How to run power cable to camera in a code compliant way?

[Sequoia1321]

I have the Amcrest wifi dome camera that I want to power, but the power source is on the other side of the wall. How do I power this camera without breaking electrical code? I'm using it as wifi rather t han ethernet, but it does come with an ethernet option too. So right now I'm powering it through the power cable, going through a wall. Is that code compliant?

[Revo2Maxx]

This is kind of a Loaded Question...

But I am going to keep this SHORT... NO it is not Compliant.

First is the house yours?
Second NEC code says in no way will an Extension cord be allowed to pass though a wall or around or though a door way or Window.. While that cord isn't really an extension cord because it isn't carrying 110v or more it is going though the wall in away that NEC don't allow... Then you have to ask your self did you use Fire Protected Sealer to close up the hole after running the wire? Not that it really matters but that is one of the biggest issues when you pass things through a wall is not sealing up....

[Sequoia1321]

This is kind of a Loaded Question...

But I am going to keep this SHORT... NO it is not Compliant.

First is the house yours?
Second NEC code says in no way will an Extension cord be allowed to pass though a wall or around or though a door way or Window.. While that cord isn't really an extension cord because it isn't carrying 110v or more it is going though the wall in away that NEC don't allow... Then you have to ask your self did you use Fire Protected Sealer to close up the hole after running the wire? Not that it really matters but that is one of the biggest issues when you pass things through a wall is not sealing up....

So I need to somehow make it compliant. I didn't seal it up. Do you have any solution to power that camera from that same electrical outlet and make it compliant? Also, maybe power it through the ethernet cable somehow?

[Revo2Maxx]

I am not sure that it really matters... Code? I mean it is hard to say who is going to tell on you... I mean are you a day care center or some other form of business that will be Inspected by someone that would Dock your ability to renew? You just worried for your own peace of mind?

Either way I would go to Homedepot or some other Big box store or even buy from them online if that is better for you some Fire Barrier by 3M Putty. It offers a 4hr protection.. Take some out of the package and fill in the holes on the camera side and on the outlet side and call it a day.. I mean if you didn't hit any wiring or crack any studs behind the drywall.. You know how may Code Issues everyone in the US has in there home. Most times Christmas is the largest time of year for people to have Code issues. One of the things about buying our homes within reason we can do what we like as long as it don't harm us or others...

By the way the Code also states that we can not cover up any Extension cord, can't put anything in front of it or put a carpet over it can't have curtains over it and so many other things... Did you know they also say that a Cord is only Temp use no longer then 90 days...

However to finish this and make things right... I would contact a Lic Electrician and have them come out and install a new outlet on the wall you have your camera on seeing it sounds like that isn't within code as most have a 6 - 12 rule. and if you need to get power from an outlet in another room it sounds like the room with the camera is low on outlets.

[Sequoia1321]

I am not sure that it really matters... Code? I mean it is hard to say who is going to tell on you... I mean are you a day care center or some other form of business that will be Inspected by someone that would Dock your ability to renew? You just worried for your own peace of mind?

Either way I would go to Homedepot or some other Big box store or even buy from them online if that is better for you some Fire Barrier by 3M Putty. It offers a 4hr protection.. Take some out of the package and fill in the holes on the camera side and on the outlet side and call it a day.. I mean if you didn't hit any wiring or crack any studs behind the drywall.. You know how may Code Issues everyone in the US has in there home. Most times Christmas is the largest time of year for people to have Code issues. One of the things about buying our homes within reason we can do what we like as long as it don't harm us or others...

By the way the Code also states that we can not cover up any Extension cord, can't put anything in front of it or put a carpet over it can't have curtains over it and so many other things... Did you know they also say that a Cord is only Temp use no longer then 90 days...

However to finish this and make things right... I would contact a Lic Electrician and have them come out and install a new outlet on the wall you have your camera on seeing it sounds like that isn't within code as most have a 6 - 12 rule. and if you need to get power from an outlet in another room it sounds like the room with the camera is low on outlets.

