When it comes to security system installation, running security camera cables through soffit or another location may be the most difficult part, whereas there are numerous locations where you can mount a security camera.

There are several ways to install surveillance cameras in your home: through walls, burying wires in the floor, and all around the perimeter.

In other words, if you’re looking for information on How to Run Security Camera Wires at Home? This article will go over in detail how to run security camera wires through the attic, so you’ve come to the right place.

how to run security camera wires from outside

According to installation experts, routing security camera wires through the soffit has a number of advantages. It keeps your surveillance systems safe and can help you avoid problems such as the following:

1: The presence of security cameras close by allows anyone, including intruders and thieves, to be caught and damaged.

2: The camera’s view angle is not optimal for covering the majority of the available space.

3: When a wired security system is installed, the camera wiring is vulnerable to being cut by children or other family members by mistake.

Installing security camera wires through the attic will keep you away from the problems listed above, as well as others such as Security Camera Wire Splicing, which is a major source of frustration for homeowners.

You can avoid all of this and more if you know how to run security camera wires through soffit, which you will learn in the following paragraphs. But first, let’s look at the advantages.

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Benefits of installing security camera wires in the attic

There are numerous benefits to mounting your camera in the soffit, including the following:

1- Protect the wiring in your home as well as your CCTV analogue cameras from children, burglars, and thieves.

2- Maintain the cleanliness of your home without the use of wires or power cables.

3- Use a secure location to control and save surveillance devices.

How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

If you want to run security camera wires through a soffit, you should be familiar with the tools we’ll be using and the steps involved in each system.

What are the tools used to run security camera wires through soffit?

Well, the tools vary from one person to another, depending on the type of security camera you use and the location where you place your camera, to name a few factors. However, the tools listed below are the most common and frequently used by technicians.

1. Electric Drill
2. Screws and Bits
3. Fish rod
4. Helmet with Flashlight
5. Electric Plastic Tape
6. Camera wires, and Power cabling
7. PVC Conduits

Here are the steps

1- The Place of The cam

Running security camera wires and installing building surveillance systems is dependent on following the correct procedures, and the first step is determining the location of the camera.

As we all know, the location of the camera is critical in order to monitor and watch your property. The majority of people, for example, attempt to mount their security cameras outside in corners in order to cover the front area.

Some homeowners, on the other hand, choose to place their cameras near the front door because it is the primary entrance to the home, allowing them to see who is knocking on the door before answering it.

Simply put, there are some limitations to consider, such as the routing of wires to your video recorder, whether it is an NVR or a DVR.

In addition, the power outlet for the camera must be close by, and the security camera wire types that are used in the installation must be long-lasting and reliable.

Once you have resolved these two major issues, you will be able to place and run your security camera wires through the soffit in any location you desire. There are a variety of small hidden cameras available for purchase that you can use as well.

2- Prepare the camera and Installation Tools

You have now completed the first step in learning how to run security camera wires through the soffit. The next step is to set up the tools for use with the camcorder.

The tools you use will vary depending on where you install your cameras (on the roof or in a central hub) and what material your soffit is made of (our soffit Vinyl). We use a variety of tools that are specifically designed for this purpose.

To begin, remove the vinyl from the area where you will be mounting your camera and measure the width of the area to be cut to make a piece of wood for it.

The wood piece will be secured with screws, and the soffit will be used to support the cam when it is mounted in it.

Second, use the electric drill to create a hole in the wood, one large hole for the camera’s feeding wires and several smaller holes for the camera’s mounting screws, depending on how many screws your camera has.

Note: Some cameras come with a template sticker that you can use to easily make camera holes in order to get the best holes and most accurate holes for screws possible.

3- Connect the Camera To Video Recorder

It is one of the most important steps in how to run security camera wires through soffit to run the wires from the security cameras to the DVR/NVR and back.

The installation of security systems begins with the planning phase, followed by the installation of camera wiring through the soffit.

Depending on where are your cameras located you’ll need to make holes in the ceiling and walls, also you need to use a fish tape to make the installation easy.

First, determine the route of your camera wires from the camera location to your central device (DVR/NVR), and then make the wires extra long to avoid a short circuit during the installation process.

