Lou, I'm not going to argue over this with you, it's not worth my time, so I'm providing you some information to construe and digest as you choose to.
I can't be sued for what I write here, no contractual obligations to yourself or others here and no agreement for system design, system consultation or engineering advice, nice thought and try though. I do have a problem with people suggesting actions that are flagrant (although done typically through ignorance) violations of code and should not be suggested as viable solutions for whichever reason you choose to believe. What you choose to do in your own house is your own decision, go ahead, run with scissors and juggle knives, but to call it safe and what everyone else should do because you've done it or seen a guy with rainbow colored hair do is irresponsible.
Before you attack credentials and credibility, I will provide mine, since your comment speaks volumes.
I have a BS in music and sound recording with audio technology engineering with a minor in EE, hence my statement I had to take 3 of the 4 years worth of classes as an equivalent of a straight engineering degree in addition to the other classes for the degree. In addition to my 4 year degree, I carry 2 electrical trade licenses within my state, 1 as a contractor, 1 as a journeyman. I carry a NICET IV in fire alarm system design and engineering and a NICET III in CCTV.I have to recertify every year for my licenses and continuing education units for NICET. My company has been contracted to install audio for a specific government agency you might be familiar with, with locations in VA, Houston, Huntsville and CA in additon to other high profile accounts and clients. We are one of two contractors certified to work with and install security systems for the USAF. I've dealt with the engineers and AHJ's in your specific state in addition to other areas of the country, and frankly, the engineers at those specific sites in Tx cared more about the install, workmanship and code compliance than the AHJ's. Not insulting your home town or state, just stating facts as I've experienced within your state in direct contrast to what I experience in others. As I said, I'm sorry that AHJ's in certain areas can't or choose to not enforce compliant installations.
The big box guys don't install conduit. I was referring to installing, in your specific case, cable that is not inwall rated within conduit, which by every stretch of imagination is a code violation. The big box guys have been sued, fined and disciplined by state boards over running power, video and audio cabling in wall that was not rated for such, Those "scoop" plates and similar, once you install a glorified patch cable or run power cords, or my personal favorite, extension cords, through them, it's an issue, and for clarification's sake, those cables do not have the proper testing or specs for flame travel, smoke production, etc. etc. to be run within a wall, hence their lack of a rating or being suitable for such. As I said, there's a reason in the NE that the big boxes are moving to have their "installers" act as independent contractors and hold the licenses....because their own staff had them pulled or suspended for violations that they've been already caught with...pass the liability so the parent company can be in the clear.
I've said it before, there's a lot that you may have not experienced within the industry as a HO in the section of the country you are in. I believe you're confusing an inspector as someone brought in by a buyer prior as part of home sale negotiations, basically another set of eyes, but not qualified as an expert within the building trade(s). As far as what is inspected and what is not, specifically within a 5 state radius of mine, insurers commonly send underwriters and inspectors, with suitable trade expertise and background in the areas being inspected, to go through properties to ensure the property is code compliant, even if a C of O has existed for decades or the policy is simply being renewed. This is due to the insured values and to mitigate loss. I have witnessed and had to install fire alarms, CO and supervisiory devices to satisfy the underwriters so the property could be insured. I've watched them tell HO's their breaker panels need to be upgraded/replaced (Federal Pacific specifically) or service cables needed to be replaced and deny coverage. I've had specific citations to code sections written in reports, can't say the same with the pre-sale home inspectors. We have to commonly provide documentation for inspection and testing of these systems, including NFPA forms. There's a huge difference in an inspector and a guy that shows up with a flashlight and ladder and walks around a property, which I think is who you are thinking I am referring to.
And for doing your homework, the price of a smurf cable with fiber and related hardware is cheaper than the sum of all the other cables pulled separately or a pre-made cable and performs far better, not to mention isn't going to become obsolete. I've made plenty of money on the installs where people ran DVI, S-video or component in copper and now want/need HDMI for their purposes, the ROI on the infrastructure just doesn't add up over the lifespan of the technology.
As far as your "free" advice statement, I have enough work on the books and backlogged for the next 5 years, contractually. I'm secure enough in my industry and business that it really doesn't hurt me to provide free and truthful advice regarding systems. I have nothing to hide with my installs or what I've stated. I'd be more concerned regarding the "pros" and "gurus" that don't speak up regarding what should and should not be done, lock systems out, don't provide passwords and fail to turn over the documentation on the products or provide blueprints of their installs, even a set of "as builts".
As I said I'm happy your installed systems, equpment and selection of components work within your standards and design criteria for an integration project. Best of luck in your endeavours Lou.
