Recent times have seen some of the craziest developments in history. Schools became shut down, people started working from home, and movie theaters became closed, changing the entertainment industry as we know it. Because of the latter occurrence, many people began to create home theaters in their houses. Home theaters are great because they give you the same experience as seeing things on the big screen. But you also get to retain the comfort of your couch. If this idea seems appealing to you, read this guide on how to install professional wiring for your home theater.
Think About Safety First
Perhaps the most vital factor to keep in mind when setting up a home theater is safety. Only use wires that are up to national safety guidelines. You shouldn’t use any old wires or ones that have become frayed because they can cause a fire in your home. Additionally, make sure the wires are fire resistant and resistant to temperature change.
You also need to dig a little deeper than the wires themselves when thinking about safety. Specifically, you should be careful about where you place them. For example, don’t try to run wires underneath a recliner in your home theater. Instead, keep things visible so that you know where to look when things go wrong. You don’t want to put wires in a spot that’s not visible because this will make it more challenging to see if a hazard may occur.
Know the Scale of the Project
You must know what you’re getting into before you start your wiring project. If you’re building an entire home theater from scratch with wires in the ceiling, you’ll probably want to hire a professional to do the job. Electricians know how to do things safely and properly so that everything runs smoothly. However, if things are more low scale, then you can try doing the work yourself. Just make sure to follow all the correct procedures while setting up the wiring and other equipment.
Choose the Right Wires
Another tip for setting up the wiring in your home theater is to choose the appropriate wires. You have to think about the thickness and gauge of the wires. Typically, the lower the gauge number, the thicker and bigger the wire will be. Lots of home theaters will require a 16-gauge wire. However, if you want to have the wire run 50 feet or another similar distance, you’ll need a lower gauge wire. You’ll also probably need a lower-gauge wire if you’re trying to install something in the wall. The wires you choose will depend on the speakers and amplifiers you have in your system as well. You need to take special care when selecting the wires for your system so that the sound is satisfactory when you go to watch your first movie.
Label Your Wires
It’s also crucial to label your wires within the home theater. Labeling your wires will make it easier to determine what function each fulfills in the future. There are ready-made labels available for wires, but you can make your own, too. A tip that may help you is to color coordinate your labels. This way, you will know where each one goes. If you decide to make your own labels, make sure to leave enough room for the cut and finish. Labeling things will make it easier when you move and have to pack everything up.
Know the Benefits of Raceways
One of the primary pet peeves of many people regarding home theaters is seeing the wiring hanging about in plain sight. Sure, you can hide it under rugs or behind the TV, but ultimately, it just looks sloppy. This is where one should realize the benefits of raceways. Raceways are channels that hide the wiring so that it isn’t just sitting or hanging around the room. Raceways come in various sizes. Therefore, they can accommodate your needs, no matter what they are. They can be aesthetically pleasing, as well. You can paint them so that they match the rest of the wall. Alternatively, you can make them look like they’re a part of the other theater equipment. Your home theater will look more professional if you install a raceway.
Consider Audio Plugs and Power Plugs
One of the most important things to remember when installing professional wiring in your home theater is that you must keep the audio wires separate from the power wires. It’s vital to keep these wires apart because of electromagnetic interference. Audio wires and power plugs can interrupt one another and cease to function if they’re too close together. In addition, you don’t want to place a power plug in an audio setting because it can ruin things and cause them to stop working.
Learn the Terminology
Finally, it’s important to learn the terminology regarding wiring. You may encounter some instructions that are confusing to you while doing the work. Consequently, you should familiarize yourself with certain words so that you know what you’re doing. For example, you should know the difference between an HDMI cable and a coaxial. Another vital note is to pay attention to the gauge of the wire. As previously stated, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the wire. It’s crucial to know the dissimilarities. That way, you know what to hang in various locations.
These are helpful tips on how to install professional wiring in your home theater. The process of wiring can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. That’s why it’s crucial to get all the help you can to have the experience of a lifetime. Last year was so unexpected, and no one can know if another strict quarantine will happen again. For this reason, we must all be prepared to sit in our houses again and find some form of entertainment. One thing we can do is set up home theaters in our homes. We’ll be able to continue enjoying films even if movie theaters may not be the same.
If you decide to create a home theater, follow these tips to make the process easier. Also, work with a reputable cable dealer like CableWholesale that sells Ethernet cables in bulk. We have the supplies you need to create an entertainment experience you’ve only dreamed of.
