Suggestions to Setup Multiple PoE Cameras with Cables in The Roof Cavity

mad__llama on 08/04/2024 - 17:29

Hi All,

I'm after suggestions on how setup for a group of PoE security cameras would work - specifically the best way to run the cables from the roof cavity and connect them down into the house.

NOTE: I know it's not legal / a good idea to DIY this, I will get someone qualified in to do the work, just after some suggestions on how it might work so I know what to ask for / don't get oversold for something I don't want or need.

I have four PoE cameras, PoE camera doorbell and an 8-channel NVR ready to go. I'm hoping to expand to more cameras in the future, so want the option to easily add more later.

Ideally, I would like the option of an 8-port RJ45 faceplate (or something similar) in the roof cavity and to have this connected to another 8 port wall-plate in the lounge below, where the NVR will live. Is this a good option or is it overkill? Is dust etc in the roof a concern and is there a better option than a wall plate for the roof? The roof cavity gets pretty warm during summer so I would prefer not to have a network switch up there but will consider if folks think this is the best option.

Should I instead ask for 8x short Cat6 cables that run up a conduit from a brush wall plate in the lounge and terminate in the roof (just above where the NVR will live) and then I can connect the longer cable from the camera to each with a coupler as needed?

Any thoughts/suggestions would be much appreciated.

Electrical & Electronics Power over Ethernet Security Camera

Comments

  • Boioioioi on 08/04/2024 - 17:49
    +2

    I have wall plate in the room the switch is for the cameras, dont think you need a wall plate in the roof. Just drill a hole through the noggin and put the wires down. Bit of yellow tongue or NBN fibre taped to cables helps them wiggle through

  • AB100 on 08/04/2024 - 17:56
    +1

    I have the same setup, though with 1 more external camera. I installed the NVR on the top shelf of one of my cupboards. Had holes drilled into the cupboard's cavity wall roof nogin. Ran the cables down inside the wall cavity, and exited them into the cupboard through a brush wall cover plate, then ran a HDMI cable to an external monitor.
    The previous owner had the NVR in one of the rooms, which looked really messy with all the various cabling. Far prefer the NVR and cabling all out of site in the cupboard.

  • mad__llama on 08/04/2024 - 18:06

    Ok yeah I guess that works too - the NVR doesn't get too hot in the top of the cupboard?

    • AB100 on 08/04/2024 - 23:34
      +1

      I had wondered whether that was going to be an issue, and thought that I might possibly have to vent the cupboard, but I've had it running in the cupboard all through summer in Qld without any heat issues.

  • tight-ass on 08/04/2024 - 18:12
    +2

    I've got my switch in the garage on top of the dryer and a brush plate in the ceiling next to it which connects all my IP devices, including 13 PoE CCTV - https://i.imgur.com/TstXSqG.jpg

    Avoid putting a switch in the roof space….it's way too hot up there.

    I've also got several brush plates around the house about 30cm from the floor where I've run CAT cables down the wall cavity for TV's, computers etc.

    Also the fact you can't legally run your own CAT cables through your roof space and wall cavities is the biggest load of sh*t there is. Just turn the power off when getting in the roof or drilling holes in the walls and you'll be fine.

    Updated to add I wouldn't bother with the 8 port RJ 45 faceplate…..I initially went down that path but a brush plate is much easier and you can simply move stuff as required. Just buy the appropriate length of pre-terminated CAT cable - which also removes the possibility of poor termination of the ports. Also the picture of the brush plate I shared above has 25 CAT cables running though it.

  • vodamerc on 08/04/2024 - 19:14
    +3

    Not legal to run ethernet cables in your own house? Oh right Australia, of course.

  • AngoraFish on 08/04/2024 - 19:37
    +1

    I have a 4 gang plate next to my PoE switch. Each one has CAT cable running up into the roof cavity and every cable is more or less long enough to run the entire length of the roof if I need to move things around. One is just a dead (unconnected) cable in case I ever decide to expand.

    I did investigate whether it was worth connecting to another gang plate in the ceiling, but by the time you factor in all the extra male and female plugs, not to mention the extra labour involved, just running long cable lengths from the gang plate in the downstairs room was just simpler, cheaper, and less prone to failure.

    If you don't mind the mess, in fact, you can just run a bundle of cable up a conduit into the ceiling and connect all the cables directly into the NVR with no plugs at all. I just liked the neatness of a wall plate downstairs instead of having a bundle of cables poking directly out of the wall.

  • mad__llama on 08/04/2024 - 23:45
    +1

    Thanks all for the suggestions, I'm rethinking the placement of the NVR and think I'll just run some cables down from the roof into the top shelf of a built-in cupboard based on your feedback. Will probably save quite a bit! Cheers

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