Install Security Camera

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-263 -- More Projects »
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Who's that knocking at your door? Find out by installing a security camera and intercom.
Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to install a security camera in her doorway alcove. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives rates this task as a three.

Tools:

stiff wire
hammer drill with a variety of bits
electrical tape
hammer
screwdriver
marker
safety glasses
security camera kit
cable tie-downs

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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
Steps:

1. Drill hole through wall to install intercom. In this instance, the guest's home was stucco, so they used a hammer drill with a masonry bit to drill through the wall (figure A).

2. Insert a stiff wire through the hole to act as a feeder wire. Tape the wire for the intercom to the feeder wire and pull it through the wall.

3. Place the mounting bracket for the intercom over the hole and mark the position for drilling holes for anchors (figure B). Drill pockets just deep enough for the anchors.

4. Insert plastic anchors into hole, then secure bracket with screws. Insert foam plug around wire to fill hole, then seal off hole with a bit of silicone caulk (figure C). Attach intercom box and proceed to camera installation.

5. Drill through the wall for camera wire. Position camera mounting bracket over hole and mark points on wall for drilling (figure D). Make sure the camera is mounted where you'll have a good view of your doorway.

6. Drill holes for anchors, insert anchors and attach mounting bracket using screws.

7. Drill another hole for the camera feed wire. Run the wire through the wall. Use supplied rubber grommets to seal holes in wall around the wire.

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Figure E
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Figure F
8. Attach camera to bracket and position it, then lock it down. Attach wire to back of camera.

9. Inside, run the wire to the monitor for the camera. Use supplied wall clips to run wire neatly down wall to the monitor (figure E).

10. Hook up camera system and test your system (figure F).