Introduction
Installing smart home wiring can enable you to integrate devices like voice assistants, security systems, lighting controls, and more. However, running new wires through the walls of an existing home is often seen as the biggest obstacle to setting up a smart home system. In this article, I'll discuss common challenges with retrofitting wiring and provide solutions to make installing smart home wiring easier.
The Biggest Obstacle: Retrofitting Wiring in Finished Walls
The number one difficulty homeowners face when installing smart home wiring is running new wires through finished walls. Opening up drywall to fish wires through framing is a messy, labor-intensive process. Many homeowners don't want to deal with the dust and disruption of cutting holes in walls and patching them after. This makes retrofitting wiring seem like an insurmountable task.
Key Challenges with Retrofitting Wiring
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Drywall damage - Cutting openings in drywall then repairing and repainting causes damage. This process is time-consuming and creates a lot of dust.
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Locating framing - Finding studs to drill holes through is tricky without tearing large holes to see inside walls.
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Fishing wires - Snaking wires through walls via small holes can be frustrating and risks losing wires in voids.
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Professional help often required - Due to the challenges above, homeowners frequently have to hire electricians to install smart home wiring, increasing costs.
Solutions for Easier Installation
Fortunately, there are techniques and technologies that make retrofitting smart home wiring much more feasible:
Use Existing Wiring
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Retrofit switches/outlets - Replace standard switches and outlets with smart versions. This upgrades wiring without any drywall work.
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Connect to coaxial cables - Use MoCA adapters to convert coaxial TV cables into home network lines.
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Leverage powerline wiring - Use powerline communication devices to transmit data through electrical wiring.
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Upgrade lamp cord - For standalone smart devices, replace lamp cord with smart cable containing power and communications.
Minimize Drywall Damage
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Cut small holes - Use a drywall saw to cut openings just big enough to fit wires through. Holes up to 3 inches can often be patched without noticeable seams.
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Drill through top plates - Drill wiring holes through the top sill plate in interior walls to avoid cutting drywall. Use a flexible bit extender to reach down into the bay.
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Fish wires through cold air returns - Ductwork for HVAC systems provides an accessible path to run wiring between floors.
Make Fishing Easier
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Glow rods - Use glow stick strips or fiber optic cables to see where flexible rods are going inside walls.
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Magnets - Guide wires through walls using strong magnets on rods. The magnets grab and align with ones on the end of the wire.
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Wall scanners - Handheld scanners can detect wood framing through drywall so you know where it's safe to drill.
Consider Professional Assistance
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Pre-wiring new construction - If building a home, have electricians wire it for smart capabilities during initial construction.
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Hire pros just for wiring - You can save money by doing the smart device installations yourself after pros handle the wiring.
Conclusion
While retrofitting smart home wiring in finished walls can seem daunting, there are many techniques available to simplify the process and minimize invasiveness. Strategically using existing wiring combined with tools to reduce drywall damage and ease wire fishing enables DIY-friendly installation. Considering assistance from professionals for parts of the wiring process can also help overcome obstacles. With the right approach, wiring a home for intelligence is very achievable. The comfort, security, and convenience of living in a smart home makes it a worthwhile endeavor.