Security cameras or CCTV camera is a great way to keep an eye on your property. People don’t realize that security camera cables need to be weatherproofed and protected from rain, snow, and other harsh weather. It’s not just the cables that need protection, but also the connectors and plugs.
By weatherproofing your security camera cables, you can ensure that they continue to work in all weather conditions. If the cables are not weatherproofed, they will become corrupted and damaged, resulting in decreased video quality and even system failure. But do you know how to weatherproof security camera cables?
It’s a fairly easy process and can be done in five simple steps. Keep following the instructions below, and your CCTV camera cables will be weatherproofed!
Steps on How to Weatherproof Security Camera Cables
When weatherproofing your security camera cables, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Keep your time and safety in mind while following these steps for your security camera wiring:
Step 01: Determine the Type of Cable
The first step is to determine the type of cable you are working with. There are five types of security camera cables:
Coaxial Cables: These are the most commonly used type of CCTV camera cables. They are made up of two insulated copper wires and a protective sheath. Coaxial cables provide a high-quality signal and are less susceptible to interference than other types of cables.
Siamese Cables: Siamese cables are a combination of coaxial and power cables. They have a single cable that combines the video and power signals, making installing your security camera system easy.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): UTP cables are made up of four twisted pairs of copper wires. They are less expensive than other types of cables, but they are also less reliable and can be susceptible to interference.
Fiber Optic Cables: Fiber optic cables are the most expensive type of security camera cable, but they offer the best video quality. They are made up of glass or plastic fibers that carry video signals over long distances.
Ethernet Cables: Ethernet cables are used to connect security cameras to a network. They are made up of four twisted pairs of copper wires and are the most reliable type of cable.
Step 02: Cut Cable to Length
Once you have determined the type of cable you are working with, you need to cut it to the correct length. Make sure to leave enough slack on each end to allow for connections and weatherproofing.
After you have cut the cable to length, strip off the insulation from each end. Be sure to leave enough wire on each end so that you can twist it together. Then use the following component to weatherproof the cable:
- Compression Cap
- Compression Gasket
- Compression Body
- O-ring
First, slide the compression cap onto the cable. Ensure that the wire strands are facing down so that the compression cap covers them.
Then, slide the compression gasket over the compression cap. The compression gasket should fit snugly over the cap.
Next, insert the compression body into the gasket. The compression body should fit tightly in the gasket.
Finally, insert the O-ring over the compression body. The O-ring should fit tightly around the compression body.
Step 03: Connect Cables
Once you have weatherproofed the cables, it’s time to connect them to your security camera system. To do this, you will need a connector and a plug.
The connector is inserted into the camera port, and the plug is inserted into the jack on the back of the CCTV camera. There are a few different types of connectors and plugs, so make sure to match the right connector with the right plug.
Step 04: Test Camera
Once the cables are connected, it’s time to test the camera. Turn on the camera and check the video quality. Make sure that the colors are correct and that there is no interference. If everything looks good, you’re ready to install your security camera system.
Step 05: Install the Security Camera System in Position
Now that you have tested the camera, it’s time to install the security camera system. Follow the instructions that come with your security camera system to install the cameras and connect them to your network. Once everything is installed, you’re ready to start monitoring your property.
If there are any problems with the video quality, you may need to adjust the position of the security camera or try a different type of cable.
By following these simple steps, you can install a weatherproof security camera system that will provide you with years of reliable service.
Alternative Ways to Weatherproof Security Camera Cables
There are some alternative ways to weatherproof CCTV camera cables. If you don’t have a compression cap, gasket, body, and O-ring, you can use electrical tape, silicone sealant, or duct tape to weatherproof the cables.
Electrical Tape: Electrical tape is the easiest way to weatherproof cables. Simply wrap the electrical tape around each end of the cable and press down firmly to create a seal.
Silicone Sealant: Silicone sealant is a good option if you need to waterproof a connection. Apply a thin layer of silicone sealant to the connector and plug and allow it to dry.
Duct Tape: Duct tape is a good option for temporary weatherproofing. Wrap the duct tape around each end of the cable and press down firmly to create a seal.
These tapes are not as effective as a compression cap, gasket, body, and O-ring, but they will provide a temporary seal until you can get a proper weatherproofing kit.
Conclusion
Weatherproofing your security camera or CCTV camera cables ensures that your system is reliable and weatherproof. Using a compression cap, gasket, body, and O-ring, you can create a watertight seal that keeps out the elements.
But if you don’t have that component, you can use electrical tape, silicone sealant, or duct tape. These tapes are not as effective as those components, but they will provide a temporary seal until you get a proper CCTV weatherproofing kit.
We hope this article helped explain how to weatherproof security camera cables. Thanks for reading!
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