Re: Running wire for security cameras, and tips on fishing wire?

["Norm Mugford" <1alarm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Frank said:

We use a chain saw.....

Let's hear more about that, Frank.......
I bet it gets the customer's attention.......

Is it monitored or just a DIY chain saw?

Norm Mugford


"Frank Olson" <Use_the_email_links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:0%jof.112716$ki.32819@xxxxxxxxxxx
> BIOSMonkey wrote:
>> I would like to install about 4 cameras around my house, not necessarily
>> for
>> security but to see who's at the front door, monitor the kid's
>> playground, etc.
>>
>> My plan is to install these cameras, run them to the equipment room under
>> the
>> stairs in my basement, then get channel modulators to insert them into my
>> cable
>> system (or maybe run them into a quad generator to create one channel).
>>
>> Without knowing yet what kind of cameras I will get, what wiring should I
>> run?
>> Just a coax and 2 conductor power?  For cameras with other features, such
>> as
>> motion trigger, or audio, do I need more conductors?
>
> RG-59U, Some Cat 5, and a two or four conductor 18AWG will just about
> cover everything that's out there.
>
>
>>
>> Also I am at a loss to figure out how to easily fish these wires through
>> my
>> outside walls to the basement.  Obviously I want them to be hidden and
>> inaccessible to someone with wire cutters, but I don't see how I can run
>> them
>> down inside the siding with the boards and insulation on the other side.
>> How do
>> you guys do it?
>
> That part I like...  We use a chain saw.  We rip a wire way channel down
> the inside wall (make sure you wear a good quality dust mask and
> protective clothing to avoid injury from flying splinters, odd bits of
> nail and insulation).  It's also a good idea to use a well insulated
> chainsaw in case you hit a live 110 or 220 VAC wire.  Lay your wire in the
> channel you've just created and staple it all down.  Stuff some insulation
> on top, and nail on a thin strip of drywall.  Don't forget to tell you
> wife that you're leaving it like this so that you can open the wireway
> anytime you need to service it.
>
> Seriously, you'll need to get yourself some basic tools as well as some
> more specialized ones like a 6 foot flex-bit, and a good quality fish
> tape.  Judging from your comments you have good access to the basement
> (that it's largely unfinished).  Drilling or fishing down an outside wall
> is never easy, but is possible.  You have to be careful about displacing
> insulation or damaging the vapour barrier.  A fire-stop can make what
> looks like an "easy run" a tad more difficult too. Maintaining separation
> from higher voltage AC wiring also has to be considered.  Sometimes it's
> easier to go "up" into the attic and then down an inside wall to the
> basement.  Without actually seeing what you want to do or the way your
> home is constructed, it would be difficult to comment on which technique
> is going to work best.  If you've never done this before, it would
> probably be a lot easier (and wiser) to have a "Pro" run the wire for you.
> He'll have all the gear necessary.  You'll have to pay out some bucks but
> you'll have fewer headaches.