I hope this is appropriate here. I figured it fits the general theme of things considering if we’re self hosting there’s gotta be some hardware involved.
I’ve got a house built in the 1960s US. I’m working on upgrading my security infrastructure to a PoE system as my previous choice of wireless system was a poor decision on my part. I have all my ‘gear’ if you will in the basement but I don’t have any convenient drops from the attic to my basement. I need to do a total of 8 drops from attic to basement. I’m not too versed in wiring things through a home (ie. minimal damage to walls and such) I’ve done long runs in warehouses but that was essential all open space.
My main questions are:
- is there any specific conduit I should be looking at to pull the runs through the walls?
- Is there any specific tools that I need to know about to make this job easier? I assume one of those line pullers would be handy in this case ( the hell are they actually called?
- Any other tips and tricks from those of you who have done something similar?
Generally conduit is not required in code for low voltage communications wire. It certainly helps, because you can jam a piece of rigid conduit straight up through a wall easier, and it allows you to seal the hole on either end to prevent any air or pest intrusion. But it’s extra cost and labor. You can use standard grey PVC conduit from a hardware store if you wish.
It’s called fish tape. Definitely will want some.
Buy bulk cable and pull it bare then terminate the ends at a patch panel. Pulling preterminated patch cables is a recipe for a bad time. If you use conduit, buy conduit a size or two larger than you think you need.
Depending on the complexity of the runs- don’t br afraid to call an electrician. They have magic ways of getting wires to places.