Twisted pair
Or another common name is UTP. Consists of four pairs of twisted and insulated thin conductors in a common braid. This is perhaps the most popular cable in video surveillance, as it can be used in both network and digital-analog equipment (provided that it is connected using signal transmitters and receivers).
Most often, such a cable is used when connecting to the Internet. for sure, your router uses at least one such conductor.
Pros: Minimized influence of crosstalk and electromagnetic induction, which positively affects the integrity of the transmitted signal. Also, the twisted pair is less susceptible to other types of interference and can be used not only for signal transmission, but also for power supply, and at the same time. This rule applies to IP surveillance cameras equipped with PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology. Well, one more advantage is the relatively low price of a high-quality conductor.
Cons: Low strength compared to coaxial cable, it can be damaged or broken quite easily.
Optical fiber
Optical cable is one of the highest quality tools for transmitting a signal over long distances today. However, due to its high cost, complexity in operation and relatively weak physical reliability / fragility, this cable is practically not used in video surveillance systems, except, possibly, strategically important public and private facilities.
Most often, such a cable can be seen in expensive multimedia systems, since they transmit pure audio and video signals with virtually no distortion.
6 types of cables for CCTV cameras
The reliability of a professional video surveillance system can be compared to the reliability of a chain. it is as strong as its weakest link. Only in the case of a video surveillance system, the links are its components. a video camera, a video recorder, a power supply, a hard drive and, of course, cables. without them it is impossible to imagine a truly serious security infrastructure.
So let’s take a look at the main types of cables for CCTV cameras, their types and features. However, first it is necessary to clarify. in security systems, two types of conductors are used. power and signal. Power is supplied to the CCTV camera via power conductors, and video and audio signals are transmitted via signal conductors.
Coaxial cable
It is one of the most popular types of conductors in security systems and is a rather thick cable that has a central metal core surrounded by a dielectric layer, which in turn is surrounded by a braid of thin twisted metal wires, and completes the structure with a layer of shielding and insulation. This cable is quite common in the telecommunications sector and, probably, each of us saw it when connecting a television antenna. this is where it is most often used.
Pros: One of the main advantages of coax is its durability. this cable is quite difficult to damage due to its design features, and it is not very susceptible to aggressive weather conditions. this conductor can be easily used when connecting outdoor CCTV cameras. The signal transmission range of this cable is good and primarily depends on the standard of the video surveillance system used.
In addition, its versatility and widespread use allow it to be used in many areas and not only in telecommunications. you can even tow a car with a high-quality coaxial cable.
Another advantage of a coaxial cable is quite serious protection against electrical interference due to several layers of insulating materials.
Cons: Relatively high cost of quality coaxial cable. Of course, you can find cheap cables of this type on sale, but you should not count on a high-quality image and a long signal transmission distance. In addition, the coaxial cable is used exclusively for signal transmission in analog and digital-to-analog video surveillance systems and is not suitable for network devices.
Combo video power cable
Combo cable signal power supply for CCTV
Another type of paired cable used in analog and digital-to-analog video surveillance systems. Its principle of operation is similar to the coaxial power cable, but has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Pros: Of course, ease of use and connectivity. Plug-and-play, all you need to do is connect the cable to the camcorder on one side, and to the DVR and power supply on the other. There is no need to purchase additional connectors. such a cable is already neatly crimped at the factory. Another advantage. they are cheaper than a combo coaxial cable and can be used in analog, HDCVI and HDTVI video surveillance.
Cons: limited range of action. Such a cable is widely used in box video surveillance systems, and its length is limited to twenty meters. On sale you can find such a video cable with a length of up to 40 meters, but this is a rarity and it is not always of an acceptable quality for transmitting an HD video signal.
Power cable
Used to transmit power to CCTV cameras and is an assembly of several insulated conductors united by a common sheath.
Pros: Relatively affordable and reliable in use (subject to appropriate quality) and can be located both inside the building and outside, and even be laid underground. Such a cable is best laid during the construction phase, so as not to spoil the interior with additional conductors in the future, in addition, the hidden laying of the electric cable provides an additional level of safety in everyday life.
