A wired Lorex system is a popular do-it-yourself project, and most of the work is planning. Know where each camera goes and how far the cable has to run, and the rest is straightforward. This guide is a shopping and preparation checklist. We sell the equipment and do not offer installation services, so if the job is beyond your comfort, hire a local installer.
The short answer
Each wired PoE camera needs one network cable run back to the recorder, which also carries power on most systems. The recorder connects to your router and to a monitor. Plan the cable runs first, because they decide what you need to buy.
What you need
- A recorder. An NVR for IP cameras, with a hard drive. Check how many PoE ports it has. The Connect VC 8-channel NVR has 8 built-in PoE ports.
- Cameras. PoE cameras for the recorder. Make sure the cameras and recorder are listed as compatible.
- Network cable. One run per camera, long enough to reach the recorder. Many listings have a Cables option so you can choose whether cables are included.
- A monitor and a router connection. The recorder connects to a monitor by HDMI and to your router by Ethernet. As an example, the Fusion N910A62 recorder ships with an Ethernet cable, USB mouse, HDMI cable and power adapter.
- Tools. A drill, a ladder, a screwdriver, cable clips and a way to fish cable through walls or ceilings.
- Extras for long or tricky runs. Outdoor-rated cable, junction boxes, mounts, and extenders or a PoE switch if you need more ports or more distance.
Plan your cable runs
Standard Ethernet cable is limited to 100 metres (about 328 feet) per run. For longer distances, Lorex sells PoE extenders and repeaters. For example, the Single Port PoE+ Repeater can go beyond the 100 m limit and be daisy-chained for up to 600 m, depending on cable type and quality.
| Situation | What to look at |
|---|---|
| Runs outdoors or underground | CAT6 outdoor extension cable, UV treated and rated for direct burial, in 100, 200 or 300 ft |
| Runs inside walls | Cat5e cable, 60 ft, in-wall (CMR) rated |
| Runs longer than 100 m | PoE+ repeater or another extender |
| More cameras than recorder ports | A PoE switch from PoE switches and extenders |
| Protecting cable connections outdoors | Junction boxes and mounts |
A typical order of work
- Map where each camera will go and measure the cable run to the recorder.
- Set the recorder up near your router and connect it to a monitor. Install the hard drive first if your recorder does not have one.
- Connect each camera to the recorder with a short cable and check that you see video before you drill.
- Mount each camera and run its cable. Protect the network connection outdoors with the cap or cable gland that comes with many wired cameras.
- Connect the cameras to the recorder, then add the recorder to the Lorex app for remote viewing.
- Set the recording mode and check each camera’s view at night.
Follow the manual for your exact model, since steps differ between recorders.
When to call a professional
- Drilling through exterior walls, brick or finished ceilings.
- Working at heights or on a roof.
- Running cable through an attic or near electrical wiring.
Useful gear
Includes 1TB of storage and 8 built-in PoE ports, with expandable local storage up to 10TB.
View product ➜
Shielded, UV treated and waterproof, and rated for direct burial so it can run underground without conduit.
View product ➜
A 60 ft fire-resistant, in-wall rated (CMR) cable for connecting IP cameras. Lorex states it is not UL certified.
View product ➜
Overcomes the 100 m network limit and can be daisy-chained for up to 600 m, depending on cable type and quality.
View product ➜
Protects camera cables from harsh weather, dust and vandalism, and keeps the camera area tidy. Black or white.
View product ➜Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be technical to set up a wired system?
Many people do it themselves. The work is mostly mounting cameras and running cable. If you are not comfortable drilling or running cable, hire a local installer.
Do PoE cameras need a separate power supply?
Most do not. A PoE camera gets power over its network cable from a recorder or PoE switch with PoE ports. Check the camera and recorder specifications.
How long can the cable be?
Standard Ethernet cable is limited to 100 m (328 ft) per run. For longer distances use a PoE extender or repeater.
Do you install the system for me?
No. Installation is not included and we do not offer installation services. We can help you choose compatible parts through our Contact page.
Build your wired system
Recorders, cameras and cabling.
Complete systems ➜Cables ➜PoE switches and extenders ➜Mounts and junction boxes ➜Keep reading
- NVR vs DVR: What Is the Difference and Which Do You Need?
- How Many Security Cameras Does a House Need?
- Wired vs Wi-Fi Security Cameras: Which Is Right for Your Home?
The Galaxy Store is an authorized Lorex partner. Free standard shipping on orders of $150 or more to Canada and the US. Questions about which model fits? Use our Contact page.