In our example installation we needed to accommodate data connections, telephone connections and two separate video distribution splitters. Our feature details these connections through illustrations, photographs, instructions and more. Whether you want to learn to install home wiring yourself or just understand a contractors installation, this will assist you in understanding structured wiring in general.

Structured wiring can be used for a variety of connections (audio included) but some are beyond the scope of this feature. Click on the Leviton catalogue for additional options

Mounting The Structured MediaTM Center

We started with the Leviton Structured MediaTM Center Model SMC280. This gave us ample room for existing wires while leaving room for future expansion.

The photographs and illustration above show the Structured MediaTM Center with cover, without cover and an illustration of an in wall installation, respectively. A shows the side mounting slots, B the back mounting holes, C is the AC power module, D shows the used knock-out holes for the cables and E shows the grounding screw.

This photograph is of the AC power module mounted in the bottom of the media center.

The unit shown includes surge protection.

 

These photographs show the top and side knock-out holes that accommodate the wiring.

A Look At The Components

This is a photograph of the 47606 AHT panel and (3) additional category 5E voice/data boards.

The panels snap into holes on the back of the center. The AHT panel comes with (1) category 5E voice/data module, (1) telephone patching expansion module and (1) 6-way video splitter. The telephone module will bridge to distribute service for multi-line telephones (in assorted combinations of 2 or 4 lines) to 19 locations. The 5E voice/data boards were added for more station ports. Other types of panels and modules can be mixed to suit any particular installation.

 

This photograph shows a condensed view of the ground wire attached from the video splitter to the grounding screw located in the bottom of the center.

 

This is a photograph of the Enhanced RF distribution module (1 X 8).

The input is at the bottom, with video distributed to two locations with six available outputs for expansion. The module's built-in amplifier is adjustable to compensate for variations in incoming signal strength. The module also provides a bi-directional digital path to support cable modem or cable box communications.

In our feature environment we use a small telephone switch and voicemail system. We used the distribution block to feed the security system, the home telephone switch, a two-line telephone that bypasses the telephone system and a modem location. We used Category 5E voice/data boards for the data and voice stations. They are as follows:

(8) ports for the home network.

(6) ports for telephone stations

(6) ports for connection to extensions from the home telephone switch

(1) port for the security system

(1) for the home telephone switch input

(1) for the bypass two-line telephone

(1) for a modem location

The photograph above shows both sides of the 10/100 (8) port switch. The switch snaps into the panel. Category 5E patch cables are used to connect these ports to the data station ports on the designated 5E voce/data board inside the panel.
This photograph shows the Category 5E patch, or station cable, used to connect the switch ports to station ports in the Media Center and for the wall jack to device or PC.

Running The Wire

Your home network should be wired using any good category 5E or 6 wire. Telephone can use category 3 or better. In our example installations we ran all category 5E (pink sleeve) for voice and data and connected all pairs. We used quad shielded RG6 cable for video (black and white sleeves).

In our feature environment we have the cable box from the sun room distributed to the kitchen and master bedroom. We have the cable box from the family room distributed to the workshop and two additional bedrooms. Our video distribution uses the output of the cable boxes, however, the center may be used to distribute the signal from the provider as well.

There are many options for your telephone, data and video cable runs. Renovation or the pre-wiring of a new home gives you the best ability to wire; walls are open and cable can be run with ease. When wiring an existing home you should check with a local electrician for your best options. Run all your telephone, data and video cables from their various locations to the media center. I recommend two video cables from each cable or satellite box. This will give you the future ability to feed the output of the box back to the media center for distribution to other locations.

This photograph shows a recessed box that we used for our stations.

There are various low voltage boxes and brackets that may be used however These boxes provide a sturdy holder for the faceplate. They come in multiple types but the one shown can be installed in any sheet rock wall attaching with winged tabs. Wires are run through punch tabs located in the back of the box.

