Camera wiring - future proof

[marmathsen]

The recent doorbell wiring thread got me thinking, what do others do to future proof for cameras. Is Cat6 good enough and assume POE or do you also run 18/2 (or Siamese)? How often is the 18/2 actually used?



Rob G
Seattle

 

[hbiss]

Most of them are now WiFi.

-Hal

 

[marmathsen]

Most of them are now WiFi.

-Hal

What brands are referring too? So you set up 120V? Or 12V?

I was under the impression that cheap consumer products like Ring or Blink or Nest are wifi but quality products from an AV supplier would be hardwired. Is that outdated thinking?

Rob G
Seattle

 

[hbiss]

Most consumers aren't going to use pro grade CCTV cameras by their doors. All they know are Ring or Blink or Nest and that's what the OP is talking about.

If someone is going to go for a full boat system with multiple cameras throughout then it is the job of the security installer to decide what's needed.

-Hal

 

[jim dungar]

Most of them are now WiFi.

-Hal

But it is nice when power is run to them, from a doorbell transformer.

 

[Joethemechanic]

The good systems in the plants around here are all hardwired. They can zoom in really close. They can even tell what brand of cigarette someone sneaking a smoke is smoking. HR uses it for their social credit system, and to catch guys who forget to lock something out, or put their lock on the wrong lockout

 

[tom baker]

Agree the better systems are hardwired to
a video server. Best resolution and security. Wi fi ring cameras are easy and popular, but wi fi signals can be blocked during break ins
I guess you get what you pay for.

 

[Little Bill]

But it is nice when power is run to them, from a doorbell transformer.

Yes, unless you run power (14V-16V) from a transformer, the doorbell camera would have to be taken down to charge the battery. I get calls all the time about this. People buy the unit and don't realize the battery needs charging and hate to have to remember to take it down to charge. These are ones without an existing chime and button.

 

[marmathsen]

So then assuming someone may want to opt for a basic wifi version or a higher quality hardwired, the most reasonable "cover your butt" option would be to run 18/2 AND Cat5/6, right? Seems like 120v at every location would be way overkill right?

Rob G
Seattle

 

[hbiss]

If you are going to go for high-end or even basic cameras, I'm sure they use PoE for powering. Only CAT5e is needed.

-Hal

 

[Joethemechanic]

Seems like all the plant security systems I see see are powered by the CAT cable. The specifics of how, I never looked into.