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Posted: 8/28/2015 5:56:06 AM EDT
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I have been reading through these threads for a while now and this is where I stand so far. I purchased an AmSec BF safe a couple of weeks ago and we lifted it inside when we put on the trusses. Now the siding and roof are going on and next week the electricians will be doing their thing. Some of the ideas that I'll be implenting from here are as follows:
1. A light switch located in the master bedroom that will turn on all outside lighting. 2. Electric outlets located in the eaves for easy Christmas lighting connection. 3. Motion activated security cameras with full perimeter coverage and DVR capabilities. This is where I'm looking for some guidance. I've contacted a local company a couple of times about coming out and figuring out what I need but they haven't been much help. A friend told me he has a Lorex system and that it works well but I was hoping to have this professionally done. I'm not really looking to save money when it comes to this. Is buying a Lorex system from Best Buy for $700 and installing myself pretty much the same as paying someone else or are there more expensive systems out there that are worth the extra money? Thanks in advance for any advice given, |
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This quote is taken directly from the sticky titled How to: Camera install, step-by-step, start to finish.
"This project is taking me longer than I thought. I've got about eight hours into it so far, and I'm not done yet. Ran out of cable too ... had to improvise. Will have pics when done. You can debate how long it should take with that guy. I'm not looking for anyone only bringing if you can do this and if you can do that to the table. I'd prefer to have it installed by an experienced professional. But if that's not possible, what's the consensus on the best DIY setup for a home presently under construction? I also don't have time to research a bunch of products and reviews written by who knows who. What I do have time for is, writing a simple question asking for advice and guidance from those with first hand knowledge and checking back every once in a while over the course of a couple of days for input. |
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First do you have a closet or a shelf or two in a closet where you can pull all your network/camera/security wiring?
Now is the time to slow down and add all the wiring you can for future proofing your home. A nail on box in soffit, above doors on porches, wherever you might want or ever need a camera or security device. Pull wire(s) for camera system to central closet. Make sure electrician puts a outlet or a dedicated circuit for a media closet. A HVAC vent old be ideal. A Cat5E/Cat6 or two, a RG-6 coaxial and a run of 18-4 or 20-4 wire for device power, alarm comms would be what I ran to outside locations/inside locations for cameras. Anyplace in your home where you will have a Bluray player, computer, AV receiver, Smart TV, computer,etc should get a couple Cat5 wires, RG-6 coaxial. HDMI cables from TV to wherever you want cable/Sat/Bluray located. Even like back porch/ deck areas. Have a back yard? Future pool, hot tub, shop? Put a 100 Amp sub panel on back of home. Speaker wires are cheap and easy to do now. Surround in rooms you want. A pair of speakers in kitchen, master bed, master bath, dining room, hearth room, patio, deck, future pool speakers, etc. I do this stuff now for friends and not as real work. Just try to keep friends from getting raped by integrators. At least have a security company prewire the doors, and windows with actual wires, not dependent on wireless. Easier to zone and do in future. Also adding under counter hard wired lighting now will be easier. Put in as many can lights as you can. Pipes under sidewalks and patio for wires/lights. Switch at front door for wire on exterior of front, same for back. At Lowes the 1" ENT flexible surf pipe from electrical panel to attic, and one under house if crawlspace. Quad outlets on vanities in bathrooms. Do not let electrician put all baths on same circuit if you have kids/girls,etc. I have been a electrical contractor wiring homes since I was a child. Family business. I have been Lutron/Crestron/Phast certified. I have done 20K square foot homes that had all Lutron Homeworks/auto blinds/shutters,etc. I did some security camera work as part of helping friends or AV integration.. Many pros here and smart people. If you need help or have more questions post up. People learn by seeing you ask and then do. |
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Quoted:
First do you have a closet or a shelf or two in a closet where you can pull all your network/camera/security wiring? Now is the time to slow down and add all the wiring you can for future proofing your home. This^^^ You don't have to install the cameras right this instant, but get the wires in place BEFORE siding and such is complete. It's just a major PITA to pull wires in the eaves and other nooks & crannies after the fact. That being said, what wire to pull? IMHO, although this is the wireless age, I still have a firm belief that there will always be a place for wired devices, especially as hackers get more sophisticated. If you don't have a wireless camera signal to hack/be jammed/etc then your system is less vulnerable, which means you need hard-wired. I would think a good Cat5 cable suitable for POE and properly shielded will be PLENTY for security cameras... If you do nothing else, at least run the cables to a central location, you don't even have to crimp ends on them. This will make the installer's life much easier down the road when you do find somebody that will install something. Disclaimer: I'm not an expert, I only play one... |
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