Comment Re:Wired vs Wireless (Score 3, Informative) 425
If the wiring adheres to local codes in the U.S., then it does not matter if a pro has done it or not... it will still add value to the house.
Also, for the record, plenum cable is no more fire resistant than PVC. The only place it is required to be used is in the plenum (space between office buidling floors between next floor and foam ceiling tiles) hence the name of the cable. Office buildings use the plenums in their airflow for the entire floor. Air is blown out from HVAC and taken in through vents into the plenum, and either re-circulated throughout the entire floor or exhausted out the building. Now, PVC, when it burns, gives off noxious fumes. Therefore, if it were used in a plenum, it could potenitally re-circulate noxious fumes throughout the entire floor (and sometimes the entire building). Plenum grade cables melt/burn cleanly so that is why they are used here. Since house wall spaces do not play a part in the HVAC system, you can use PVC.
farnsaw is right though, use Cat 5e (and even fiber, even if you have no intention on ever using it, just leave unterminated at both ends). The cabling is the cheap part. What is expensive is either paying someone to pull wire ($$) or pulling wire yourself (time, itching from insulation material, sweat, etc).
Also, for the record, plenum cable is no more fire resistant than PVC. The only place it is required to be used is in the plenum (space between office buidling floors between next floor and foam ceiling tiles) hence the name of the cable. Office buildings use the plenums in their airflow for the entire floor. Air is blown out from HVAC and taken in through vents into the plenum, and either re-circulated throughout the entire floor or exhausted out the building. Now, PVC, when it burns, gives off noxious fumes. Therefore, if it were used in a plenum, it could potenitally re-circulate noxious fumes throughout the entire floor (and sometimes the entire building). Plenum grade cables melt/burn cleanly so that is why they are used here. Since house wall spaces do not play a part in the HVAC system, you can use PVC.
farnsaw is right though, use Cat 5e (and even fiber, even if you have no intention on ever using it, just leave unterminated at both ends). The cabling is the cheap part. What is expensive is either paying someone to pull wire ($$) or pulling wire yourself (time, itching from insulation material, sweat, etc).
