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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 Questions about the eXapath system?
The following is a searchable list of frequently asked questions. Feel free to browse and learn. If you're unable to find the answer you're looking for, please send us an e-mail at quoteinquiry@homepathproducts.com and we'll do our best to help.
If you prefer to call, we can be reached at (860) 767-1122 from 8:00 to 5:00 EST. After hours, feel free to leave a message and we'll respond promptly.
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Installation
Fire Safety
Purchase
Standards
Technology
Usage
Warranty
Product Return
Installation How do I install eXapath outlets (EXBXSG-21) once the drywall has been installed?
Detailed instructions are available on the Homepath Products web site but the procedure is quite simple. The vertical eXapath conduit includes a central hollow chamber where low voltage cables can be installed. The conduit also contains a novel v-groove that functions as a drill bit pilot guide to assist in installing outlets. The installation is a simple matter of cutting a small location hole in the drywall to expose the conduit and v-groove. Once exposed, use the eXapath outlet (EXBXSG-21) as a template and enlarge the location hole to the size of the template. From here simply use a common lockset hole saw (2 1/8" diameter) centered vertically and horizontally on the exposed v-groove pilot hole and create an outlet port. Now simply snap the eXapath outlet in place being sure that it snaps securely in place. Where along the eXapath conduit can I place the outlet (EXBXSG-21)?
One of the nice benefits of the eXapath system is that outlets can be placed at virtually any position along the vertical plane of the conduit. This flexibility suits the need for ideal location of eXapath media outlets supporting technologies such as Data, CATV, Speakers, Home Theater and many other low voltage applications. How do I create a hole in the eXapath conduit for outlet installation?
Detailed instructions are available on the Homepath Products web site but the procedure is quite simple. The eXapath conduit includes a central hollow chamber where low voltage cables can be installed. The conduit also contains a novel v-groove that functions as a drill bit pilot guide to assist in installing outlets. The installation is a simple matter of cutting a small location hole in the drywall to expose the conduit and v-groove. Once exposed, the hole should be enlarged using the eXapath outlet as a template and a port created using a common hole-saw (2 1/8" diameter)to accept the eXapath snap-in outlet (EXBXSG-21). How do I find the eXapath conduit after the drywall is installed?
The eXapath conduit can be located using a commonly available density based stud finder. To find the conduit follow the instructions that came with the stud finder and note that the eXapath conduit will always have two lobes with outer limits that are precisely 3 3/8" apart. Mark the outer limits and bore a small hole (~1") centered between the markings to expose the conduit. What is the best way to create a hole through the shoe or plate in my framing to install the eXapath Mounting Bracket with Pipe (EXBP44-21)?
The eXapath mounting brackets (EXBP44-21 and EXTP44-21) are designed with quick, easy installation in mind. Each part can be used as both a T-square and centering marker by inverting the unit, holding the bracket firmly against the shoe or plate, drawing a line perpendicular to the axis of the shoe/plate and then using the pencil guide to create a line parallel to the shoe plate axis. Doing so creates a crossed mark that will serve to accurately position your drill when creating the through hole.
From here, be sure to double-check to ensure that the through hole will not interfere with other systems in the house. Use the marking and create a through-hole with a 1 3/4" self feed drill.
The mounting bracket with pipe (EXBP44-21) can now be inserted into the through-hole, aligned, and fastened in place. Is there a way to block the hole in the mounting bracket pipe?
Yes. Use either commercially available fire-stop putty or a standard 1 1/4" schedule 40 conduit cap. How do I create a outlet port in the eXapath conduit before drywall is installed?
The preferred method is to use a common 2 1/8" diameter hole-saw to create an accurate outlet (EXBXSG-21) port. A novel v-groove is extruded into the eXapath conduit to act as a piloting device and ensure that the hole created is well centered on the conduit and ready for snap-in outlet installation. How do I cut the eXapath conduit to length?
The eXapath conduits come in precut lengths to fit standard 8 and 9 foot stud cavities. In some cases it's necessary to modify them to the needs of an specific installation. As such they are designed to be cut to length using common circular or compound miter saws with 10” blade. Fine tooth saws work best. Be sure to wear safety glasses and protective gloves when handling/cutting eXapath conduits.
