Smart wiring is now firmly on the mind of property and house owners. But what is it? And, more importantly, why do you need it?

The following sheds light on exactly what smart wiring is, discusses the benefits it brings and the route you need to take if you decide that it’s something that will improve your home.

What is smart wiring?

• Smart wiring is NOT the same as a network cable: These two are commonly confused, but are two very different things. To easily understand the concept, think of all the wires that are running around your home – providing a power source to aspects such as lights, internet, security systems, lighting, energy, home entertainment systems etc . Smart wiring brings all of these into a single platform, with the ability to integrate various smart systems and sensors around the building. It also provides the capacity to increase and add elements at a later date without the need to rip out walls or pull up floorboards.
• How does it work? The installation of smart wiring creates a standardised system of wiring around the house that’s easily accessible, containing the necessary wiring for elements you might already have in the home, as well as being suitable for additions at a later date. The wires are of a suitable type that can carry enormous amounts of data and power, meaning that should you decide to add, for example, cable TV, in the future, the connections are already in place.
• How is it fitted? Smart wiring is fitted in a single installation by a qualified source, and is either carried out during a new build or a renovation of a property. Retrofitting smart wiring is more expensive than carrying it out during the construction process of a building.

The easiest way to understand smart wiring is to think of it as a foundation of high-speed cables running throughout the house.

What does smart wiring allow?

This provides the sources necessary to run various forms of technology within the building without the need to add extra wiring, such as:

• Building-wide internet
• Audio visual systems
• Cable TV
• Climate control
• Heating control
• Security elements, such as sensors, alarms, motion-triggered lighting etc.
• Smart cams
• Lighting
• Automated blinds and curtains

Smart wiring favours copper wires and cables over wireless technology, simply because this can handle the increasingly large levels of data we demand from our tech-heavy lifestyles.

We’re all doing things like streaming HD videos, sharing files, networking visually, checking in on the dog via cameras linked to phone apps, remotely opening the garage door or switching on the air con far more than at any time in the past, and this is only set to increase. This is why smart wiring is becoming more and more popular, not only in Australia, but in homes around the globe.

Considering smart wiring? Don’t do anything without consulting the experts

First and foremost, any such work on a property needs to be carried out by a suitably quality source. This means using the services of an accredited smart wire builder or installer.

But most importantly, you need to realise that your needs today are likely to differ from that of the future. Sure, you use that room as a study or snug right now, but it may well become a nursery or playroom in the future. Or perhaps that nursery might eventually become a home cinema or gym. What about that extension you’re planning? Might it be worth including an element of smart wiring while it’s being built?

An expert smart wiring installer can provide advice to future-proof your home, not only for your needs but if and when the time comes to sell at a later date.

We are a Perth-based leading provider of smart wiring to both residential and commercial premises, and will be delighted to advise as to how such a feature could benefit your property. Get in touch on 08 9400 6000 for a no-obligation chat.