How to choose the right security camera cable. Cable types & maximum distances for video & power.
Cons: only power transmission, no video or audio data.
Combo cable coaxial power
Such a cable is also called paired or even “Siamese”. The design feature of such a conductor is that the coaxial cable is soldered with an outer braid with an electric power cable and can be disconnected if the DVR and the power source are at different distances from the CCTV camera.
Pros: First, excellent value for money and functionality. no need to think about choosing a power cable. the manufacturer has already found the perfect pair. The second advantage stems from the first. since the cable is intended for telecommunications work. it is manufactured in such a way as to ensure that there is no interference, which often happens when the power cable is in close proximity to the signal cable. In addition, the combo cables can be adapted to power other devices with the same voltage as the camera.
Cons: Slightly more time consuming procedure for laying, processing and working with this cable, compared to single conductors.
USB cable
To connect an IP video camera with a USB connector to a PC, laptop or router located at a short distance (up to 5m), usually a USB cable for a video camera with a braided shield is used.
To increase this distance up to 10m, a USB cable can be used with an additional power connection, which allows you to amplify the video signal.
If it is necessary to connect the camcorder via the USB connector at a greater distance (up to 30m or more), it is possible to use a combined connection using an active USB extension cable over twisted pair.
Twisted pair
Twisted-pair cable for video surveillance is used to connect a PC to the Internet, create local computer networks and connect various electronic devices, including digital video cameras, to each other.
An ordinary LAN cable consists of eight insulated conductors twisted in pairs and united by a common insulating sheath.
Depending on the features of its design, the following types are distinguished:
- UTP cable with unshielded twisted pairs of conductors without a common protective shield;
- FTP cable having an external common foil shield;
- STP cable with foil braid for each pair of conductors and a common outer braided copper shield.
Also, twisted-pair cable may differ in different technical characteristics, including:
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The main advantages of a twisted pair are:
- Wide functionality that allows you to transmit video signal, audio signal and connect power for the camcorder through one cable;
- The ability to transmit video over long distances (up to 3 km);
- Easier installation and lower cost compared to coaxial cable.
The disadvantages are less noise immunity and greater attenuation of the transmitted video signal, therefore, additional amplifiers of passive or active type are usually required at the ends of the cable.
Features of video surveillance
Currently, several types of cameras can be used in video surveillance kits, the main difference of which is the organization of a data transmission channel (wired or wireless) and, in principle, video signal transmission (analog or digital).
Most often, wired (cable) devices are used in video systems, since wireless systems, despite some advantages, also have significant disadvantages, including:
- Short range and low noise immunity;
- The need for a separate power supply for each device;
- Fairly high cost of equipment.
The simplest in design, use and affordable are analog wired video cameras that can be connected directly to a monitor and / or other video device using a coaxial cable for CCTV cameras.
Digital wired cameras (IP cameras) have a more complex device and include an electronic analog-to-digital converter (ADC unit) that converts an analog signal at the output of a video camera into a digital.
As a cable for IP video surveillance, a twisted pair cable (UTP or LAN cable) is usually used to transfer video information over long distances, and a USB cable can also be used to create IP video surveillance with your own hands, by connecting such a camera to a PC or laptop with a small distance between them.
Home security cameras do not need to be connected with cables. Gsm video surveillance systems transmit wirelessly over gsm network.
Modern hidden video cameras are made very compact and disguise as ordinary objects. Read here about the device and application features of the camcorder buttons.
Main types of cables
Depending on what type of wired cameras is installed in the video surveillance system, the appropriate type of video cable is used to connect them.
Coaxial cable
Coaxial cable for video surveillance is widely used in a variety of communication systems, including for connecting analog cameras. In a domestic environment, such a cable is most often used to connect an outdoor antenna to a TV.
This cable got its name due to the design features, which is a coaxially located central copper conductor and a shielding braid, between which there is a thick layer of foamy dielectric.
The outer braid has an additional layer of insulation. The video signal is transmitted along the central conductor, and the shielding braid protects it from interference and distortion.
Coaxial cable can be roughly divided into two main types:
- Thin cable (up to 5mm in diameter) used to transmit video signals at a distance of up to 200m;
- Thick cable (up to 10mm in diameter) for connecting a video camera to a monitor at a distance of up to 100m.