I read it might cause issues with the insurance company if there's a fire. It's an outdoor camera so not a good idea to add a plug next to it. Will get in touch with electrician I guess, maybe they can solve it. Good to know about the Fire Barrier by 3M. Thanks.

[Revo2Maxx]

Well I guess I would need more info about outside plugs I have a few of them in and around my home property and Cabin. All wired by law and pass NEC standards. Even in the Dry location I have them setup with outdoor setup. Sometimes I have to go and close the cover if my Kids forget to when they are done... Plus when I would put up Christmas lights I have some on my Front and back porch that are tied into my Lights so I can turn them on and off with the lights...

I would NEVER leave a HOLE drilled from in to out open without some Fire Block sealer.... Fire Needs Oxygen and leaving that open will not only help with a fire but would also raise your Heating and Cooling if you live in an area like I do anyway...

For a Outdoor box that will work well with Amcrest Power blocks is a Taymac outdoor box with cover. Also it might be a pain in the backside but I would get a Box GFI rather then the ones that are outdoors. Sure you have to go inside to turn it back on if it trips but they last longer then the Outlet ones... There are codes like no more then 6 1/2' off the ground and easy access however they do sale outlet box covers that has lock or some that have security screw.. What is important is that it is water tight...

Oh and just look at the code and while I haven't looked in a while.. I see it now says for new houses or rebuilds that 2 outdoor outlets are required one by the front door and one my the back.. Also says best to have 2 each one on each side of the door. That is because they don't want you to have a cord going in front of the doors...
I will put some pictures for the outlet and breaker. The Breaker is the one with the red line under it you can see a Test button for testing the GFI I used to do it monthly I don't do it much this days lol...

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[Sequoia1321]

Well I guess I would need more info about outside plugs I have a few of them in and around my home property and Cabin. All wired by law and pass NEC standards. Even in the Dry location I have them setup with outdoor setup. Sometimes I have to go and close the cover if my Kids forget to when they are done... Plus when I would put up Christmas lights I have some on my Front and back porch that are tied into my Lights so I can turn them on and off with the lights...

I would NEVER leave a HOLE drilled from in to out open without some Fire Block sealer.... Fire Needs Oxygen and leaving that open will not only help with a fire but would also raise your Heating and Cooling if you live in an area like I do anyway...

For a Outdoor box that will work well with Amcrest Power blocks is a Taymac outdoor box with cover. Also it might be a pain in the backside but I would get a Box GFI rather then the ones that are outdoors. Sure you have to go inside to turn it back on if it trips but they last longer then the Outlet ones... There are codes like no more then 6 1/2' off the ground and easy access however they do sale outlet box covers that has lock or some that have security screw.. What is important is that it is water tight...

Oh and just look at the code and while I haven't looked in a while.. I see it now says for new houses or rebuilds that 2 outdoor outlets are required one by the front door and one my the back.. Also says best to have 2 each one on each side of the door. That is because they don't want you to have a cord going in front of the doors...
I will put some pictures for the outlet and breaker. The Breaker is the one with the red line under it you can see a Test button for testing the GFI I used to do it monthly I don't do it much this days lol...

covered.jpg

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Wow. Awesome. Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately the area where my security camera is outside the outdoor plug won't look nice, too visible. But it's good that you have it up to code. I'll have to look into other options, possibly direct wire, romex, or maybe powering it through POE, which maybe has different code requirements. If all else fails I may have to go the outdoor outlet route. Covering up the holes is a good idea. will look into it. Thanks. Very informative post, I think others will find it useful as well.

