How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Walls

Installing a security camera is an enjoyable DIY process; running a security camera cable through walls is the most challenging part. Security cameras you install at the house would be located outside your home. Yet, you will have the DVR mounted inside the house. This is where you will be required to understand how to run security camera wires through walls. With the correct tools and proper guidelines, anybody can install them easily. Here is a guide on how to run security camera wires through walls effectively.

Tools Used to Run Security Camera Wire through Walls

Before we delve into the detailed steps, let’s first list the essential tools you’ll need for this job:

• Power Plug: To ensure a safe power connection.
• Screwdriver: For securing components in place.
• Camera Cables: The lifeline connecting your cameras to the DVR.
• Electric Plastic Box: To protect sensitive electrical components.
• Fish Rod and Bits: Essential for threading cables through tight spaces.
• PVC Conduit: Provides a protective housing for your cables.

These are the standard tools expert installers use to run camera wires. You can select any tool you want to do the work correctly, but having the right tools is crucial for a successful installation.

How to Run Security Camera Wires Through Walls Outside

Running security camera wires outdoors can be a complex task, but with a well-thought-out plan, it becomes manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the job done:

1. Plan Your Cable Route: Determine the easiest and shortest route for burying the conduits to protect your cables from harsh weather elements.
2. Use Cable Guards: Employ PVC or metal conduits to shield the cables from animals, humans, and weather conditions.
3. Weatherproof Outlets: Use weatherproof and waterproof outlets for external power to Wi-Fi cameras.
4. Drill Holes: Drill holes to run the security cables from the house to the external cameras. Whenever possible, drill at the wall rather than from your building’s floor.
5. Bury the Cables: As per the National Electric Code (NEC), bury the electrical wires or network cables shielded in PVC or metal conduits. PVC cables should be buried 18 inches below the ground, while metal conduits require a 6-inch depth.
6. Use Fish Tape: Use fish tape to pull the cable through the conduits efficiently.

How to Run Security Camera Wires Without an Attic

Not every home has an attic, but that shouldn’t stop you from installing security cameras. If you lack an attic, here are alternative methods:

1. Drill Wall Holes: Drill holes in the wall and create a junction box when you don’t have access to the attic.
2. Wire the Cables: With a junction box in place, wire the cables through the walls.
3. Secure with Staples: Use staples to secure the wires to the wall and paint them to blend in seamlessly.
4. Consider Piping: Hiding the camera with piping is another option. Behind the soffit, you can do the wiring, effectively concealing the cables.

How to Run Security Camera Wires Inside Your House

Installing security cameras inside the house is generally more straightforward than outdoor installations. Follow these steps to get the job done:

1. Choose a Central Location: Before deciding on the wiring route, select a central location for the surveillance hub (NVR or DVR). This location should be easily accessible from any place in the building.
2. Turn Off Power: Prioritize safety by turning off the power.
3. Drill Holes: Drilling is the easiest way to run security camera cables through walls, soffits, and vinyl siding. Ensure the hole is larger than the maximum cables you’ll ever run.
4. Consider a PoE Injector: If the camera is far from the NVR/router, use a PoE injector.
5. Use Fish Tape: Attach the cables with fish tape and employ a security camera wire protection cover or conduit to shield the lines. Run the wires to the central surveillance hub.

How to Hide Security Wires Inside Your Home

If aesthetics matter to you and you want to maintain your home’s decoration, here are some steps to hide security wires:

1. Wire Guards: When drilling holes for your wires to pass over, use wire guards to easily conceal them.
2. Paint the Wires: Painting loose wires can make them less conspicuous. You can also use staple cables, run them into corners, and paint them afterward.
3. Attic Wiring: Running home security wiring in your attic is an excellent way to hide wires effectively.
4. Consider Piping: Another option is running cables from PVC or plastic pipes. This not only conceals them entirely but also protects them from external harm, rats, and dust.

How to Hide Security Camera Wires Outside

For those who prefer wired security cameras over wireless ones, dealing with visible wires can be a concern. Here’s how to hide security camera wires from plain view:

1. Optimize Wiring Path: Make the wiring path for your IP cameras as small as possible.
2. Use Pipes: Consider using PVC or metal conduit pipes.
3. Mark Drill Points: Mark the points where you will drill holes.
4. Bury the Pipes: PVC pipes should be buried at least 18 inches below the ground, while metal pipes require a 6-inch depth.
5. Use Fish Tape: Run the security camera cables through the pipes using fish tape for pulling wires.

If you prefer a hassle-free approach, you can opt for outdoor wireless security cameras instead.

FAQs

How Long Can You Run the Security Camera Cable?

Technically, regular POE IP security cameras have a maximum limitation of 300 feet for the network cable signal using pure copper wire. However, it’s safer to assess a maximum of 250 feet, as the type of cable used may not always be guaranteed pure copper.

What Is the Best Way to Run Security Camera Wires?

Drilling is undoubtedly one of the easiest and best ways to run security camera wires through walls. If you use Cat 5 or Cat 6 Ethernet cable for your camera, you can drill a hole to run the Ethernet cable from the camera to your router or NVR.

Which Wire Is Best for a CCTV Camera?

RG59 cables are a specific kind of coaxial cable that is usually used for CCTV applications. RG59 cables have greater bandwidth than coaxial cables, making them perfect for transmitting high-quality video signals.

Which CCTV Wire Is Best for Long Distances?

RG6 wire, with its thicker insulation and braiding, can transmit signals over much longer distances compared to RG59. RG59 is better suited for workplaces and interiors, while RG6 is better suited for comprehensive surveillance of buildings or parts of cities.

Conclusion

Wiring security cameras is a significant process in installing a reliable security system. From planning your cable routes to hiding the wires effectively, we’ve covered everything you need to know. Ensure to use wire protection to prevent any disconnections, as the security of your family and your property relies on these cables remaining intact. Concealing the wires isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s also crucial for security purposes. Visible cables can be tampered with, potentially leading to theft or unlawful activities. By following these detailed guidelines and using the right tools, you can easily wire your security cameras for maximum protection.