In addition, a cable for analog video surveillance may differ in a number of other technical parameters, including:
- By the value of the wave resistance (75th, 50th, etc.);
- By the thickness of the center conductor;
- By the density of the shielding braid;
- In terms of signal attenuation, etc.
The main advantage of using a coaxial cable for video surveillance systems is the high quality of the transmitted signal, noise immunity and the absence of the need to use additional equipment (video adapters, converters, etc.).
Combo cable
The combo cable for video surveillance systems is mainly used to connect analog video cameras.
It is a common coaxial cable for video signal, combined in a common insulating sheath with two or four additional conductors, which are used to connect power to the camera, and can also be used to transmit control signals (for example, to a camera rotator), connect a microphone, etc.
The use of a multi-cable for video surveillance allows you to expand the functionality of video systems with analog cameras and greatly simplify and speed up their installation.
Video surveillance cable: types, parameters, recommendations
The performance of the entire video surveillance system directly depends on the correct choice and connection of such a video cable.
How to choose the right one
When deciding which cable to use for video surveillance, it is imperative to consider the following circumstances:
- Type of cameras and other equipment used in the video surveillance system.
- Maximum cable length for video surveillance from cameras to video monitors and / or recording devices.
- The complexity of the architecture of the video surveillance system itself (the number and location of video cameras, the number of additional equipment, etc.).
Classic peepholes in the door are hopelessly outdated compared to today’s electronic counterparts. Wireless video peephole is able to remove and transmit a signal to a portable monitor in any part of the apartment.
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For video systems that are small in terms of the amount of equipment and duration of distances, the best option would be to use a coaxial cable. For more complex systems and long distances, twisted pair is the best choice.
Indoor cable laying is carried out taking into account the peculiarities of their interior decoration and existing electrical wiring.
Outside cable laying in the ground is carried out using metal or plastic pipes. If you need to lay overhead communication lines to connect an outdoor video surveillance camera, you must use a video surveillance cable with a cable that protects it from various mechanical loads.
Thus, the cable for video surveillance is better suited to the one that can provide the necessary efficiency of the equipment and can be most easily and simply mounted and connected to the video security system of the facility, taking into account all its features.
Aluminum
Coaxial wire with aluminum elements can be a fairly simple answer to the question of which cable to use for video surveillance.
This type of product has been used for cable TV signal lines.
The features of such a wire include:
- rather narrow bandwidth;
- Rigid structure products are available to ensure a stable gap between the signal and cylindrical conductors;
- specially armored cables with multi-core structure of the signal conductor are available.
Aluminum coaxial routes are inconvenient precisely because of the frequency characteristics. Modern analog systems. wire indicators are not enough.
However, if a decision is made which cable is better for video surveillance using analog black and white cameras, there is simply no better option for the price and quality. The same is true for systems that use the technique of converting a signal to a radio frequency range for transmission.
Colored
In this section, it is worthwhile to immediately outline the framework: we will talk specifically about analog systems.
The reason for this limitation is simple: digital protocols operate, roughly speaking, with an array of numbers that can encode a black and white or digital signal.
Analog color cameras are the most moody customer. For them, you should choose a cable with the widest possible frequency bandwidth.
An example is the RG-6 brand. Being an analogue of the domestic RK 75 in terms of wave impedance and somewhat falling short of the level of the permissible maximum route length (600 meters versus 750), the cable offers a wide bandwidth and guarantees stable transmission from, for example, HD-SDI analog cameras.
Likewise, color video clips require maximum trace stability throughout the course. It is recommended to run the line using rigid coaxial cables with a stable gap between the signal core and the screen.
When laying long routes. use a cable with the greatest possible thickness of polymer insulation around the central conductor, from the group of products that allow the required length.
The role of cable in video surveillance systems
The list of tasks that a particular wire solves includes:
- coordination of circuit parameters;
- adjusting the wave impedance indicators and other characteristics of the route to the parameters optimal for the operation of the converting equipment;
- implementation of one or another method of signal transfer;
- ensuring the transmission of an analog or digital signal over certain distances.
