keypads?• Do they have personalized lighting presets for artwork, landscape or architectural

detail?• Can they provide remote activation for lighting via phone or car visor control?• Do they install wireless lighting controls for existing homes?• Can you get automated lighting control to reduce energy costs?• Do they have visitor and safety alert lighting?

To better understand Automated Lighting systems and how the features & benefits alignwith your lifestyle, go to Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideasfor Automated Lighting Systems.

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Dinner Party Lighting Illustration

Kitchen Lighting Illustration

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Selected Manufacturers of Automated Lighting

VantageLutron-RadioRA

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Central Vacuum Systems

Central vacuum systems make cleanup around your home or office easy, bagless,painless, and fun! Instead of lugging around a bulky, traditional vacuum cleaner with atangled power cord, a central vacuum system only requires you to carry a lightweighthose to the particular section in your home/office that you want to clean, plug into thewall-mounted vacuum plate, and you're ready to clean! No power cords, heavy vacuums,or bag changing ever again! Central vacuum systems function by using a centrallylocated vacuum pump that is connected (by a network of in-wall piping that can be addedto pre-existing homes or homes still under construction) to special outlets placed in keypositions around your home. When a central vacuum hose is inserted into one of theseoutlets, the pump comes to life and begins sucking air from the outlet, effectively creatinga powerful, fully mobile vacuum that collects dirt into the remote vacuum pump,generally located in the garage and away from the air you breathe.

Here are the Four Benefits of a Central Vacuum System:1. A healthier environment inside your home. Using a central vacuum in your home is a

good way to reduce allergy-causing agents and indoor air pollutants.2. Convenience. No more hauling heavy and awkward canisters up and down stairs and

through the house.3. Power. Vacuum power units provide up to three times more cleaning power than

canisters or uprights because they are built with larger, more rugged motors.4. Performance. Better vacuum performance and ease of use lead to a cleaner home,

longer life for your carpets and furniture and an overall more desirable livingenvironment.

While shopping for your Central Vacuum integrator, make sure you ask the followingquestions:• How many years have they been installing central vacuum systems?• Can they refer you to any clients who have recently purchased central vac from them?• Do they install central vacuum themselves or subcontract out to another supplier?

Beware of electronics installers who sub-out central vacuum. When you need serviceon your system you don’t want to be hunting down the sub-contractor and find outthey went out of business.

• Do they have the latest copy of the construction codes? When is the last time theintegrator attended a class on construction codes? Did you know that buildinginspectors could delay a home if the vacuum holes exceed 40% of stud depth on loadbearing walls?

• Can you get the most desirable options such as integrated power & control outlets,triple filtration at the power unit, and power sweeper with headlight?

To better understand Central Vacuum systems and how the features & benefits align withyour lifestyle, go to Appendix 1.0 and review the table called 3C Selection Ideas forCentral Vacuum Systems.

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Central Vacuum Illustration

Selected Central Vacuum Manufacturers

M&SVacuflo

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What do custom home builders say about 3C?

“As a custom builder, I need an electronics subcontractor with theknowledge to consult my clients and ability to coordinate all the electronictrades. That’s why I choose 3C.” David Daniel, Daniel ConstructionCompany, Chapel Hill.

“I choose 3C because they provide a comprehensive selection for mystructured wiring needs, and they pay close attention to quality and detail.Their networks allow for an endless array of options for my custom homeclients.” Omar Zinn, Zinn Design-Build, Chapel Hill.

What do custom home clients say about 3C?

“3C is very knowledgeable. They were able to effectively consult me throughall the options and cost/benefit trade-offs of Home Electronics and HomeTheater. We are very pleased.” John Fahlberg, Governor’s Club Resident,Chapel Hill

“I am very satisfied with my security, data-video-phone network, whole-house audio and home theater systems by 3C. I have full confidence in theknowledge and consultation provided by Jim Hurdis and Jim Ankeny. Theydid such a good job on my first house I decided to hire them on my secondhouse. Over the years I have recommended numerous friends andassociates to 3C.” Dave Carter, Vass Horsefarm Resident, Vass

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How To Get Started

If you are planning or building a new home, your next step is to Call 3C at919-469-5021 for a free consultation. We have expert design consultantswho can help you balance your electronic lifestyle with your budget whileprotecting the resale value of your home. You will then join the thousands ofsatisfied clients in the Triangle who have done their homework and selected3C for over 16 years. We look forward to bringing you better living in yourmost valued investment, your home.

home wiring and electronics handbook

Documents

harsh electrical environments

standard package include

safety alert lighting

proper keypad functionality

effective customer service

personalized lighting presets

rg6 quad shield

reduce energy costs