Building a new home is the perfect time to think about the future of your technology. From streaming and gaming to home security and smart automation, the backbone of it all starts with low voltage wiring. If you’re in the Rapid City area, getting your wiring right the first time can save money, reduce headaches, and set your home up for decades of seamless connectivity.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of low voltage wiring in Rapid City—including Ethernet, coaxial cable, speaker wire, security lines, and smart home integration.
Why Low Voltage Wiring Matters
Unlike traditional electrical wiring, low voltage wiring carries data, video, and audio signals rather than power. This is what connects your devices to the internet, distributes TV throughout your home, and powers smart technology like cameras and thermostats.
Benefits of pre-wiring during construction include:
- Clean, hidden runs without exposed cables
- Higher resale value with a wired-ready home
- Improved network performance compared to Wi-Fi-only setups
- Future-proofing for new AV and smart home systems
Core Low Voltage Wiring Options
1. Ethernet (Cat6 / Cat6a / Cat7)
Ethernet is the backbone of any modern home network. A hardwired connection provides faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliability than Wi-Fi alone.
- Where to run it: Home offices, living rooms, bedrooms, entertainment centers, and behind TVs.
- Pro Tip: Run extra lines to common tech spots—you’ll thank yourself later when adding devices.
2. Coaxial Cable (RG6)
Even in the age of streaming, coax is still essential. It supports cable TV, satellite, and some high-speed internet providers.
- Where to run it: Living rooms, bedrooms, and media rooms.
- Pro Tip: Combine coax with Ethernet in the same wall plate for flexibility.
3. Speaker Wire
For whole-home audio or surround sound, pre-wiring with speaker cable is critical. Wireless speakers are convenient, but nothing beats the quality and reliability of wired audio.
- Where to run it: Living rooms, home theaters, kitchens, patios, and outdoor spaces.
- Pro Tip: Use CL-rated in-wall wire to meet code and avoid interference.
4. Security Wiring
A smart home is a secure home. Running dedicated low voltage lines for cameras, doorbells, sensors, and control panels ensures stability that Wi-Fi alone can’t provide.
- Where to run it: Entry doors, garages, outdoor corners, and common hallways.
- Pro Tip: Pair security wiring with conduit runs so you can easily upgrade in the future.
5. Smart Home Wiring
From lighting controls to thermostats, smart devices work best when supported by proper infrastructure. While many connect wirelessly, having a central hub with wired connections ensures faster response times and better reliability.
- Where to run it: Central utility closet or structured wiring cabinet.
- Pro Tip: Run spare Ethernet lines to locations where you might add devices later (garage, attic, or basement).
Putting It All Together: The New Home AV Setup
A well-designed new home AV setup blends all these systems seamlessly. The ideal approach is to centralize your wiring in a structured media panel—often located in a utility room or closet. From there, runs extend to each room for a neat and organized install.
This central location becomes the “brain” of your home’s network and entertainment system.
The Brink Design Difference
At Brink Design, we specialize in low voltage wiring for new homes in Rapid City. Whether you’re building your dream home or planning a remodel, our team designs and installs structured wiring systems that make your home smarter, safer, and future-ready.
Ready to Wire Your New Home?
Don’t wait until after construction to think about your wiring—it’s far more cost-effective to install during the build.
👉 Contact Brink Design today to plan your new home wiring setup.