[Sequoia1321]

Isn't there something that'll convert power from an electric outlet into a POE? That way I'll be able to power my camera from the electric outlet and run the POE wire through the wall, assuming there's no problem with running POE wire in the wall? Something like this maybe:

https://www.amazon.com/iCreatin-etherne ... 518&sr=8-5

[Revo2Maxx]

I am not telling you that you can't keep it the way you have it.. I am going to guess that unless you have a gaping hole though your wall I am not sure why your Insurance would deny a claim... What I will tell you however.. If there was a fire and you didn't do at least as I said about Fire blocking the hole.. Your Insurance might deem that your claim can't be paid in full due to Negligence. I am not saying they wouldn't pay but if they found that the fire spread unknowingly fast and investigated the cause of spread then they might deny or pay part... However while I am not an insurance company nor ever working for one. I am would guess that if you Fire Blocked that hole and sealed it from the outside as well with some Water Proof sealer your going to be ok... Why how do i think this? Well you have Cable or house do. They punch a wire though... Phone aka POTS lines were drilled though the house and they have more Power and Current though that VERY thin wire set. Some of them I remember back in the 80's and 90's they didn't even do much to seal the hole.. Most times the hole was just big enough for the wire but still nothing to seal.. There are loads of house that have had Claim and non that I have known about was denied due to them installs...

When people talk about CODE issues it most times has to do with Business, or Small business that has Inspections by the County and Fire dept for Compliance and Lic Renewal... TO be honest the hole you would have to make to put a Pre made Cat 6 cable though the wall is larger then the hole needed for most 2.1mm power plug and if your camera is on a 5v and not a 12v as I don't know what camera or power was used so I can't tell you for sure just that I know the 5v power plugs are even smaller... So then if you were going to make your own ends... your still passing more wires through the hole that has more then just power now data as well... ANyway if you looking to move a Cat 6 cable for better Network connection then best way is to make your own ends and wire that is in there now would need no bigger hole then what is there now.. However that will take more money then you have already invested if you need the tools to make your own ends... The Fire Blocking is 5 to 15 at the Big Box... Even sold as Caulking... No matter what is done it needs to be sealed, need to have a drip loop on the out side this makes sure the water don't run down the wire into your home. Tub caulking that is weather grade for your area should be on the outside to keep water and bugs from making it into your home....

[Sequoia1321]

I am not telling you that you can't keep it the way you have it.. I am going to guess that unless you have a gaping hole though your wall I am not sure why your Insurance would deny a claim... What I will tell you however.. If there was a fire and you didn't do at least as I said about Fire blocking the hole.. Your Insurance might deem that your claim can't be paid in full due to Negligence. I am not saying they wouldn't pay but if they found that the fire spread unknowingly fast and investigated the cause of spread then they might deny or pay part... However while I am not an insurance company nor ever working for one. I am would guess that if you Fire Blocked that hole and sealed it from the outside as well with some Water Proof sealer your going to be ok... Why how do i think this? Well you have Cable or house do. They punch a wire though... Phone aka POTS lines were drilled though the house and they have more Power and Current though that VERY thin wire set. Some of them I remember back in the 80's and 90's they didn't even do much to seal the hole.. Most times the hole was just big enough for the wire but still nothing to seal.. There are loads of house that have had Claim and non that I have known about was denied due to them installs...

When people talk about CODE issues it most times has to do with Business, or Small business that has Inspections by the County and Fire dept for Compliance and Lic Renewal... TO be honest the hole you would have to make to put a Pre made Cat 6 cable though the wall is larger then the hole needed for most 2.1mm power plug and if your camera is on a 5v and not a 12v as I don't know what camera or power was used so I can't tell you for sure just that I know the 5v power plugs are even smaller... So then if you were going to make your own ends... your still passing more wires through the hole that has more then just power now data as well... ANyway if you looking to move a Cat 6 cable for better Network connection then best way is to make your own ends and wire that is in there now would need no bigger hole then what is there now.. However that will take more money then you have already invested if you need the tools to make your own ends... The Fire Blocking is 5 to 15 at the Big Box... Even sold as Caulking... No matter what is done it needs to be sealed, need to have a drip loop on the out side this makes sure the water don't run down the wire into your home. Tub caulking that is weather grade for your area should be on the outside to keep water and bugs from making it into your home....

Good to know, thanks. But in addition to that, I'd rather make sure it is code compliant. So if I can power it through POE, thorough that converter kit I linked to last, and that makes it code compliant then I don't mind spending a little more money on it.