Foscam camera - extend power cable

[Gouldc]

I have a ton of 16awg copper throughout the house, originally installed for a traditional security system. I would like to start placing cameras around the house but don’t have 110v where I’d like to place them. I’m wondering how long a run can the power be to these cameras? Thought being to use the existing copper and plug the transformers in at the Home run location in the mechanical room. Some of those copper runs could be as long as 75ft.

 

Sounds like a great idea but I’m sure there will be power loss on a run that long. Hopping someone has some thoughts to share.

[Teken]

If the wire is truly 16 AWG you will be fine to supply power to the cameras. Having said this using Foscam wouldn't be my first choice at all. If you're looking for true security, performance, and reliability you should be reviewing vendors from Axis, Avigilon, Bosch, Mobotix, Pelco, etc.

[Gouldc]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll look at these vendors but was really hopping for ISY integration. Also looking for something I can source and install myself - I believe Axis requires that they be installed professionally.

[Teken]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll look at these vendors but was really hopping for ISY integration.

 

The ISY Series Controller supports any camera system that has an open API to interact with via the Network Module. Viewing is solely dependent upon third party software on a computer / smartphone.

 

That is not proprietary to the ISY Series Controller at all . . .

[Gouldc]

Gotcha, really need to stop avoiding REST.

[asbril]

If the wire is truly 16 AWG you will be fine to supply power to the cameras. Having said this using Foscam wouldn't be my first choice at all. If you're looking for true security, performance, and reliability you should be reviewing vendors from Axis, Avigilon, Bosch, Mobotix, Pelco, etc.

I have not tried other brands, but I have 6 Foscam cameras and am very satisfied.

[PhanTomiZ]

Hi,

 

I have 1 Foscam FI9900.  I used a shielded #18 AWG grounding the shield at the source.  The run is about 40'.  No problem with power, but because the microwave is between it and my router, I loose the feed when someone is using the microwave.

 

My later fix to this was to add an Athena EX Wifi extender.  Family members were complaining about dead spots throughout the house, so I killed two birds with one Wifi Extender.

 

http://www.ampedwireless.com/products/re2600m.html

 

PhanTomiZ

[apostolakisl]

I have many foscam cameras (like more than 20).  They pretty much work.  I have had maybe 2 die on me after many years of service.

 

I also have extended the power wire on some of mine.  I tried some small guage wire and it did not supply sufficient amps.  I then tried some speaker wire which I think was maybe 16 guage and it works fine.

 

I also have done POE with a bunch of my foscams and that works great as well.  I used a generic POE split out at the camera since these were not the POE version of the cameras.

 

One of my foscam's I installed at my church and we use to live stream.  Now don't get me wrong, it is far from production quality, but it does the job.  Anyone can view it at

 

http://transfiguration.org/our-parish/video/  

 

It is live when we are actually live and then there are links to all the past recordings.

[Teken]

Wow ~ Beautiful church . . .