Internet/ Security system Pre wire

5 years ago

Hey Guys,

I'm in the middle of a new build and looking at installing a security system. I have a few questions:

For the internet cable: Should I run cat6 cable? How much would I need for the floor plan (rough estimate)? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

For the Security system: Should I run cat6 cables to potential camera locations? What time of cable is needed for the senors (window, door, etc...)? Again, any tips are appreciated.

Please see the attached floor plan for reference.

Featured Answer

bry911

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Should I run cat6 cable?

I would, Cat6 has a functional limit for 10 Gigabit of 164' (that includes patch cables to your device). So really if any of your runs are 145' or so, then move to Cat6A. In a home there is typically no reason to upgrade to Cat6A. Proper placement of your modem should easily get all runs under the 164' limit.

How much would I need for the floor plan (rough estimate)?

This will vary with modem placement and how the runs have to be managed (through an attic vs. in a ceiling) It doesn't really matter, 1,000' of Cat6 cable at Monoprice is $160. Which is probably more than you need but really in the scheme of things it is really cheap, even buying two would be really cheap.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Run more than you think you need. At least two to every television area.

Should I run cat6 cables to potential camera locations?

You could probably get away we Cat5e if you do want to save some money, however, if you have extra Cat6 run that. A lot of camera manufacturers now have a POE model available.

Don't let someone talk you into wireless cameras. POE runs are a lot cheaper than running an electrical outlet to every camera and have the added bonus of being wired.

What [type] of cable is needed for the senors (window, door, etc...)?

Typically, 22/2 is used for alarm sensors. You can find 500' of it on Amazon for less than $30.

If you are going to do an alarm I would consider paying for pre-wiring from an alarm company. Having wire ran to the general area that you think a sensor might be installed is not the same thing as putting the wire where it needs to be.

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Comments (13)

DCtoVA
5 years ago
I am planning on running Cat6 to each of my drops, but DH and I do use the internet a lot for our jobs when we are working from home.

As for the security cameras and the types of wiring, your builder should be able to tell you the best wiring for the security system, or if you are having it monitored by a specific company, they will come out and do a walk-though of where and the type of wiring should go. Also do you want cameras outside or inside?
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In my previous house I had a wired alarm and the sensors were not that obvious. There was a hole drilled in the base of the window sill under the window and a pencil-diameter sensor dropped into it (the wires running back to the panel were inside the sill under the sensor). The other half of the sensor (a magnet) was just epoxied onto the bottom of the window frame. I have a Honeywell wireless alarm in my current house, and they have many options for sensors. I am using one on my windows that mounts on a double-hung window next to the latch, so its quite visible, but there are others that would work. Some of the wireless sensors also have a set of wired contacts, so you can use the wireless sensor/transmitter along with any type of contact switch (e.g., lever action, water sensor, etc.). Bruce
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Hard wired alarms are the better bet for a few reasons, 1 is you don't need to worry about battery's dieing, 2 the wireless units for the doors and windows are huge and ugly, 3 hard wired more reliable, less parts to go wrong. Wireless is mainly designed for a retro fit in an existing home. If you decide to do wired internet you'll need cat-5e wire, but honestly you probably won't use the wired anyway even if it's there, no one really does anymore and most devices don't even have a plug for it. What you want to do is make sure your router is on the upped level cause wifi works like an umbrella, so make sure you have it wired to be upstairs, also you can get wifi repeaters to boost the signal to another part of the house.
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A comment on the debate of wifi vs. wired - we live in a 6,000sqf 1860s home. It's built very solidly, which has proven to be quite the problem with the wifi signal. Not to mention all the interference and channel problems with having 8 security cameras on the network. And everything could be ground to a halt when my sister showed up with her multiple baby video monitors. Regular boosters did nothing to help with the signal. And while there were tweaks one could make to tings like the cameras to get things on different channels and working, it was constant work and trial and error. The final solution, after countless tech people worked on it, was wireless access points in various spots all over the house. But all those access points had to be connected to a switch next to the router. So a tech guy came and ran ethernet cord all over the house, some inside the walls, some outside the house. All to get these various spots wired. All in the pursuit of reliable wireless. I completely agree that wifi is the future. Heck, it's the present. But I would expect a lot more clarity around how this company is planning on delivering "robust" wifi to the entire home - and surrounding the home, since I also expect to be able to use my laptop on my patio. Because as wifi keeps getting better and faster, we are using it more and more and the data keeps getting bigger and bigger. I would want wired protection to ensure that my wifi could keep up with the growing demands placed on it. As for the debate over cat5e or cat6 cables - I am no expert. But I remember being on this board about 15 years ago, and people talking about how cat5 was a nice "future-proof" solution, but not necessary as the less expensive cables could keep up with the workload just fine. I think people always underestimate how quickly technology keeps evolving. I would personally throw the best cord you can afford at it right now. Because, having had a lot of Ethernet wires run outside my house, I can attest that you will regret missing this opportunity while the walls are open.
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cpartist
5 years ago
I would also ask in the electronic's forum. :)
Pensacola PI
5 years ago
Bry spelled it out well. We are pre-wiring as well. For you ipcameras, run 2 cables to each location. Cable is cheap and no more costly to pull than a single. Do not use wifi cameras! Before you actually run you cable for cameras, take a laptop, POE switch, camera mounted on a 2x4 and bucket full of sand. Test you mounting location. Do not mount higher than 8' unless you want to see the tops of heads. Lastly, spend time on ipcamtalk.com - great resource and look hard at the Dahua Starlight cameras. Excellent low light cameras.
J Lozano
Original Author
5 years ago
I need to cat6 cables for ip cameras? or why did you suggest i run two? Also, what cameras are you planning on installing?
Pensacola PI
5 years ago
Yes, you need Cat6 cables. The cameras are POE, Power Over Ethernet and the one cable powers your camera and takes care of transmitting signal for video. Cable is cheap, a good way to troubleshoot if you have a problem you can rule out a bad cable right way by changing connections to second cable. I'm getting the Dahua Starlight cameras, about 12 of them. Model selection depends on where you are placing the cameras, no one size fits all. Visit that website and out in the time and you'll be rewarded with a very good system if you do. It takes time reading and asking questions. The folks are very good about helping. Focus on the Dahua forum. Good luck.
keywest230
5 years ago
I think there is a lot of misleading information in this thread. What you need will depend on the specific cameras you intend to use. e.g. None of the advice above is correct for the particular cameras I use. In my experience, you need to consult a "low voltage" specialist, someone who wires for audio, video and security systems.