Second, remember to bring the fish tape. After that, tape the beginning of the camera cable to the fish tape and pull the fish tape through your attic until it breaks.

This will make the process easy especially in the narrow places, also it’ll be much easier if you called a friend to help you.

You will continue to use this until you have completed the installation of all of your system cameras. In order to complete this step, you must connect your camera cables to your video recorder.

Note: If you are forced to run wires outside of the soffit, make sure to conceal the camera cables and the camera itself in the most inconspicuous locations possible.

Third, we are gonna use fish tape again, But this time it’ll be a bit complicated as you will run the wire to the main attic of your house. This task is made easier by using the drilled holes you created and the fish tape you applied.

After the third step, you should have a centralised location for all of your camera cables. Creating a hole for your DVR or network video recorder is now the next step.

Some homeowners, before beginning the installation of security cameras, run the wires through the soffit with the intention of placing the video recorder close to the cameras. Because of this, fewer problems arise for the system, and the cables suffer less damage and bending as a result.

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4- Install the Cameras & Turn on The Security System

It is necessary to run security camera wires, which is the most difficult part of the installation process, to complete the installation. It’s time to connect and test the entire security system, which should take a few minutes.

First, In order to avoid accidental unplugging, connect the wires that came out of the holes in the attic to the cameras and secure them with electrical tape to prevent them from being accidentally unplugged.

Second, After you’ve finished, run the wire up to the attic and attach the camera to its base with a power drill. Finished!

Second, you must decide where you want your camera to point, and you must also adjust the viewing angle in order to obtain higher-quality recorded videos. Third, you must decide how long you want to record for.

Then connect the camera’s power cables and turn it on to put it through its paces.

You have now connected the cameras to the video recorder, as well as the power cables, which are also connected. Then you should open the Digital video recorder or network video recorder and make the necessary adjustments to your recording settings.

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Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit FAQ

Q1: Is it possible to splice the wire from the security camera?

The answer is YES, it is possible to splice security camera wires together.

If you have a wireless security camera, you can splice the power cable together to make a longer cable.

First, Make a first connection by pulling the two wires from the power cable and connecting them to the other cable.

Second, wrap the joint with electrical tape to prevent the spliced wires from touching each other.

Splicing the power wires and the RG59 or Ethernet cable for wired security cameras are two distinct processes that must be completed separately.

The power can be spliced together using the same concept as the wireless security camera power cable slicing procedure described previously.

Splicing RG45 coaxial or Ethernet cable requires the use of special tools, which are available on the market.

Q2: What is the best way to power an outdoor CCTV camera?

Now that the security camera wires have been routed through the soffit, it’s time to consider how to power the cameras.

In order to avoid power cable issues with most CCTV cameras, especially outdoor cameras, they must be mounted close to an electrical outlet. It is recommended that you purchase an Extension Power Cord if you have not already done so. The procedure is as follows:

1- Determine the voltage of the camera in order to purchase the appropriate Extension.

2 -Extension cord wires should be run alongside the camera wires,

3- Make certain that the power cable is hidden in the soffit or walls.

4- Connect the camera power cable to the Extension power cord and turn on the cameras. 5-

Take note that the steps outlined above are only applicable to fully wired security cameras and not wireless or wire-free cameras such as those manufactured by blink, reolink, or other brands. The same procedures can be followed in the case of a PoE Network camera system.

Final Thoughts about How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

The method described here is based on the most commonly used method of running security camera wires through the soffit. Although different materials are used by different homeowners to run wires in the soffit.

Example: Some people use an aluminium metal bar to mount a camera in their attic. Simply measure the width of your attic and cut a piece of aluminium to fit the space you have available. After that, use screws from both sides to secure the bar and then insert your camera into the hole. Watch the following video for a more in-depth explanation!

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How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

Knowing how to run security camera wires through soffit can be more beneficial than you might imagine as a do-it-yourselfer. The location of the central hub does not matter whether you plan to operate it from your attic room or from your study room. The soffit allows you to completely conceal the cables, thereby reducing exposure and reducing the overall effectiveness of your system’s performance.

