How To Protect Security Camera Wires
Security cameras are a system in the home that should be on your maintenance checklist. It’s important to protect your investment so that you can rest assured that it’s working when you need it.
Advantages of Security Cameras
Security cameras offer peace of mind for a variety of reasons:
- They deter criminal activity. “Smile, you’re on candid camera,” is not what most thieves are going for. Just the mere existence of a camera is enough to keep a potential intruder moving down the road.
- Security cameras offer evidence in the case of criminal activity. When the package was delivered but then disappeared or your car is broken into, you’ll have an image for police to work with.
- They give you eyes in the back of your head--and anywhere else you can’t see around your property. Whether you want cameras monitoring the house while you’re away or if you just like to have eyes on the dark corners of your yard or basement, security cameras allow you to be aware of the activity nearby.
Wired Cameras
Standard home security cameras are wired in to your electrical system. This allows consistent and reliable functionality. Installation of a wired system requires more time and tools than a wireless system like the Argus 2 (more on that below). Professional installation is recommended for wired security cameras because of the complexities involved. Most systems route wires from the cameras to a central control box inside the house. This means that every camera has wires that are ran through exterior and interior walls in order to connect to the box. Whether your system is digital or analog, direct wiring allows it to perform without a reliance on wifi.
Protecting Wires
Both during installation and subsequently when maintaining the system, it’s pertinent that the wires are protected. Without reliable wiring the system will not work, so make sure to check them often. Here are some steps to safeguard your security camera wires.
Keep Wires Hidden
The best thing you can do for your camera wires is to keep them as hidden as possible. If a criminal sees the wires, one snip will take your camera out of commission. Make it more difficult by mounting the camera directly to a surface with the wires fed through the wall or ceiling. In this manner, the wires are not exposed to thieves or the elements of Mother Nature.
Keep Wires Protected
Inside the walls of your home, camera wires are protected from easy cutting and harsh weather. However, critters lurk behind your sheetrock and if you’ve ever had mice you know they’ll chew through anything. Protect your wires inside the walls and those loose in the attic or crawlspace by feeding them through conduit. Make sure the conduit fits the wires snugly rather than providing a gap.
Monitor Plugs
Each camera in the system will be plugged in via the cable ran through the house. If you can access these plugs, check them often to ensure a good connection. Tape them together as an added security. Also frequently check the plugs at the main control box to make sure none of them have been accidentally unplugged from the system.
Wireless Options
Like all technology, the security camera world is ever-evolving. One way to avoid the hassles of a wired system is to go wireless with a camera like the Argus 2. Wireless cameras typically run a bit pricier than wired models, but if you’re also purchasing convenience and piece of mind, it’s worth the investment. In fact, wireless models offer a host of advantages and are likely worth the upgrade to suit your needs.
Wireless security cameras offer the same peace of mind as the wired version, minus a whole lot of hassle. Because you don’t have to worry about connecting wires into the main electrical system, installing wireless cameras is as easy as mounting it to the wall or other area where you have wifi access and desire an extra set of eyes. This is especially beneficial in areas that are not wired for power or don’t have convenient access, such as outbuildings, posts along the driveway, or on the back garden fence. The wireless option also means you can move it as often as necessary with very little effort. Plus, because security cameras like the Argus 2 can either be ran on solar polar or charged using batteries, your electric bill won’t take a hit. There’s no need to keep the camera running day and night either. The motion sensor feature allows it to sense movement, which it transfers using HD quality images and night vision when needed.
Whether you invest in a wired or wireless system, maintenance is as important as the initial product decision. Make sure your system is online and functional when the security of your home requires it.
