Whether you are an engineer, technician, or a regular homeowner, having wires crawling all over the place can be unsightly. Sometimes, no amount of cable ties and electrical tape can hide ghastly wires. There are better ways to hide cables, especially if these are security camera cables.
It’s easy to get stuck figuring out how to hide security wires inside your own home. We have got you covered in that front! In this article, we’ll go through the different ways on how to run security camera cables through walls. Because hiding camera cables are important as well as installing the camera themselves. You’d want to make sure any attempt to disconnect the wires is not possible.
Things You Need
You’re ready to run security wires, but before we get started on how to run security camera cables through walls you need a few items especially if you’re installing a wired camera system versus a Wi-Fi camera:
- Steel fish tape
- Masking tape
- A power drill with spade bits and drive bits
For this guide, it is also a great idea to get a friend to help you out. You will need other items, such as extra camera wires or ethernet cables that are compatible with your camera. For that, make sure to measure the distance and include a few extra meters (for allowance) when you go through the first step.
Step By Step: How To Run Security Camera Cables Through Walls
Now you’re ready to learn how to run security camera cables through walls. When it comes to installing security camera wires, you’ll need to consider the areas you need to monitor.
Where are you planning to install the cameras?
- You will need to be specific about the mounting spots for your cameras. You will need to consider the area of coverage as well as the best spot to mount them that is easy to install. You will be tempted to mount your camera in the upper corner, but routing the wires to your DVR box may be difficult. Instead of doing that, you may want to mount it on your porch’s ceiling. From that point, you can run the wires through the main attic.
- Make sure you have enough cables and wires to do the job. Make sure to measure the distance between each point and add a little allowance as you go through step two.
Get ready to install.
- Check out the walls you are thinking of installing or drilling on. You will need to prepare your power drill and drill bits if these are drywall, wood, or aluminum walls. But if you’re mounting on concrete or brick, you’ll want a hammer drill with masonry drill bits.
- When you’re ready to drill, using a pencil, mark a hole where the cables will go through as well as the holes for the camera’s mounting screws. Check if your camera comes with mounting stickers to help you mark the spot.
Run the cables to each marked location.
- Get your cables ready. Remember that you’re drilling holes through walls or ceilings. Think of the order of each camera and the wire that needs to extend through each point. Think about where the wires will converge. Use steel fish tape to locate yourself physically.
- Ask your friend to help you feed the fish tape up into the hole that you just drilled for your camera, and after extending it, tape the end of the cable to the fish tape. You can pull on the tape from the outside so you can thread the cable through the hole.
- Afterward, you can remove the tape, and the cable will then be ready for your camera.
Route all your cables to the DVR box.
- You will need the power drill and fish tape again. You may need to make new holes or use the same holes going to your DVR box. The idea is to make sure the cables eventually meet up to your DVR box. Go through the same process as above as necessary using the fish tape and drill.
Install the cameras.
- This is the easiest part of the whole process. Connect the cables and wires to the necessary ports on your camera. Follow the instructions in the manual that should be provided with the cameras you purchased.
- Make sure to wrap the cables with electrical tapes so the connection won’t get unplugged by accident.
- Using the drill and mounting screws, look for the penciled marks you did earlier and drill the mounting device.
- Once the security camera is mounted, you’ll need to connect everything and adjust the camera to get a better view of the area you want to be monitored.
You’ve successfully learned how to run security camera cables through walls! The next step would require a bit of tinkering, and you’ll need to check the manual from time to time to set up the interface and customize it according to your liking. Once you’ve set up the feed, adjust the camera positions as necessary Find out more about Security Camera Cables.
Conclusion
Wiring security cameras is an important step when it comes to installing cameras for your home’s protection. Making sure you’ve wired the cables through the walls will keep the camera safe from disconnection and from any attempt to cut it. You can neatly collect the cables if they’re clumped together in one hole with cable ties or electrical tape. If you want it a little more organized, you can also use a junction box. Ask your local hardware store about junction boxes.
Learning how to run security camera cables through walls can be tricky if you don’t have the right tools. Be sure to take note of the things we’ve listed in this article and ask a friend to help you out.