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COURSE 02

Low-Voltage Rough-In: What Architects Need to Spec at CD Phase

Low-voltage systems. structured cabling, AV, lighting control, security, and access. are routinely treated as a contractor-coordinated afterthought, which means they arrive on the drawings too late to influence framing, fireblocking, or ceiling design.

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Audience
Architects
Credit
AIA HSW
Length
60 min
Format
In-person, virtual, or on-site

About This Course

Low-voltage systems. structured cabling, AV, lighting control, security, and access. are routinely treated as a contractor-coordinated afterthought, which means they arrive on the drawings too late to influence framing, fireblocking, or ceiling design. This course gives architects a practical command of what must appear on construction documents to protect the project schedule, the owner’s budget, and the building’s life-safety compliance. Attendees leave with a CD-phase low-voltage specification checklist and a clear picture of how early coordination compresses change orders downstream.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, attendees will be able to:

  1. List the minimum low-voltage rough-in requirements. conduit sleeves, blocking, and box locations. that must appear on architectural drawings at the CD phase.
  2. Distinguish between low-voltage work that is code-regulated (fire alarm, security wiring in certain occupancies) and work governed primarily by manufacturer and coordination requirements.
  3. Coordinate with the AV/technology integrator at design development to prevent scope gaps between the electrical and low-voltage trades.
  4. Identify wall and ceiling conditions that create conflicts between low-voltage routing and fire-rated assemblies, and specify compliant penetration details.

Health, Safety & Welfare Justification

Improper low-voltage penetrations through rated wall and floor assemblies compromise fire-separation integrity. a direct life-safety concern under AIA HSW criteria. Additionally, inadequate conduit infrastructure for egress and security system wiring affects occupant safety in emergency conditions.

60-Minute Outline

0:00–0:05 Welcome and learning objectives
0:05–0:18 What “low-voltage” actually means on a luxury project: scope, trades, and permit jurisdiction
0:18–0:32 The CD-phase checklist: conduit, blocking, sleeve, and box placement by room type
0:32–0:45 Fire-rated assembly compliance: penetrations, firestop, and code exposure
0:45–0:55 Case study: three change orders that a single coordination meeting would have prevented
0:55–1:00 Q&A and certificate distribution
Instructor
Mike Restrepo
Owner. Restrepo Innovations · Elite Pro Crestron Dealer · HTA Luxury Certified · OSHA Certified · Ubiquiti UISP/Pro Partner
Why This Matters

A missed conduit sleeve through a concrete slab costs four figures to core-drill after the pour. A missing blocking spec in a media wall means drywall comes down before the television goes up. These are not edge cases. they are the default outcome when technology infrastructure is excluded from the CD set.

Schedule

Request This Session

Available in-person at your firm, virtually via Zoom, or at our Franklin Lakes showroom. No speaking fee. Lunch provided for in-person sessions.

Or email directly: office@restrepoinnovations.com