Cable termination at camera end

[kickstart24]

I have long cable runs going from my basement to outdoor camera locations. Given these are solid (not stranded cables), is there a best method to terminate the cables at the camera end? I figure you have to use RJ45 so you can plug it into the camera. My understanding is that RJ45 is not good to use on solid ethernet cable.

 

[tigerwillow1]

My understanding is that RJ45 is not good to use on solid ethernet cable.

Incorrect understanding. For conductor type there are 3 types of RJ45s: solid wire, stranded wire, and both solid and stranded. Just make sure you don't use a stranded-only RJ45.

 

[TonyR]

My understanding is that RJ45 is not good to use on solid ethernet cable.

Your understanding is incorrect. RJ-45 crimp connectors are fine on solid copper CAT cables if properly chosen for the CAT cable (-5e, -6, -7, etc.) conductor gauge and the conductor type, solid or starnded or in some cases, both.

EDIT: added image

 

[kickstart24]

Your understanding is incorrect. RJ-45 crimp connectors are fine on solid copper CAT cables if properly chosen for the CAT cable (-5e, -6, -7, etc.) conductor gauge and the conductor type, solid or starnded or in some cases, both.

EDIT: added image

Thanks. I was advised to terminate the cables in the basement with keystones and put them into a patch panel. Would this be best practice instead of terminating into RJ45 and using an inline keystone? The cables are already terminated with RJ45 in the basement, so I would have to cut and reterminate them.

 

[Broachoski]

Thanks. I was advised to terminate the cables in the basement with keystones and put them into a patch panel. Would this be best practice instead of terminating into RJ45 and using an inline keystone? The cables are already terminated with RJ45 in the basement, so I would have to cut and reterminate them.

No need to cut a perfectly good cable. The inline keystone would be fine.

 

[tigerwillow1]

Would this be best practice instead of terminating into RJ45 and using an inline keystone?

I don't think there's a "correct" answer for this. The single biggest failure point I've seen in electronics has been at connectors, leading to my own standard practice of minimizing connectors whenever feasible. On the other hand, I've found RJ45s to be extremely reliable. I've never had one fail where it couldn't be traced to physical damage or installation error (I've messed up on about 1% of terminations I've made). My shoot from the hip opinion is if you have something that's working, leave it alone unless there's a a darn good reason to take the risk of messing something up changing it.

 

[TonyR]

+1^^ to this...the fewer mechanical connections, the better IMO.

And since you stated they're in the basement where they could be moisture and possible corrosion, I'd squirt some dielectric grease in the female and work the male in/out a couple of times (easy, @Arjun ) , wipe off excess, WASH HANDS WHEN DONE, AVOID GETTING INTO EYES!

 

[observant1]

Platinum Tools is widely credited with introducing the original pass-through RJ45 connectors, known as the EZ-RJ45 series. They are known for their high-quality crimpers and connectors.

I posted this from reddit because one Co. (a small 1) i have contracted for in the past had a rash of rj45 passthrus testing good but not working. After they changed to the Platinum they say it like night and day. ........also never purchase copper clad cable.

Much of it is using the proper connector for the cable you are terminating. I've had little trouble with connectors. I personally like the 2nd one posted by TonyR. 3 prong making sure you purchase for the correct guage. Not many use the non pass thru anymore.

 

[looney2ns]

Thanks. I was advised to terminate the cables in the basement with keystones and put them into a patch panel. Would this be best practice instead of terminating into RJ45 and using an inline keystone? The cables are already terminated with RJ45 in the basement, so I would have to cut and reterminate them.

I recommend spending some time reading this: Cable Academy

 

[observant1]

I'll even say I did some work for a grocery store chain that their IT guy always terminated his cable into a feamale punch down connector and used a 12 inch patch cable to connect to the camera. It was the crazist shit I'd seen at the time. It worked but was unnecessary and goes back to the old saying "over 90 percent of problems are at the physical layer.

Plenty of really good IT guys that can type the correct command syntax but the physical layer has to be right for the bits to travel unmolested.

 

[TonyR]

I'll even say I did some work for a grocery store chain that their IT guy always terminated his cable into a feamale punch down connector and used a 12 inch patch cable to connect to the camera. It was the crazist shit I'd seen at the time. It worked but was unnecessary and goes back to the old saying "over 90 percent of problems are at the physical layer.

Plenty of really good IT guys that can type the correct command syntax but the physical layer has to be right for the bits to travel unmolested.

In my 50+ year involvement with electronic and electrical devices and systems and PC's, it always amazed me how often the problem with a highly technical device or system could be traced down to a relatively simple mechanical issue such as a loose screw, poor crimp, thermal cycling causing a open or high-resistance connection and problems from oxidations and/or corrosion. They were VERY difficult to find and resolve at times because of their intermittence.