How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit (Step By Step Guide)

Hiding the wires of a security camera increase your home’s aesthetic, makes the camera unnoticeable, and helps to protect security. And when it comes to hiding the wires, a soffit can be a perfect place.

Now the question is, how to run security camera wires through soffit? Well, you need to get into the attic for it. This entire process will require a lot of effort because you will need to climb up there and install new cable management.

Since the process is complicated, you must follow a step-by-step guide. And we have designed the article in such a manner so that it is best able to guide you. We hope you have a good time reading!

Why Should You Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit?

It is not uncommon for people to mount security cameras in eaves or soffits. But a lot of them don’t consider hiding the wires. The benefits of hiding a security camera wire are not well known to many. Here are the reasons to run security camera wires through the soffit:

Keeps the Camera Safe from Burglars

When burglars break into a place, they always look for security cameras. Their motive is to destroy the camera, so there is no trace of their identity. And the easiest way to do it is to cut the wires. So, it becomes impossible to cut if the wires are under the soffit.

Makes the Camera Hard to Notice

Camera wires can be too noticeable even from far away. And one of the best ways to hide it is to run it under the soffit. It keeps your camera safe from criminals as oftentimes, a security camera is their first target.

Maintains Your Home’s Aesthetics

A lot of the time, security camera wires can be very unattractive to look at, mainly because it does not match the beauty of your home building. So to protect your home’s outer look, you can consider running the wires through the soffit.

Tools Required To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

Most of the tools you will need here can be found at your home. If not, you can easily buy them from Home Depot or online.

• Ladder
• Fiberglass Fish Tape
• Ethernet cable
• Drill machine
• Duct Tape
• Wire Clips
• NVR

How to Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit?

Before starting, make sure to keep the NVR in the room from where your attic is accessible. You should know that this entire process will take you an hour minimum. But don’t worry, you can easily carry this out if you follow the steps accordingly:

Step 1: Go to the Attic with the Ethernet Cable

First, connect one end of the Ethernet with your NVR. Then take the other end and go to the attic. You will need a ladder for this. So, make sure to be careful.

Step 2: Drill A Hole in the Soffit

With the help of a ladder, drill a hole in your desired place where you want the security camera wire to run from. You obviously will be needing a drill machine for this. Make sure to drill a hole large enough to fit the wire.

Step 3: Insert Fiberglass Fish Tape

Take a fiberglass fish tape and insert one end of it into the hole. You should insert it long enough so that it becomes reachable from the attic. Because you need to connect it with the Ethernet cable up there.

Step 4: Go to the Attic and Attach the Ethernet Cable

Just like step 1, go to the attic. But take duct tape with you. Then, pull the fiberglass fishnet tape towards you. With the help of duct tape, attach it to the Ethernet cable.

Step 5: Pull Out the Fiberglass Fishnet Tape From under the Soffit

After pulling out the fiberglass fishnet tape, the attached Ethernet cable should come out too. Then, detach the duct tape from it. Now you should have only the Ethernet cable coming out from the drilled hole.

Step 6: Connect the Ethernet with the Security Camera and Mount it

Your job is done after this step. Just connect the Ethernet cable with the plug of the security camera’s wire. Then mount the camera under the hole which you had drilled before.

Some Other Way To Run Outdoor Security Camera Wires

Many people will find going to the attic and installing the entire cable management very tiresome. If you are one of them, then don’t worry. There are a few other methods of running security camera wires:

Painting the Wire with the Color of Soffit

It is the simplest way. Just paint the wire of the security camera with the color of the wall or the soffit. This way, the wires will stay unnoticed. However, we do not recommend this process unless you do not have any other way. Because this is not a very effective way to conceal the wires.

Using PVC or Plastic Water Pipes

You can consider using PVC pipes or water pipes to run the wires. From the outside, it will look like just a regular water pipe or a rain-drain pipe. There is no way of telling that this pipe has security camera wires inside.

Read Also: How To Splice Security Camera Wires?

Things To Consider When Running Security Camera Wires Through Soffit

As we have told you, installing security camera wires through the soffit is a complicated process. So there are some things you need to ensure. These are what the experts have to say:

• Select a perfect spot under the soffit
• Have the NVR in the room from where the attic is accessible
• Use an Ethernet cable that is long enough
• Use other types of solid cables such as copper wire or rubber pipe if you don’t have fiberglass fishnet tape

Conclusion

The solution provided here evaluates the most common use of soffit to run security camera wires. Some people utilize a variety of devices to insert cables through the soffit. You can follow them as well.

And, of course, this entire process is complex. Especially when you pass the cables through the attic. Since the attic floor is mostly made up of thin wood, you must be extremely cautious when going up there.

The bottom line is, that running security camera wires through the soffit is critical since it will be too noticeable otherwise. After all, it will improve your home security and protect your beloved family from burglars.