Very few security cameras can operate without some form of cabling. Those few that do are known as truly wireless security cameras. For the most part, these camera systems have more than enough faults. That is why you don’t see many of them.
All other security cameras require cabling or wires in order to send their signal. There are two types of security camera cabling. Network cabling and direct cabling.
Network Cabling
Network cameras have been around for a little while now but they are the newest of the two. With network cameras, you connect to the system by a network. This network is the same thing that transmits all digital data in your building or home. Including the internet.
One of the major benefits of networking your cameras is that you can use the existing infrastructure for the most part.
If you want to use an ethernet connection to the network, you will need have ethernet access points around the building for the network. This will require cabling to be run around the building. However, the cabling does not have to run back to the server. It just has to run to a network access point.
Traditional Cabling
A number of camera-specific cabling is available. Common cables such as coax are also used a large number of times. It comes down to the specific brand and what the company has decided to use to transmit data. Different types of cable carry with it different benefits such as levels of shielding from outside interference to quicker data transmission.
Unlike network cameras, traditionally wired cables need to have a cable that runs from the device to the network video recorder, or NVR. Running this cable can be quite complex but professionals are very experienced at working with various structures and wall types.
Power Supply
Only a handful of cameras run on battery power. Those aren’t a great option for security applications as the batteries need to be changed and you will end up spending a lot of money on them.
For every other camera, you will need to have a power supply. The power supply runs from the camera to an outlet or from the camera to a power line inside the wall.
How To Run A Cable
The actual art of running cables is quite complicated. We won’t go into that, but there are some general tips that you can adhere to. First and foremost, is that cables should never be run where someone can easily access them. That means outside the wall.
Thieves and other criminals will be able to simply cut the cable in order to stop your cameras from being effective.
Wires should be run away from anything that emits a signal unless they are well shielded. Even then, best practice would state that you avoid co-mingling of most types of cables.
Labeling your cables is also essential. You need to be able to determine what cable is what when you troubleshoot issues down the road. Upgrades and other work will also need to be able to distinguish between cable types. Some people get ethernet cable with printing on it while others color code their cabling. There are a number of ways to do it, the end goal is to make sure it is identifiable.
Precision Security Australia
When it comes to anything to do with security camera systems in the Melbourne area, you will want to look at Precision Security Australia. With years of industry-leading experience in security camera systems, you will get the best installation in the area.
One of our many skills is to work with cabling. We work thoroughly with wiring to ensure that it is both protected and installed properly. Great pride is taken in each installation we perform.
We already mentioned it a couple of times but wiring is an art. A lot of training and learning goes into developing the skills needed to wire security camera systems. Not every company has the same amount of focus on every skill that is required. Precision Security Australia will provide you with a free on-site security inspection when you call today. We can also provide demonstrations of the products we use and a no-obligation quote.
