New house build. Need info on HA. Totally lost

Bzncrewjr

Active Member
We are in the design phase of building a new house. I really want to do HA in this house.
The builder isn't super savvy, so I'm going to need to do some work here.

Is there a book or resource on HA systems? What should I be looking at?

I read the 101 house wiring and it seems a bit dated. Wifi seems to rule most. HDMI is big now.

Just looking to learn all I can.
 
You need to first decide on what would you want automated in your house, and the wiring guide should have given you the idea of what is possible. Once you have a list of desired functions, you could start researching individual systems/products that will be needed to accomplish that. Then you'll be able to detail the wire runs you need for these devices. The hard-wired connections are almost always cheaper and more reliable than the wireless alternatives. The Wi-Fi is mostly utilized for UI, HDMI is very specific to video distribution. Here is an example list of functions/devices and wires that you may consider, but you should do your own research to get the results that are optimal for you.
 
1. Lighting: UPB/regular romex
2. HVAC: HAI Omnistats/cat5
3. Whole house audio: Russound/ cat5+16/2 for speakers
4. Security: Elk or HAI omnipro/ cat5 for control and keypads, 22/2 for door/window sensors, 22/4 for motion/glassbreaks/occupancy
5. Window coverings: somfy RS485/ 16/2 for power, 22/4 or cat5 for control
6. Irrigation: WGL RainNet Pro/cat5 for control
7. Door Locks: zigbee kwickset/wireless
8. Video: HDMI (< 100') + 2 cat6 + cat5 to every TV from central location, plus coax if desired
9. Cameras: IP/ cat5 or cat6 + 18/2 for non-POE
10. Others things: window openers, skylights, fireplaces, water valves, weather stations, intercom, water/gas/electricity meters, in-wall touch panels etc.
 
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