For owners and managers of multifamily properties, wiring infrastructure probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when brainstorming ways to boost revenue or increase tenant satisfaction. But it should be — wiring is what enables the amenities your tenants demand, like high-speed internet and the ability to stream the latest movies in HD.
And while the cabling itself is important, how you house and protect it matters just as much. This is where conduit comes in.
Conduit for low-voltage cabling like Cat6 or Cat6a ethernet is the key to reduced wiring headaches, and it enables property owners to easily upgrade as technology advances. Here, we’ll be exploring the benefits of low-voltage conduit for multifamily properties.
What Is Conduit and Why Is It Important?
In a nutshell, conduit is a network of protective tubes — either flexible or rigid — that run between walls and contain wires. Typically used for electrical wiring, conduit can house low-voltage cabling like ethernet and fiber topics as well.
Most people have probably seen conduit before. One common type is flexible metal tubing with a spiral design, but it also comes in rigid metal or non-metallic variations.
Conduit has two main purposes:
- To make it easy to run wires over long distances within and between walls.
- To protect wires from moisture, pests, and other sources of costly damage.
Conduit has been a standard part of electrical wiring for decades now. But these days, buildings are wired for much more than just power. So, how does conduit relate to multifamily WiFi and networking for multi-unit properties? Let’s take a look.
Conduit for Low-Voltage Wiring
Just as conduit carries and protects high-voltage wires for applications such as lighting and outlets, it can also be used for low-voltage wiring, such as structured cabling for internet, telephone, and security systems.
Low-voltage and regular (high-voltage) wires can run through the same conduit at the same time, provided the conduit is properly sized and complies with relevant building codes.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a commonly used material for low-voltage conduit because of its durability and affordability. Metallic options like EMT (electrical metallic tubing) are also used, especially in commercial and multifamily settings.
Because of its ability to protect cabling, simplify organization, and make it easier to pull and replace wires, conduit for low-voltage wiring allows for easier upgrades as technology evolves, reducing long-term infrastructure costs.
Benefits of Low-Voltage Conduit in Wiring
Today, low-voltage internet wiring has become just as important to a property’s long-term viability as high-voltage electrical wiring.
“Think of it this way,” explains Juan, Director of Installations at Touchstone 1. “Anything that’s internal to your property — such as wiring and data lines, HVAC, and plumbing — is the absolute last place you want to cut corners.”
Although low-voltage wiring isn’t always required to be inside conduit — in fact, most building codes don’t require it — enclosing your wiring is a very good idea for the following reasons:
1. Low-voltage conduit keeps your wires safe
Internet cables such as Cat6 or Cat6a aren’t indestructible. Running them “naked” through your walls is asking for trouble.
Conduit helps protect internet wires from threats like:
- Nails, screws, and sharp edges
- Mice or rats, insects, and other pests
- Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- Water damage, especially in basement units
Low-voltage conduit provides a robust protective barrier that keeps wiring safe from hazards like the above.
2. Low-voltage conduit makes installation easier
Just as with high-voltage wiring, conduit makes installation of low-voltage cabling much simpler. Without conduit, technicians have to thread each wire through holes in studs, past insulation, and the many other obstacles inside a wall.
“Conduit allows you to bypass all that during installation,” says Juan. “You simply fit the conduit through the wiring studs and then thread the cabling through the conduit. Without conduit, wires are more likely to get damaged during installation, and wiring mistakes that could delay the project are more common.”
3. Conduit makes replacement of wires simple
Conduit’s benefits go beyond physical protection and easier installation. It can also help multifamily property owners future-proof their buildings.
“If your low-voltage cables run through conduit, replacing them is much easier,” explains Juan. “Instead of tearing out an entire wall for rewiring, all you need to do is remove a very small section near the conduit’s opening, and then pass the new wires through it.”
Wiring, like all technology, needs to be upgraded over time. Using conduit allows property owners to easily replace their wires when the time comes without extensive renovations to their property.
Future-Proofing Your Multifamily Property
For property owners and managers, future-proofing your property is one of your most critical considerations. A building’s wiring infrastructure is what ultimately determines its compatibility with emerging technologies. By installing low-voltage conduit, you’ll be taking care of one of your building’s most valuable assets — its internet cabling — for years to come.
Ready to get started? Touchstone 1 (formerly, MDU Internet Services) can help you determine your current wiring infrastructure, assess your property’s cabling needs, and recommend cost-effective solutions for both new builds and retrofits to meet your residents’ needs and your budget. To learn more, contact us today.