How to drill external wall ? To put camera wire in

[jcaan]

Hey guys

I am trying to put to wired CCTV cameras on a semi detached house. Which had 2 floors.

I'll be putting the cameras on the second floor. Whilst facing the house.. 1 on the at the front side (bedroom will have the DVR recorded in) and one camera on the left side of the house

What's the best way to drill in the exterior wall at the front side to feed the cables into the house ?? Which drills and drill bits would I need ? It's council house red bricks. Internal is

 

[Jurassicspark]

Any hammer/sds drill would do. Masonry bits of course.

Depending on the screws it will tell you what size drill bit you need.

 

[RandomGrinch]

As long as they aren't asbestos, have you considered mounting the cameras on the soffits?
That's how most are fitted around my way.
It's then a simple job of running the cable into the loft and down into the room of choice.
Minimising the amount of time spent working at height with power tools is generally a good idea!

 

[johnny2007]

If cavity wall you'll need a 400mm drill bit big enough to make a hole to pass the cables.
Would be ideal f you can drill through a mortar joint from inside, but I know you can't see the joists.
2 options:
1. you could measure exactly from a reference point (another cable coming out, window edges etc.)
2. Use a smaller drill bit and drill from outside. Pre mark the bit to a point about 25mm shorter than thickness of the wall.
Once you get to that mark, take it very, very easy and hope the plaster doesn't blow.

Note that when drilling through mortar joints you don't need a very powerful drill or hammer action (in most cases)

 

[pcaouolte]

hope the plaster doesn't blow

Get someone to hold a piece of wood firmly against the wall on the inside where you expect the drill to break through, it helps to stop the plaster blowing off.

Aim the drill slightly upwards if drilling from outside so that any water which gets onto the cable runs back to the outside rather than running along the the cable into the cavity or into the house.

 

[^woody^]

Always drill from the outside in, to avoid blowing the brick face. Obviously, check where the bit will emerge on the inside first.

The mortar joints may not match so don't bother specifically drilling a joint.

Drill on a slight upward angle to prevent water running across the cavity. Also loop the cable on the external face to form a drip.

Bit twice as wide as the cable, fill with silicone mastic after.

You should get your landlord's permission first.

 

[jcaan]

Fantastic advice guys thank you so much....

How can I ensure ther ain't existing wiring or pipes behind the walls??

 

[securespark]

The wiring should be in the prescribed places: in line with accessories horizontally or vertically, or inside earthed metallic conduit. Wiring can also be placed vertically within 150mm of corners, or horizontally within 150mm of the ceiling. In very rare cases, houses can be wired in mineral insulated copper clad cable and is a real headache if damaged.

There are one or two accurate cable and pipe finders on the market, which will help assess whether there are any obstructions where you are drilling.

If someone else would be so kind as to mention a good model.

 

[^woody^]

There wont be pipes or cables in the cavity.

There will only be pipes below or above water or gas appliances.

Similarly for cables, except they will tend to run vertical or horizontal between fittings.

Generally you can get a good idea of what may be in the wall just by assessing what is around it.