I want to mount a CCTV camera up a tree (of all places!) looking down over my drive. the camera only has a 2 meter cable to the plug that needs mains power, so I need an extension lead taking it over to a garage to plug in.
How do I keep the camera plug connecting to the extension lead dry as it will be open to the elements - are there any special extension leads that offer a watertight connection? Any ideas welcome.

Ro.

Rather than take risks with a botch job, get a camera fit for purpose.

See RF Concepts (http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/cctv%20cameras.htm) for some waterproof cameras with 50m leads.

mb

Is it mains power going to the camera or a power adaptor taking low voltage?

For mains voltage you need to get connectors which are rated IP55 (I think!) to weatherproof them. For lower voltage you could create your own with silicone sealing or use self amalgamating tape over the connection.

Cpc.co.uk will probably have something.

If the camera only has a 2m lead are you sure the camera itself is weatherproof?

It is weatherproof, but just short cables. I have 4 cameras, all outside, but all 4 are in places where the cable reaches an inside power source, so not an issue. I want to move one of them well away from the power source, hence need to extend it & keep the connection dry.

Is it possible to open the camera's case and wire completely new, longer lead into it?

Your local electrical supplier should have some ip65 rated boxes to house the power supply and video connnection. Most outdoor cameras come with fairly short leads (rf concepts do have some with long leads). I have a 16 camera system in my grounds and all are outside, at each camera point I have an ip65 rated extenal enclosure where I make all the connections, whatever you do dont open the camera to extend the cables as they are sealed in a controlled environment, you WILL get condensation in them if you open them. Henrys cctv in london is an excellent place for cctv parts and they do some fantastic cameras.

Thanks all - will check out the ip65 boxes

Ro.