As an alternative common rip, back, panel or hack saws also work well. Can drywall be hung on the eXapath conduits in the same manner as hanging drywall from wooden studs?
Yes the eXapath conduits are designed to have drywall installed on them by use of nails or standard drywall screws. Nails/screws should penetrate the portion of the conduit that is in intimate contact with the drywall (eXapath conduit lobes). To be clear, the eXapath conduit should be oriented such that the dual lobes and deep cavity are facing the drywall and the flat sides with two grooves are perpendicular to the drywall. Back to Top Fire Safety What fire safety standards does this product comply with?
This product has been independently tested and listed with Intertek Testing Services (formerly ETL, Edison Testing Laboratories) for compliance with Underwriter Laboratories standard UL 2024. Has this product been tested and certified or fire rated?
This product has been independently tested and listed with Intertek Testing Services (formerly ETL, Edison Testing Laboratories) for compliance with Underwriter Laboratories standard UL 2024. Back to Top Purchase How do I purchase individual parts?
Please contact us at www.homepathproducts.com and click on indicating “Place An Order”. How do I purchase a contractor pack?
Please contact us at www.homepathproducts.com and click on indicating “Place An Order”. Back to Top Standards What is the TIA/EIA?
TIA/EIA stand for the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronics Industries Association and is a non profit organization that develops and implements standards governing such things as data rate and digital communications interoperability. What is TIA/EIA 570?
The TIA/EIA 570 is a data communication standard applied to use in residential and multi-dwelling unit spaces. It has a close equivalent [TIA/EIA 568] that considers communications within commercial buildings. Back to Top Technology What does data rate mean?
Data rate is a measure of how many digital bits per second are transmitted from an electronic device such as a computer. The higher the rate the faster the communication especially where large digital files such as digital photos and video are concerned. Ethernet, the most common networking protocol, was first introduced with a bit rate of 1 Megabit per second [1Mbps] or 1 million bits per second. Subsequently the protocol has been improved with time, first being upgraded to 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps and then Gigabit [1,000 Megabits] per second performance. Today, in commercial setting [early adopters]it is common to transmit data at a rate of 10Gbps or 10,000 Mbps. What is bandwidth?
Bandwidth is a measure of how much information carrying capacity a cable can support. Bandwidth is used to characterize twisted pair copper cable, coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable. The larger the number the more information the cable can carry over a given period of time. Loosely translated, this implies that higher bandwidth cables [such as Cat 6 UTP and fiber optic] can support faster data rates and are commonly utilized when upgrading cables in a network. What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and is a technology offered by telecommunication companies over twisted pair copper cabling. The DSL signal (data rate) is generally slower than Cable Modem but has the advantage that the entire bandwidth of the signal is dedicated to the subscriber so no sharing of bandwidth occurs. What is FTTN?
FTTN, or Fiber To The Node, is similar to FTTH [Fiber To The Home] and is a modern high speed broadband method for providing advanced internet and video applications to the subscriber. The primary difference is that an FTTN implementation brings the highest bandwidth optical fiber to a “node” near the subscriber and then converts the transmission for use over existing twisted pair copper cables to each individual subscriber. What is FiOS?
FiOS is the brand name for Verizon’s implementation of FTTH (Fiber To The Home). In this implementation, optical fiber, the highest possible bandwidth cabling is terminated at or within the actual subscribers home, providing very high data rates now. The system is fully scalable for future bandwidth upgrades without requiring new cable installation. What is WiFi?
Wi-Fi [Wireless Fidelity] is a method used to transmit and receive digital communications via radio waves. It is a very handy method for setting up networks without complex cabling to each computer but is also a shared bandwidth service. As more users join in to the Wi-Fi network the amount of bandwidth provided to each user diminishes. Several standards exist [IEEE 802.11a offers 11 Mbps at a frequency of 5.0 GHz, 802.11b offers 11Mbps at a frequency of 2.4GHz, 802.11g offers 54Mbps at 2.4 GHz, and the latest 802.11n offers 300 Mbps at either 2.4 or 5.0 GHz. What does daisy chain mean?
See Bus topolgy. What does star topology mean?