In retrospect, I would have installed much less wire in my new build. I'm using wifi, main router plus mesh access points, for almost everything, and it works great! I even stream TV (using Roku). I did install conduit from the mech/data room to the attic/garage/basement/etc so that I could easily pull cable through in the future, because who knows what the future may bring... e.g. 60 Amp electric car charger in the garage? Satellite dish on roof?
Pensacola PI
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
With all due respect: Wifi cameras are NOT dependable. I would never trust a wifi camera to protect my home. To each their own, wifi goes out and NO coverage. Spotty signals and poor or NO coverage. OP, prewire for cameras now. It will never get any less costly. Lastly, in areas with competing wifi (think your neighbors) you've got potential for interference with signal. ANY time you discuss networking with anyone with a reasonable amount of knowledge, point blank they WILL take a hard wired network over wifi all day long. Pure fact. Lastly wifi cameras CAN NOT stream HD video. Ok, I'm done LOL. OP, best of luck. I would urge you to do some reading. The cameras I am pointing you towards are professional grade cameras and NOT consumer grade. Here is a DIRECT LINK to the Dahua forum on ipcamtalk. Sign up over there and ask a few questions. The folks over there do this for a living. When is the last time you saw a wifi camera installed on the exterior of ANY business? There is a reason. Here is the link: https://ipcamtalk.com/forums/dahua.8/
Pensacola PI
5 years ago
Updated posting with forum links for the OP.
J Lozano
Original Author
5 years ago
Pensacola, I went with wired! I got them to run cat6 cables to the potential locations. I've been doing research and wired seems to be a way better more secure option.
keywest230
5 years ago
OP: do you know what cameras you'll be using? Do you know how they get power?

if your answer to either of those questions is NO, then you might not be done yet.

e.g. many cameras do not have built-in POE "transformers" meaning you might also want to run low voltage wires to each camera location.
J Lozano
Original Author
5 years ago
I'm planning on getting "plug and play" cameras. seems like they only need the cat6 cable and nothing else.
Pensacola PI
5 years ago
Stream video continously. If you do not and you set up for motion activated, you are liable to miss critical footage. Use either an Network Video Recorder or a PC dedicated to your system and run Blue Iris software, actually better than the NVR.

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