Outdoor security cameras, as we all know, are the most important component of any surveillance system’s infrastructure. When properly positioned, they provide you with the ability to see what is going on inside and outside, allowing you to react appropriately and on time.
Nevertheless, if your CCTV system is compromised, potential burglars may be able to disable it, allowing them to enter your home without being detected. As a result, you must install your cameras at a high elevation and then conceal the cables to prevent them from being cut.

Is it possible to use a cable raceway in place of a soffit?

Yes, you can use the cable raceway to conceal the wires that run to your security cameras as well. The advantage of the soffit, on the other hand, is that you can completely conceal the wires beneath it. Outsiders would never be aware of it unless you specifically informed them.

Another issue is that most cable covers are only available in a limited number of colour options, making it difficult to find the perfect match for your home. In contrast, if your house has a soffit, you can run your wires without interfering with the aesthetic appeal of your property.

By the way, the concealment of wires applies to all CCTV systems, with the exception of battery-powered wireless security cameras, which do not require cables to function. Even if you have a wireless multi-channel NVR unit, you may still need to connect your cameras to a wall outlet in order to receive power from the unit. And because they are an integral part of the system, whether they are for video or power, the cables must be concealed.

When running security camera wires, there are several important considerations to make.
Technically, the majority of the most recent CCTV systems are true plug-and-play devices that you can install yourself without the assistance of a professional. There is nothing difficult about the wiring, even if you are not afraid of getting dirt on your hands while doing it.
Having said that, there are three words you should keep in mind before beginning your installation process. They are as follows:

What exactly do I require for the setup?
This includes a list of everything that you’ll need to finish your wiring job properly. Fortunately, most reputable security companies ship their systems as a complete package that includes all of the necessary cables and mounting accessories [screws and anchors]. So what you’ll need are some common household tools, such as screwdrivers, a ladder, and perhaps a drill to get started.

What happened to my surveillance cameras?

The answer to this question aids in the determination of various aspects, such as the length of wires to be used and the type of work to be performed. If the central hub [DVR or NVR] is hidden somewhere in the attic, your work will be significantly less difficult than if the cables are run from the living room to the central hub.

Because the attic and soffit are the closest to the roof, the distance between the cameras and the cameras is the shortest.

What is the best way to connect my security camera system?

Yes, you are correct. The way your security cameras are connected to the hub can also have an impact on how the cables are routed through the house. There is a distinct design for each type of CCTV system, which is tailored to a specific setting and installation.

An IP PoE security camera system, for example, will require you to connect a single Ethernet cable for both power and video transmission in order to function. As a result, the wiring will be much quicker than the analogue BNC connection, which requires two sets of wires: one for the video and another for the power supply.

The video head must still be connected to the DVR unit, despite the fact that there is a two-in-one Siamese BNC cable on the market. Additionally, the power head that connects to the wall outlet should be close by the DVR.

A wireless security camera system, on the other hand, requires the least amount of wiring of any type. It is only necessary to connect the cameras to a power source, which you can easily do by plugging it into an outlet in the attic or the closest room.

How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

Once you’re satisfied with the WHAT, WHERE, and HOW, you can proceed with the installation and wiring with confidence. Assuming you have already completed the setup and are only concerned with concealing the wires, this process should be straightforward and expeditious.

However, if this is your first time using the cameras, you should connect them while they are still on the table to ensure that they are functioning properly. Finally, disconnect and continue with the wiring process if you are confident that everything is working as it should.
Here is a quick and dirty setup that you can use to run the CCTV cables through the soffit quickly and effectively. It is simple and straightforward.

Scenario 1: Using a Drill to Install Wiring

Because you’ll be boring holes in the wall and ceiling with a drill, you’ll need to have one on hand when you use this method. Almost any soffit material, including vinyl and aluminium, can be used with this technique.

Prepare all of the tools and wiring accessories that you will be using first, before you begin anything else. In this case, you’ll need to have the following items:

• Drilling equipment and bits
• Screwdriver
• a fishing rod
• Using a flashlight or a headlamp
• Wires for the camera
• a roll of electrical tape
• Use of a hole saw is optional.
• [Optional] a meat grinder

Directions:

• Remove the soffit from the area where the wires will be routed through the wall. For a new camera, measure the width of the lens before cutting a piece of wood to fit the mounting bracket. The wood piece will aid in the installation of the came through soffit.

