Combine AV and Security Wiring in One Diagram

As smart buildings and connected environments become more common, the line between audiovisual and security systems continues to blur. Today’s modern installations often include surveillance cameras, access control panels, alarms, intercoms, and AV solutions like speakers, displays, video conferencing, and digital signage—all integrated into one seamless system. But while the technology works together, the wiring and layout planning can quickly become overwhelming without a unified approach.

That is where XTEN-AV steps in as a powerful tool. With its advanced design capabilities, XTEN-AV allows integrators to combine AV and security wiring in one clean, professional diagram. Whether you are working on a corporate office, a school campus, a hospital, or a luxury home, having everything in a single layout simplifies planning, installation, and maintenance.

In this blog, we will explore how to combine AV and security wiring into a single diagram, why this is beneficial, and how XTEN-AV makes it easy to execute complex, multi-system designs with clarity and precision.

Why Combine AV and Security in One Diagram

Traditionally, AV and security systems have been treated as separate disciplines, handled by different teams with different wiring schematics. However, as smart infrastructure becomes more interconnected, integration is not just possible—it is expected.

Benefits of a combined diagram include:

Centralized planning: One map for the entire technology system.
Reduced cable clutter: Avoid duplicated cable runs or inefficient paths.
Better coordination: Ensures both teams (AV and security) know where devices and cables are located.
Easier maintenance: A single reference document helps during troubleshooting or upgrades.
Cost savings: Shared pathways and racks mean fewer materials and less labor.

Instead of juggling multiple sets of diagrams, XTEN-AV allows you to build one comprehensive design that reflects all devices, wires, and control systems in your project.

Step 1: Start With a Unified Floor Plan

Begin your project by loading or creating a complete floor plan in XTEN-AV. Include all relevant areas, such as:

Main rooms (conference rooms, lobbies, control centers)
Entrances and exits
Hallways and corridors
Equipment closets and server rooms
Outdoor areas with surveillance coverage

This foundation ensures that you can accurately place all AV and security equipment where they will be installed, and plan your wiring with full spatial awareness.

Step 2: Identify All Devices

Next, compile a list of all AV and security devices in the project. Some common components include:

AV Devices

Video displays and projectors
Audio speakers and microphones
Video conferencing systems
Digital signage players
Matrix switchers and AV receivers

Security Devices

IP cameras and NVRs
Door access panels and card readers
Motion sensors
Keypads and intercoms
Alarm panels and sirens

Place these devices in your diagram using XTEN-AV’s drag-and-drop interface. Use different icons or colors to differentiate AV and security components, ensuring clarity at a glance.

Step 3: Map All Wiring Paths

With the devices placed, it is time to draw in your wiring. XTEN-AV enables you to:

Select specific cable types (HDMI, CAT6, coaxial, speaker wire, alarm wire)
Define cable origins and endpoints
Use straight or routed cable paths
Label wires with IDs, cable type, and purpose

Make sure to distinguish between signal wiring, power wiring, and control wiring. For example:

Use CAT6 from cameras to the NVR
Use speaker wire from amplifiers to ceiling speakers
Run low-voltage control wire to access panels or alarm triggers

The advantage of doing this in XTEN-AV is that all connections are tracked and displayed in a way that is both easy to read and highly detailed.

Step 4: Plan Rack and Equipment Room Layouts

AV and security systems often terminate in the same equipment closet or rack. XTEN-AV lets you create rack elevations that include:

AV receivers and switchers
Patch panels
Network switches
Security DVRs or NVRs
UPS and power conditioners

You can also assign cable entries and exits, label rack units, and define device spacing for ventilation. By visualizing both systems in the same rack layout, you avoid overlaps, ensure power capacity is sufficient, and simplify long-term maintenance.

Step 5: Address Power and Network Planning

Both AV and security gear rely on stable power and network connections. Use your XTEN-AV diagram to:

Show power sources and backup systems (such as PoE switches or UPS)
Mark Ethernet switch locations and cable runs
Indicate PoE devices like IP cameras and wireless access points
Include surge protection where needed

Combining this information in a single diagram reduces the chance of underpowered devices or forgotten network ports during installation.

Step 6: Use Layers to Manage Complexity

With many devices in one diagram, things can get visually crowded. XTEN-AV helps you manage complexity by allowing you to create separate layers. For example:

AV Devices Layer
Security Devices Layer
Cable Path Layer
Power and Network Layer
Rack Equipment Layer

You can toggle these layers on and off as needed, making it easier to review one system at a time or see how everything fits together.

Step 7: Finalize Labels and Documentation

Once your wiring and device layout is complete, use XTEN-AV’s documentation tools to:

Add device tags and labels
Include notes for installation teams
Generate a bill of materials
Export PDF or CAD-style diagrams

This documentation ensures that your team installs the system exactly as designed, and that clients have accurate as-builts for future reference.

Real-World Application Example

Imagine you are designing a smart office building that includes:

Video conferencing rooms
Digital signage in lobbies
Background music in common areas
Surveillance in hallways and parking lots
Access control at all entry points

Instead of creating separate diagrams for each system, you use XTEN-AV to:

Map speaker wiring alongside camera feeds
Share power and network connections efficiently
Combine everything into a rack layout in the basement
Produce one set of plans for the entire install team

This streamlined approach cuts down on coordination errors and makes the whole system easier to maintain.

Final Thoughts

As AV and security systems grow more integrated, designing them separately is no longer the smartest approach. By combining AV and security wiring into one unified diagram, you gain better control, clearer planning, and a more efficient installation process.

XTEN-AV makes this possible with intuitive design tools, a vast product database, and flexible layout features that support multi-system planning. Whether you are building for commercial, residential, or institutional clients, creating a combined diagram is the key to smarter, faster, and more reliable technology integration.

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