Not only the final cost of the line organization depends on the characteristics of the cable, but also the overall operability and efficiency of the transmission network.
Therefore, the knowledge of what cable is needed for video surveillance, how to lengthen the cable for a CCTV camera is useful not only for system designers, but also for those who want to modify the existing communication structure.
How to choose a cable for video surveillance
The best way to do this is to use a wire recommended by the device manufacturer to connect cameras.
However, if this cannot be done, it can be said quite clearly which cable will show the best results.
Digital
For digital systems, there are certain restrictions on the length of the data lines.
For example, the maximum length of the fifth category for video surveillance is 100 meters.
At the same time, no additional connectors, amplifiers are able to affect the stability and stability of the signal.
To transmit data from digital cameras over long distances, they resort to the following techniques:
- use media converters to transfer data over optical channels;
- use a variety of transfer technologies over wireless protocols;
- implement data exchange schemes through global networks.
Most modern IP cameras immediately imply an Internet connection and access to video from anywhere in the world.
For the convenience of the user, individual manufacturers offer their own services, cloud storage and other system features.
However, even without access to the Internet, using conversion and wireless data transmission, the creation of transmission routes from distances of up to 30 km is available.
Black and white
Black and white analog cameras are the most convenient product in terms of organizing the signal transmission path.
The widest range of coaxial cables with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohm, including the ultra-flexible class, are suitable for their connection.
To connect devices with centralized power distribution. combination cables of the KBK class and other similar products are suitable.
Outdoor and indoor use
Cable products are also divided according to the permissible scope.
Basic division. for outdoor use and indoor laying.
- in a fire-resistant sheath, including low-smoke, halogen-free;
- in a protective hose designed for operation in tropical conditions (constant high temperature, humidity, the action of fungus and mold);
- in water, oil and gasoline-resistant casing (products for the shipbuilding industry);
- in a rodent-resistant hose.
For trunk transmission lines, you can choose a cable that allows laying in the ground, laying on open galleries, broaching in specially equipped tunnels.
Almost every class of wire can be purchased in an armored version, for individual brands. options are available that are focused on the creation of airways.
IP video surveillance cable
Cable for IP video surveillance with RJ-45 connector
To connect digital IP cameras, the same UTP cable is used with crimped RJ-45 connectors at both ends. Its advantage lies in the possibility of laying one common twisted pair line for the whole system of IP CCTV cameras using a switch (switch). In this case, the cameras can be powered in three ways:
- Laying a separate power cable for each camera;
- Installation of power supplies in the places where each camera is installed;
- Power supply of cameras using free wires in twisted pair.
The third option is only suitable for those cases when the camera and the switch support PoE (Power of Ethernet) technology, which allows power supply via an Ethernet cable for IP video surveillance, in other cases, it is necessary to use Passive PoE injectors, which allow combining signal and power transmission on both sides one cable.
Coaxial cable for video surveillance
Components of a coaxial cable
To connect analog cameras, the most commonly used coaxial cable for video surveillance, such as the one that connects an external antenna to a TV or receiver. This type of cable is a copper conductor enclosed in a thick layer of foam dielectric, which is covered on the outside with a shielding protective sheath, which provides good protection against interference and possible signal loss. Most often, domestic brands RK-75-2-13, RK-75-4-12 (RK. radio frequency cable) are used for video surveillance, or imported analogs. RG-59, RG-6, RG-11.
When choosing a coaxial cable, it is necessary to take into account such important parameters as the length and location of the installation (indoors or outdoors), and depending on this, purchase a suitable brand of wire.
If the cameras are far away from the DVR and from each other (the line length is more than 200-300 meters), the transmitted signal can significantly weaken: a simple axiom applies here. the longer and thinner the cable, the greater the signal loss. So, when choosing, it is very important to take into account the laying distance, and, based on it, already choose a suitable cable for video surveillance systems.
For example, we lay RK-75-2-13 with a line length not exceeding 100 meters, and at longer distances (from 100 to 300 meters) we use the RK-75-3-. brands, at distances over 300 meters we usually use UTP (more on that below).