• Make a hole in the wood with the drill, which will be used to feed the camera’s wires through it. You can use a hole-saw bit to create a large hole large enough to accommodate all of the wires.
• To accommodate the camera’s mounting screws, drill smaller holes [into the wood]. You can use the template sticker that came with the security cameras to ensure that the images are as accurate as possible.
• Take a fishing rod and tape the beginning of the camera cable to one of the ends, then repeat the process. Then, insert the fishing rod through the hole you’ve made in the attic space and into the attic space.
• The other end of the fishing line will need to be pulled at this point, which means the attic space must be accessible from the inside of the house.
  Assuming you have your recorder set up in the attic, that’s great. All you’ll have to do is connect your cable to the port on the computer.
• Then, repeat steps #1, #2, #3, and #4 until you have completed the connection of all of the system cameras in your system. Alternatively, if your recorder is located in the room below, you will need to cut another large hole to accommodate the cables.
  **
  Keep in mind that the attic floor is most likely the ceiling of the room beneath it. As a result, locate your hole close to the route taken by the electrical wiring. However, exercise caution to avoid electrocuting yourself or cutting off your home’s power supply**.

• To close off the hole, use the fish rod to push the cable/s down, which will cause them to come around the back wall of the hole.
• Remove the wire from the system by cutting a hole in the wall and yanking it out of the wall.

Please keep in mind that if you do not want to cut the cables, you can simply pass them along the wall of the room. All that is required is that you drill your hole so that it lines up with the wall, then drop the cables and clip them together neatly.

Unfortunately, the cables will now be visible, and you may need to cover them with the raceway to prevent them from being damaged.

Wiring Without the Use of a Drill as an Alternative

Regardless of whether or not you have a drill on hand, this method allows you to run the cables without having to bore holes in the ceiling or wall. There is a gable vent that has to be used in order to get the cables from the attic to the siding. As a result, your surveillance centre must be located in the attic.

More specifically, the gable vent should be located closer to the roof overhang, where the soffit lining is located. Thus, in order to minimise exposure, it is important to ensure that cables are run in the shortest possible path. The soffit must also be vinyl because it will be simple to make a hole in it if the need arises.
What you’ll need to get started

• Screwdriver
• Fiberglass fish tape is used for a variety of applications.
• Wires for the camera
• a roll of electrical tape

Directions: – how to run wires through soffit

To begin, you’ll need to gather your tools, accessories, and working space together. Consequently, you will need to remove the vinyl from around the gable vent and from the various locations where your cameras will be installed.

Second, poke a hole in the gable vent screen [with a screwdriver] to allow for ventilation. Furthermore, if your soffit is directly connected to the attic, you will not be required to use the gable vent in this case. Simply lay out a straightforward path through which your cables can pass without difficulty.

After that, take the fish tape rod and secure the camera cable’s beginnings to one of its ends. Afterwards, insert the fish rod through the hole and into the attic area, where you will be installing your surveillance system.

You can take advantage of the various Soffit vents and use them to route the cables to the various camera positions if you have a large number of cameras. Remember to replace the vents to ensure maximum airflow circulation into the underside of the roof and attic space.

Finally, a decision has been reached.

To be honest, knowing how to run security camera wires through a soffit can be more beneficial than using methods such as cable raceways for this purpose. It enables you to completely conceal all of the wires, thereby protecting them from being tampered with while still maintaining an appealing aesthetic.

Of course, the installation process will be difficult, especially if the cables must be routed through the attic and into the basement. As a result, you may require the assistance of a friend or another responsible adult. Furthermore, due to the fact that the floor is primarily ceiling drywall, you will need to exercise extreme caution when fishing the wires from the attic area. Consequently, it will be unable to support your weight, and you may fall through.

Most importantly, keep track of the length of time your security camera wires are being run to avoid issues with voltage drop and other issues.