[Teetorbilt]

BigE, You may want to think fiber optic, cat5 is going the way of the dinosaur.

 

[Teetorbilt]

Ol'#2 is a consultant in the tel/com field (Avaya). She designs, installs and implements systems and networks for banks, hospitals, etc. I only know what she tells me before my eyes glaze over. They are still running Cat5's but often run the fiber next to it for future use, about half go directly to fiber and skip the Cat5's altogether. I have a few friends that have fiber hookups but I can't tell any difference from my cable connection.
Her company tried wireless a few years ago, it failed miserably and they lost a bundle. Reading some of her mags indicates that there is still a long way to go with this technology.
As far as capacity, who knows where it is going to end? About 20 yrs. ago, I retired my Tandy 1000 for the biggest, baddest Apple II GS. Cost almost 4 large too. Who foresaw high speed connections, 3+Gig processors, 130 Gig harddrives, Internet gaming, VoIP, E-Bay, banking? This list could go on forever. It's all cheap too. What's going to happen when 3 billion Chinese can afford to get online?

 

[Teetorbilt]

I understood that. Homes are becoming much more sophisticated and will continue to advance in that direction as equipment prices come down. Many a kitchen today includes a flat panel TV, computer and multiple line telephone.
Bedrooms have his and hers TV's and amazing sound systems. Whole home sound systems are becoming more common as are smart homes that are run by a computer. The hard wired connections can be run through a rats nest of wires or a single FO cable.

 

[Teetorbilt]

The 2 places that I see it most are in the very high end and Techie's homes. I suspect the the heavy's want bragging rights, the Techie's may need it currently or can see the into the future. I'll ask Ol'e #2 tonight.

The new wave in reefers have a docking station in the door for a laptop. A few mos. ago, I saw a washer/dryer that were interfaced and connected. The washer tells the dryer the weight and moisture content and the dryer sends a popup to household monitors when it is done.

A few weeks ago I overheard a techie explaining to the HO how he could operate his security alarm, operate door locks, check the security cams, control the interior and exterior lighting and on and on.....from his office. They were installing a refrigerator/oven (also wired) so, I assume, you can put dinner in the oven when you leave for work and get it cooking before you leave to go back home.

 

[Teetorbilt]

EMT was code here for quite a few years, 40's thru 60's, then along came Romex. It cheapened homes and allows no variations.
My work is always in EMT conduit which is grounded. Lingnappe!

 

[Teetorbilt]

md, I'm a contractor, not an electrician. I will submit to your authourity as I do to my electricians. I am still a believer in EMT. There was a day when it was considered a ground. Not today but still a nice safety factor. A fire, contained within metal, will self extinguish due to lack of oxygen. Plastics will open and contribute to fires. I know what the specs say but have been witness to reality a few times.