electrican, Cook Electric
Written by Larry Cook

Basics for Installing Home Theater Wiring – Part 1

Entertainment and sports fans typically spend thousands of dollars on electronic equipment and seating for their home theaters. However, they rarely devote attention to their wiring requirements.

Connecting and powering home theater equipment by using the proper cables and wires is as crucial as purchasing great electronics. People often overlook how much wiring quality can influence the viewing and listening experience. In addition, improper wiring can be a safety hazard.

For the most part, wiring requirements for home theaters depend on the products. However, there are several professional standards that need to be implemented for creating the ideal home theater.

The following will discuss five basics of home theater wiring. Work with an experienced and licensed electrician in your area to get the best results.

1) Safety

In all aspects of wiring, safety should be given the most importance. Only utilize cables and wires that are in compliance with safety guidelines. National standards include resistance to abrasion, chemicals, fire, and temperature changes.

An improper practice that is quite common is passing the wiring beneath furniture without using the proper procedures for insulation. Doing so can result in a serious fire hazard when a short circuit occurs.

2) Planning

Let’s discuss several practices you should use in the setup of the screen, recliners, and speakers. Planning the wiring must be done well ahead of time. Your home theater’s lighting requirements, networking, and potential future expansions or upgrades should also be considered before starting.

In order to accurately estimate the required cable lengths, first determine the most efficient cabling route. Whether the cables are the type for speakers, HDMI, or networking, a minimum of 20% should be added to their estimated lengths in order to provide adequate slack, cover installation mistakes, or deal with potential obstacles.

Part 2 will discuss Proper Hardware, Raceways, and Separation of AV Cables and Power Cables.

Electrical Peace of Mind

Providing professional electricians since 1988 in Maryland, Cook Electrihttps://www.cookelectric.biz/service-and-repair/c is the company you can rely on for all your electrical service needs, including:

• Commercial & Residential Electrical Installations
• Marina & Residential Pier Wiring
• Electrical Service & Repair
• Specialty Electrical Services

For knowledgeable, fair, honest, reliable, and conscientious service, call Cook Electric today at (410) 266-9040. We will be very glad to help you.