The best ways to hide security camera wires are to run the cable inside the wall or through the attic, to cover it with a paintable raceway or conduit when you cannot open the wall, to use PoE cameras so a single cable carries power and video, and to choose battery or solar cameras where no cable is possible. Always use outdoor-rated cable outside, seal every hole, and avoid stapling through the cable or leaving it loose on a wall where it can be pulled. This page compares the options by tidiness, difficulty and when each makes sense.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated October 26, 2026. 6 min read.
- Five ways compared in one table
- Which suits a house, a rental or a shop
- Mistakes to avoid
- Cable-free options
- Inside-the-wall routing is the tidiest. A raceway is the best compromise where you cannot open the wall.
- PoE means one cable per camera, which is easier to hide.
- Seal entry holes and never leave cable loose where it can be pulled.
- Where a cable is impossible, use battery or solar cameras.
What are the ways to hide security camera wires?
| Method | How it looks | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside the wall or through the attic | Invisible | Moderate to hard | Owned homes with an accessible attic. See running cable through walls |
| Paintable raceway on the surface | Neat, can be painted to match | Easy | Finished walls, condos and shops |
| Outdoor conduit | Visible but tidy and protected | Easy to moderate | Exterior runs, garages and commercial sites |
| PoE (single cable) | One thin cable per camera | Easy to moderate | Any wired system. See PoE camera system |
| Battery or solar camera | No cable | Easy | Rentals and spots with no route. See solar and 4G cameras |
Which method suits your property?
| Property | Usual choice |
|---|---|
| House with an attic | Soffit or attic route, sealed at the camera |
| Townhouse or condo | Raceway, or battery cameras. Check building rules. See cameras for apartments and condos |
| Rental | Battery or plug-in WiFi cameras, no drilling |
| Shop or office | Ceiling-run cable, conduit or raceway. See CCTV cable guide |
| Warehouse or yard | Conduit and fibre between buildings |
Which mistakes make wires visible or unsafe?
| Mistake | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Stapling through the cable | Damages the conductors; camera drops out later | Use clips, not staples |
| Indoor cable outside | Sun and cold break it down | Use outdoor-rated cable |
| Leaving the entry hole unsealed | Water and insects get in | Seal and leave a drip loop |
| Cable low and loose | Easy to pull or cut | Route high or in conduit |
| Ignoring power wiring | Interference and code issues | Keep separated from mains wiring |
Hiding camera wires: frequently asked questions
How do I hide security camera wires outside?
Run them through the soffit or wall into the attic, or in outdoor conduit, and seal the entry holes.
Can I hide camera wires in a rental?
Use battery or plug-in WiFi cameras, or a paintable raceway if the lease allows it.
Do PoE cameras have fewer wires?
Yes. One Ethernet cable carries both power and video.
Can I paint a cable raceway?
Yes. Most are paintable to match the wall.
Should camera wires be in conduit?
Outdoors and on commercial sites, conduit protects the cable and is often worth the cost.
Does Pixl hide the wires?
Yes. We route and conceal cables as part of a wired install. Free written quote. You pay after the job.
Cameras with no visible wires
Send photos of the walls. Free written quote for wired CCTV. You pay after the job.
Sources and method. General practice for concealing low-voltage cable. Check your lease, building rules and local code before drilling or fixing anything.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.