Pre-Construction
In a pre-construction installation, walls and ceilings are open with no drywall installed. This is desirable and allows the installer greater access than in retro-fit applications. Before actually running any wire or cable, take the time to look around each room or area of the house and plan your wire paths for maximum efficiency. Look for routes through uncluttered parts of the stud wall or ceiling that allow you to group all low-voltage (video, speaker wires, CAT-5, telephone, etc.) wires wherever possible. It is a good practice to label both ends of all cables and to protect wires by tying a plastic bag over the ends.
Note: Do not run low-voltage wires closer than 12" from high-voltage wires. If necessary, cross low- voltage wires at a 90º angle to prevent interference.
Retro-Fit Wiring/ Post Construction
Retro-fit installations are more difficult to complete than pre-construction because walls and ceilings are intact. Typically wires must be fished into position through walls, floors and ceilings. Holes must be cut; speakers mounted directly in the ceiling or walls with no rough-in brackets and keypads and local source wall plates must be mounted in existing drywall.