One of the three principal topologies for a LAN in which all nodes are connected to one central node that routes all data passing to and from them. What is home run cabling?
See Star Topology. What is a Bus topology.
A bus network topology is a network architecture in which a set of clients are connected via a shared communications line called a bus. Back to Top Usage Where can I buy the cabling and gear that goes into these systems?
There are many choices for customers where low voltage cabling is concerned. Try searching the Internet using you application name as a starting point. eg. Cat 6 cable, Coaxial cable, CATV cable, home theater cable etc. Can I install Cat 5e UTP data cabling in the Homepath Products system?
Yes. The Homepath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber optic, speaker, control, and security cabling. Can I install Cat 6 UTP data cabling in the HomePath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber optic, speaker, control, and security cabling. How many eXapath conduit systems do I need in my home?
It really depends on the desires of the homeowner but the following hints may be helpful.
The eXapath system is not just for home theater or data networking. It's ideal for any low voltage cable application including home theater, data networking, whole-house audio, home automation, security, CATV/CCTV and future applications such as LED lighting nd networked digital art. Therefore it's wise to plan for these, whether you need them today or plan for them in the future.
The following are several rules of thumb to help. These are rough approximations. The specific needs of each individual home will dictate final requirements.
A. Plan to install an eXapath cable conduit system (conduit, mounting bracket with pipe, mounting bracket with socket, optional outlet, nail plate) behind the drywall in every third or fourth stud cavity. This will ensure excellent accessibility and limit the length of any appliance connecting cords.
B. For a typical home, multiply the square footage of the home by 0.012 to arrive at the number of eXapath cable conduit systems needed. e.g., a 3,000 square foot home: 3,000 x 0.012 = 36 eXapath cable conduit systems. Can I install Cat 6a UTP data cabling in the HomePath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber optic, speaker, control,and security cabling. Can I install fiber optic data cabling in the HomePath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber optic, speaker, control, and security cabling. Can I install coaxial [CATV/CCTV] cabling in the HomePath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, fiber optic, speaker, control, and security cabling. Can I install speaker cable in the Homepath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a coaxial fiber optic speaker control and security cabling. Can I install HDMI cable in the HomePath Products system?
Yes. The HomePath Products system is ideally suited to the installation of many cable types such as Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a coaxial fiber optic speaker control and security cabling. Can I daisy chain data cables?
No. Data cables should always utilize a Star Topology [home run] to ensure best performance. Reference the TIA/EIA 570 standard for general guidelines. Can I daisy chain video cables?
No. Video cables should always utilize a Star Topology [home run] to ensure best performance. Reference the TIA/EIA 570 standard for general guidelines. Can I daisy chain speaker cables?
No. Speaker cables should always utilize a Star Topology [home run] to ensure best performance. Back to Top Warranty Is there a warranty on the eXapath products from Homepath Products LLC?
Limited Warranty. Homepath Products LLC (Company) warrants to the original purchaser that the goods shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of ninety (90) days from date of shipment. Company's obligation under this warranty is limited to the replacement at its location of any of the goods which are defective in material or workmanship and which are returned to Company within said period with transportation charges prepaid. Replacement by Company shall not extend the warranty period. This warranty shall not apply to goods which have been modified or altered in any way or which have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect or improper storage, handling or maintenance. Removal and installation costs are not included under this warranty. Warranty is void if damage to product results from continued use after suspected defect is or should have been discovered. Warranty may not be transferred. COMPANY MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, SUCH WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY EXCEED THE WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY GRANTED IN THIS CLAUSE. In no event shall Company be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, punitive or consequential loss, damage or expense (which shall include without limitation, any loss of profit or revenue, any loss of goodwill, loss claimed by buyer’s customers, or any loss of business opportunity), of any nature or kind, however arising, whether in contract, in tort or otherwise, even if Company is deemed to be aware of the possibility of such damages. Company’s maximum liability for any claim, loss or damage arising from or in connection with this order shall under no circumstances exceed the purchase price paid to Company for the goods subject to a claim. Back to Top Product Return How do I handle return of materials due to shipment damage or product defects?
Please contact us at www.homepathproducts.com. and we will help you with any questions that may arise. Back to Top
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