How to Weatherproof connections / Cable lengths

[dickday 0]

All but two of my outside camera connections are protected from rain, ice, snow etc. The two that are are exposed, are in locations that do not allow me to use a PVC box.

 

Other than wrapping the power and video connections with lots of tape, is there another method that works? Does anyone make a weatherized rubber boot that slips over the connectors? Is there some type of coating that should be applied to the connectors?

 

Also, My Zmodo system uses what appear to be industry standard BNC/12V cables that are available in 25, 50,99,130 and 200 foot lengths (I'm sure there are others, I just haven't seen them). While this is a lot easier than making my own cables, I seem to end up with lots of extra cable at the back of the DVR. Does anyone know of a source for 5, 10 and 15 foot BNC/12V lengths?

 

If I did decide to start making my own, what cable, crimper and ends would I need? I have the tools necessary to make Cat5 cables but have never thought of "rolling my own" cctv cables.

 

Thanks!

[the toss 0]

I suppose it depends on how many or how often you are going to make the terminations. It probably will cost no more for the crimper & stripper than it would having someone do the terminations for you. If you go that way there are a few different types of BNC connectors. Basically there are the standard crimp (either two piece or three piece) , the compression crimp & the Bluecap which is reuseable. I only use the three piece standard crimp & won't comment on the others.Also make sure you get RG59 connectors NOT RG58 (which look the same to the untrained eye)

When using the 3 piece BNCs ensure the centre pin "clicks" in when you insert it into the body before crimping or it will simply come apart if the cable is pulled.

The other important thing is the centre conductor diameter. You can get 0.7mm or 0.9mm so if you have the wrong size for the BNC the centre either won't fit in the pin or the pin wont crimp tight enough to securely hold it. 90% of suppliers are not even aware of this

[Numb-nuts 1]

I would suggest that if there is no space on the wal ajacent to your camera to accomodate a IP reted junction box, that yu have incorrectly sited your camera. However there is a method you could use but it's a last resort. There is a product called "self amalgamating tape" You stretch wrap the connections in the same way as you might with insulation tape. The UV light makes the wrapped tape into a single waterproof boot as the tape amalgamates into one piece.

 

I wouldn't do this with Cat5 and baluns as they too are not water resistant and are more likely to get waterlogged and ruin your setup.

 

There is also heatshrink tubing lined with adhesive, it's placed over once end of y=the cable prior to connection, the connection establishe and tested then it is pulled over the connection and heat applied to shrink it.

 

Both of these methods are rather amateurish but may suit your needs.

[ssnapier 0]

3M splice tape does an excellent job at weatherproofing connectors, in fact it is just about the perfect tool for the job. It is thicker than normal electrical tape and it seals to itself and forms an impregnable shell. Just make sure you stretch it as you apply it because that is what "activates" the sealing properties of the tape. You can get it with the liner or without. If you are going to only use it now and then, get the one with the liner, it stores better.

 

 

 

There are also military grade BNC connectors designed for ultra harsh environments but they are VERY pricey and not really worth it because they are miserable to terminate.

[dickday 0]

Guys, thanks for the great suggestions. I just ordered some of the 3M Scotch 23 tape with liner. That should do exactly what I need.

 

If I were starting this project all over, I would for sure invest in the ends and crimper. Looks like I'll wait until one of the cables goes bad and then start replacing them with home made cables that are the correct length..

 

Again, thanks for the help.

[Numb-nuts 1]

Guys, thanks for the great suggestions. I just ordered some of the 3M Scotch 23 tape with liner. That should do exactly what I need.

 

If I were starting this project all over, I would for sure invest in the ends and crimper. Looks like I'll wait until one of the cables goes bad and then start replacing them with home made cables that are the correct length..

 

Again, thanks for the help.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it! a good policy