Camera's additional cables. What to do ?

BelMa

n3wb
Joined
Apr 30, 2019
Messages
18
Reaction score
17
Location
Spain
Sorry if this has been discussed before.
After connecting the network cable using the normally provided connector seal, what are you doing with the non used camera cables, like alarms, audio in/out, etc ?
Some of them have a connector, but others are pre- cut, so an undesired contact can eventually happen, not to mention that in outdoor installations water is always a concern...
Thermoretractable covers, maybe ?
 

TonyR

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Jul 15, 2014
Messages
16,441
Reaction score
38,154
Location
Alabama
I'd cut the bare wire tip off then, individually fold the pre-cut, un-terminated wires back on themselves an inch (25.4mm) and put 1/8" (3.2mm) or 3/16" (4.8mm) shrink tubing over it, leaving 1/4" (6.4mm) of the looped portion at the end exposed to form a stop to help secure the shrink tubing, making it harder to pull off.

NOTE: Put a pre-cut, 1" (25.4mm) piece of the tubing over the wiring, form the loop, move the tubing down to the loop, center the end of the wire about half-way under the tubing and lastly, apply the heat to shrink the tubing.

BTW, I suggest the camera's pigtail and its connector be secured inside the appropriate junction box and the connection be protected as below:
  • Use dielectric grease on both the male RJ-45 and in the female where it connects.
  • Wrap the entire junction with self-fusing rubber tape, don't be stingy, go past barrel connector and on out pigtail a couple of inches on both ends. This self-curing or self-fusing (vulcanizing) process is also employed by Coax Seal, self-sealing mastic pads....many names and labels for the same process.
  • Over-wrap all that self-fusing rubber tape TIGHTLY with 3M 33+ or 88 vinyl electrical tape to aid and speed up the curing process but it will remain on.
  • When possible, locate camera, its pigtail and junction box with connection out of direct weather. Direct rain and direct UV shorten the life of all devices, even the ones that are rated "for outdoor use."
  • Caulk where pigtail enters camera generously with outdoor-rated silicone sealant.
 
Last edited:
Top