Terminating The Wire At The Panel

In our feature the Leviton modules followed the wiring for 568A. There are different standards however the only concern is that you follow the 568A labeling at the jack module as well. The Leviton jack modules are labeled for 568A and 568B.

Category 5E cable consists of 4 twisted pair of wire. The colors are white/blue blue/white, white/orange orange/white, white/green green/white and white/brown brown/white. When terminating, be careful to maintain the twists as close to the punch points as possible.

The Leviton module uses 110 punch points. Starting at the blue-position on the 4 pair termination block, begin with the white of each pair as you progress to the brown-position on the block. Place the wire in the slot. Push the wire into the slot with the included tool. Trim the excess wire with a wire cutter.

Pass your mouse over the photograph to see a close-up of the punch.

Terminating The Wire At The Jack

These photographs show how the wires are placed, pressed and trimmed.

Leviton jacks are labeled 568A and B. Be careful to follow the color code for 568A. 568A is the lower color code of the jack and is labeled with just the letter (A). Place the wire in the slot. Push the wire into the slot with the included tool. Trim the excess wire with a wire cutter. Remember that it is important to maintain the pair twists as far up to the punch as possible. When complete, place the protective black cover onto the jack. The photograph on the lower right shows a proper termination. These jacks can be used for voice or data however RJ-11 jacks may also be used for telephones of less than four lines.

Pass your mouse over the photograph to see a close-up of a properly terminated jack.
Punching a Cat 5

 

This photograph shows a jack module and included punch tool, a four slot faceplate and an illustration of a blank insert used to cover unused slots.

 

These photographs show the Leviton four slot faceplate with one telephone, one data and one coaxial connector installed.

The left photograph shows the box used inside the wall. There are faceplates available that accommodate one, two, three, four and six jack modules.

 

This photograph shows a standard jack and faceplate that includes the connections described above. It is installed at a kitchen breakfast counter and is used for the TV, modem and network connections.

One slot remains available for future expansion. Modules can be mixed to provide preferred services to any station.

 

Terminating Coaxial

 

This photograph shows a coaxial crimping tool, the stripped end of a coaxial cable and an un-crimped coaxial end.

Using the quad shield cable stripper, strip off the correct amount of cable sheath, shields and insulation. The exposed wire core should be about 3/8-inch in length. The exposed shield should be 1/4-inch in length. Fold back the outside braided shield evenly along the cable sheath, and insert the connector onto the cable end. Make sure that the center conductor is straight and extends 1/8-inch beyond the threaded end of the connector. Place the crimp tool at the proper position according to the tool instructions, and crimp the connector onto the cable.

Telephone To The Panel

Run a category 3 or 5 wire from the main telephone service interface to the block labeled "From Demarcation". In our feature installation we are using two lines, however, two additional lines can be added later.

This photograph is of the "Telephone Network Interface" provided by the Telco company. It is located on an outside wall of the house. The interface provides customer access to the telephone lines and is labeled accordingly. This unit is able to accommodate up to six telephone lines. Three modules are installed but only two lines are used in this feature. It shows the four pair wire below that runs into the house to the Structured Media Center.

 

This photograph shows the connection from the telephone service.

Three of the pairs run directly to the horizontal block labeled "From Demarcation". The white/orange pair (line 2) is used for a security system telephone connection so it first punches to the top of the vertical block labeled "Line in" and then from the "Line out" to the horizontal block. This connection provides a jack labeled "Security" (to the right of the vertical block) which gives priority to the security system in the event of an alarm.

Wiring Chart Plus Upper And Lower Level Diagrams

The Illustration above is of the wiring chart for the panel. This chart should be filled out and attached to the inside of the front cover using the peel off back with adhesive. Proper labeling is important for any troubleshooting.

The diagrams above show the various connections that go from station jacks to the SMC-280 panel.

Wiring Panel Patched And Terminated

This photograph shows the Structured MediaTM Center fully patched and terminated; consistent with the wiring chart and diagrams given above.

 

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