How To Splice Security Camera Wires (Step By Step Solution)

When you move your CCTV camera from one place to another, you often need to extend its cables or wires. And one of the easiest ways to extend security camera wires is to splice them.

Now the common question comes, how to splice security camera wires? Well, for coax cable wires, you can splice them with two compression plugs, and for Ethernet/network cable wires, you can splice them with just a knife and duct tape.

Sounds easy, right? You are absolutely correct. We hope that by the end of this article, you will be able to splice security camera wires like an expert. So, keep on reading!

Types Of Wires Used For Security Camera Connection

Security cameras have different types of wires. RG-6, RG-59, Plug and Play, Siamese Cables, Optic Fiber Cables, Twisted Pair Cables, etc., are among the different sub-categories of security camera wires. And these subcategories can be grouped into two categories:

COAX Cable Wires

Also known as a coaxial cable, it is a form of copper cable that is specifically designed with a metal shield and other signal-blocking components. These cables have lower bandwidth and have a maximum distance range of 1500 meters.

Ethernet Cable or Network Wires

An Ethernet cable has four pairs of wires. Starting from the left and moving right, each pin is given a number, with the clip pointing away from you. They have comparatively higher bandwidth and a maximum distance of 220-300 feet.

Tools Required For Splicing Security Camera Wires

The tools you will need to splice security camera wires can be found everywhere. Different types of wire will need different materials. But they can also be used interchangeably. Here is the list of tools:

• Cable Knife: Cable knives are used to peel off the cover of a cable. You can use it to cut the body of both COAX cables and Ethernet cables.
• Wire Cutter/Cable Stripper: Wire cutters are also known as cable strippers. You can also use it to cut wires and remove electric insolations.
• Compressor Plug: Compressor plugs are a type of F plug. If you want to splice a COAX cable, you will need a compressor plug to connect the wires.
• Wire Crimper: When working with wires, crimping is frequently used to join them or to connect them to other connections.
• Duct Tape or Liquid Tape: Liquid Tape is a type of rubber covering that can be used in electric wires as an alternative to duct tapes.
• Barrel Connector: Wires can be quickly disconnected and reconnected using barrel connectors. These are also known as barrel jacks.

How Do You Splice A Security Camera Wire?

There are different methods for splicing different types of security camera wires. Since most of the wires fall under either COAX cable or Ethernet cable, you must know the splicing methods for these two.

Method 1: Splicing an Ethernet/Network Cable Security Camera Wire

Ethernet cables are also known as network cables. They are the most popular type of wire for security cameras. On average, they have a speed limit of 1000-1500 MBPS. But they cost a bit more. And here is how you splice a security camera wire that is made of Ethernet cables:

Step 1: Cut the Wire Body with a Blade or Knife

To conduct this step, take any sharp object that has the ability to cut will suffice. But we suggest you use knife cables as they can cut wires precisely. Now repeat the same process with another piece of the same cable which you want to adjoin.

Step 2: Separate the Inner Wires and Expose the Conductors

After cutting the cable, you will find that there are 4 sets of wire pairs. Separate them and take a cable knife or a wire cutter. Now cut the wire body to expose the conductors. Don’t forget to redo it for the other piece of cable.

Step 3: Twist the Conductors of the Same Color in Each Cable

Take two of the cables in your hand. Twist all the exposed conductors in such a manner so that the same color is linked with one another. Do make sure that all of them are attached properly.

Step 4: Cover the Spliced Area with Tape

You can use regular duct tape or liquid tape for it. While attaching the tapes, stick them tightly with the twisted wires.  Do it in a way so that not even a tiny portion of copper conductors are exposed.

Method 2: Splicing a COAX Cable Security Camera Wire

COAX cables are comparatively cheaper than Ethernet cables. Depending on the type, they have a maximum speed of 700 MBPS. Here is how you splice a COAX wire in security cameras:

Step 1: Cut the COAX Cable with Cable Strippers

Take a cable stripper and cut the outer body of the COAX wire. You could use a knife for it, but a cable stripper makes it a lot easier. It also keeps the cut perfectly done.

Step 2: Insert Compressor Plugs

While inserting the compressor plug, make sure that the bottom of it comes to the dielectric of the COAX cable. After attaching two compressor plugs, crimp them with a wire crimper.

Step 3: Connect with a Barrel Connector

You can find a barrel connector at any hardware shop. You can also find it online. In order to connect the spliced wires, you need it. And one barrel connector is enough to connect two ends of the COAX cable.

Some Tips On Splicing Security Camera Wires

Here are some suggestions by professional mechanics on splicing security camera wires:

• Make sure that the cover body of the wire, which is known as insulation, is at least a few inches down from the end of the wires.
• Wear a shoe to avoid getting earthing shocks.
• While splicing Ethernet or network cables, use the duct tape solidly so that no amount of water can get to it.
• While cutting the wires inside the Ethernet cable, do not accidentally cut the copper conductors.

Read Also: How To Run Security Camera Wires Through Soffit?

Conclusion

Many people think that splicing security camera wires are a highly complex process. This perception is nothing but wrong. One can only spoil their wires if they follow faulty splicing methods, and this happens for a lack of prior knowledge.

That is why it is important to follow the experts’ suggestions. Professional mechanics who have years of experience follow some universal rules to splice wires, which we have mentioned above.

And we highly encourage you to follow them. By doing so, you will be able to extend your security camera wires without the need of buying extra cables or hiring mechanics.