A good audio/visual system can change the entire atmosphere in a home or business. New technologies have revolutionized the field with better equipment, amazing sound and full integration with other systems. Wiring the systems to get a full return on investment, however, can be seriously challenging. Unless you are experienced in low-voltage wiring techniques and multi-system integration, having a professional handle it is strongly in your interests.
Wiring Can Be an Ugly, Ugly Thing
Simply running wires along walls and trim can turn a showcase home into a college dorm room, but wiring behind the walls is a major challenge – and may be illegal in some areas without a license. Exposed wiring is also easily damaged, and in certain limited circumstances damaged low-voltage wiring can cause shocks. To remain both safe and aesthetically pleasing, the wires should be concealed.
Doing Your Own Wiring Can Have Unpleasant Consequences
Electrical lines with deadly voltage can be almost anywhere behind walls and hitting one of them can cause fires and serious injury – or death. With 30,000 non-fatal shocks in U.S. homes each year – and 325 electrocution deaths – it’s hard to justify the risks.
Electricity flows much like water does – it looks for the easiest path to low pressure; in the case of electricity, a ground provides that. If you, or something you’re holding that conducts electricity, hits a hot wire and any part of you is even brushing a ground, the power will pass between those two points. If it happens to pass through your chest or brain, it’s going to be a bad day.
Not only will a professional wiring company prevent these issues, but they will ensure you get the most out of your audio-visual equipment with the best sound and video, plus full integration with other systems, including burglar and fire alarms, video doorbells and speaker zones. They’ll also map out the most likely future upgrades needed to keep your system up-to-date and maximize options for your system as both technology and your needs change.
