Security Cameras & Network Cable Installation in Ottawa

Camera mounting runs $150 to $250 per camera depending on the complexity of the cable run and the height of the installation. Total residential projects typically run $800 to $2,500, which includes cameras, cable, connectors, and configuration. Homes in older Ottawa neighbourhoods like Hintonburg and Vanier often require more labour because wall cavities are harder to access and plaster walls need careful handling. Newer homes in Kanata and Orleans usually have straightforward drywall runs. Distance from the camera to the router or NVR is the biggest cost variable. We assess the property, measure the runs, and give you a written price after the assessment. The price you agree on is the price on your invoice.

IP cameras connect to your network via ethernet and transmit video digitally. They offer higher resolution, remote viewing from smartphones, and easier integration with cloud storage. Traditional CCTV cameras use coaxial cable and connect to a DVR. CCTV systems are older technology with lower resolution and no network access. Most residential installations in Ottawa now use IP cameras because they integrate with existing Wi-Fi networks and allow remote monitoring through apps. IP cameras also support motion detection zones and smart notifications, which CCTV systems don't offer. We install IP camera systems and run Cat6 ethernet cable to support them.

The vast majority of electrical work does not require a permit. Low-voltage security camera installations typically don't trigger ESA permit requirements because the cameras draw minimal power and connect via data cable. If a permit is needed for your installation, we handle the paperwork. Most residential camera installations in Ottawa are completed without permits. ESA permits are more common when new circuits are added or when commercial properties install large-scale surveillance systems. Our team works under ECRA/ESA licence #7018741, which authorises this type of installation across Ontario.

Yes. We fish cable through existing wall cavities using flexible rods and drop lines. In homes with attic or basement access, we run cable overhead or underneath and drop it down to camera locations. Small access holes are patched and painted to match. In Ottawa's older homes, particularly in Westboro and Centretown, plaster walls require more care than drywall, but we route cable without visible damage. Exterior runs use weatherproof conduit mounted along soffits or walls. The goal is a clean installation where the cable isn't visible from normal viewing angles.

Most residential installations complete in one day. A three-camera system with straightforward cable runs typically takes four to six hours. Larger systems or complex routing through finished spaces can take a full day. Homes with difficult attic access or multiple floors take longer. We schedule the job based on the scope we identify during the assessment. Power stays on throughout the installation unless we're adding a new circuit, which is rare for camera work.

Yes. We install security cameras and run network cable for restaurants, offices, and retail spaces across Ottawa. Commercial installations often involve more cameras, longer cable runs, and integration with access control systems. We've worked in Centretown office buildings, Kanata tech offices, and Byward Market restaurants. Commercial jobs require coordination with building management and sometimes ESA permits depending on the scope. All installations are completed under our ECRA/ESA licence and backed by our one-year installation guarantee.

We use Cat6 ethernet cable for all camera installations. Cat6 supports gigabit data speeds and PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows the cable to carry both power and data to the camera. Cat5e is cheaper but offers less headroom for future upgrades. Cat6 is the current standard for IP camera systems and handles 4K video feeds without bandwidth issues. All cable we install is rated for the application, either indoor plenum-rated for through-wall runs or outdoor-rated for exterior installations. Every termination is tested before we leave the site.

Yes. Most modern IP cameras support smartphone apps for live viewing and playback. We configure the cameras on your network, set up remote access, and verify the app connection before finishing the job. Popular systems include Hikvision, Dahua, and UniFi Protect, all of which offer iOS and Android apps. We walk you through the app interface and show you how to view camera feeds, adjust motion zones, and review recorded footage. The system connects to your existing Hydro Ottawa internet service. No monthly fees are required unless you choose cloud storage, which is optional.