How to Wire a Lorex Color Camera

By Tony Breedlove

Lorex cameras come in two basic varieties: CCTV (closed circuit television) and IP (Internet protocol) or network cameras. With a few tools you can wire either type camera. CCTV Lorex cameras require an RG-59 coaxial cable to transfer the video and two wires for power. You may want to use Siamese cable for CCTV cameras because the coaxial cable and the power wires are all integrated into one cable. IP cameras require standard CAT 5 or Ethernet cables which are just like the network cables your computer uses to connect to your home or office network.

Wiring CCTV Cameras

Route the RG-59 cable from your security digital video recorder (DVR) to the camera.

BNC connector
i BNC connectors and cable image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com

Install a BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connector on each end of the cable according to the instructions which came with your BNC connectors. Be sure you have the correct compression or crimping tool required for your connectors as there are several types of BNC connectors and each one uses a specific type of tool for installation.

Plug the camera power supply in near the camera. If you prefer to have the power supply near your security DVR, cut in half the power supply wire that came with your camera. Connect the power supply half to the Siamese cable power wires near your DVR using wire nuts or by twisting them together and covering the bare wire with electrical tape. You will notice a dashed line or a rib on one of the two power supply wires; connect this wire to the black Siamese cable wire and the unmarked wire to the red Siamese cable wire. Connect the other half of the power supply wire to the camera end of the cable in the same manner and plug the power connector into the camera.

Plug the power supply connector into the camera and connect the BNC connectors to your camera and security DVR.

IP Camera Wiring

Route the CAT 5 (Ethernet) cable from your router to the camera. Some cameras will not work if they are plugged into a hub or a switch; follow your camera manufacturer's instructions for required network equipment.

RJ-45 connector
i network cable image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com

Install an RJ-45 connector on each end of the cable following the connector manufacturer's instructions. Hold the RJ-45 connector with the gold contacts away from your body facing up and the tab down. Wire both connectors according to the following straight-through wiring list starting from left to right: white/orange, orange, white/green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown, brown.

Plug your Ethernet cable into your camera and router and plug the power supply into the camera.

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