The RG-6 cable differs from its Russian analogs RK-75 primarily in that it has a larger diameter of the central conductor and sheath. It is also capable of transmitting a slightly larger frequency range than the RK-75, for example, HD-SDI cameras refuse to work with RK, and perfectly transmit a signal via RG-6 with a line length of more than 10 m.
For clarity and more details, we present a table reflecting the dependence of the type of wire on the distance.
The choice of cable depending on the distance of the recorder to the camera
When choosing a coaxial cable for video surveillance, be sure to make sure that the center conductor is all copper, otherwise the signal will be very weak.
Among other things, coaxial cable differs in other technical criteria such as:
- Flexibility. in cases where the installation of a video cable involves bending it in several places, it is necessary to purchase a wire with a stranded center conductor, which will have increased flexibility compared to a monolithic.
- Characteristic impedance. for video surveillance, cables with an impedance of 75 ohms are most often used;
- The degree of protection against interference. the presence of shielding shells;
- Insulation diameter;
- Attenuation of the signal;
Pros. The main advantage of this type of cable is its high resistance to interference, affordable price, the ability to transmit both video and audio signals.
Minuses. The disadvantages of a coaxial cable include the high cost of connectors, easy damage, restrictions on the distance of laying. When using RK brands, there is a need for a separate laying of the power wire, although this moment cannot always be attributed to disadvantages, since for budget systems the power supply option via a separate cable will be much cheaper. the savings consist in supplying power to several cameras at the same time, as well as in the high cost of KBK.
Also, when power is supplied separately from the main signal transmission cable, it becomes possible to connect cameras to the network far from the DVR, which is almost impossible to do with a combined cable.
What cable to choose for video surveillance. the main types and their characteristics
Installation of any video surveillance system, with the exception of wireless, is never complete without a cable. The cable transfers the video signal from the camera to the DVR, provides power, and also connects additional devices, such as a microphone. There are not so many types of video cable today, in this material we will tell you about the most common and ubiquitous.
The choice of cable for video surveillance depends on a number of key points. For example, when installing IP video surveillance, a “twisted pair” wire is usually used, that is, a regular network LAN, similar to the one with which we connect a computer to the Internet. The cable for IP video surveillance has one interesting feature: using it, you can not only connect the camera to the DVR for video signal transmission, but also supply power to the camera, as well as connect a sound recording device. We will talk about twisted pair later. We will also analyze the 3 main types of cables used for video surveillance purposes, but first things first.
Powered combo cable
In cases where the camera is powered and the signal is transmitted from one point, it is most convenient to use a combined cable for video surveillance systems. It is suitable for both analog and digital devices. This is the same coaxial wire with a resistance of 75 ohms, but in the same bundle with the power wires. Thanks to this interlacing, the cameras can be powered and the signal transmitted without laying additional wires.
Also, in addition to everything, such a cable may have wires for connecting additional functional elements (for example, a microphone), and for controlling the camera (for example, for controlling a camera rotating device). An example is the KKSEV cable, which, in addition to the coaxial core, has separated wires for power and audio signal.
The combined high-frequency cable (HFK) with power conductors is one of the most expensive. It is used to create a video surveillance system in which each camera will be connected to the network using a separate power supply, each 12V output of which is equipped with an individual fuse, or with a small number of cameras.
Among the most commonly used combined cables for video surveillance are the following brands: KVK-2P, KVK-V-2.
Twisted pair
UTP cable for video surveillance, or “twisted pair”
Usually we resort to using twisted pair in cases where the distance of the proposed line from the camera to the signal receiving device is from 300 to 1000 m (the distance of a possible laying of a working video surveillance line using a twisted pair can be up to 3 km.). The convenience of using this type of cable for video surveillance systems lies in the large number of conductors under one braid. Thanks to this, it is possible to supply power to the cameras along one line, and transfer the main signals (video, audio), and use the remaining wiring to provide control of the camera, as well as to connect an additional camera (there are enough wires in the cable. 8 pcs.).
Depending on the features of the structure, there are several types of twisted pair cable. UTP, FTP, STP.
- UTP cable is the simplest, it does not have protective shielding, and consists of 8 insulated, twisted in pairs, placed in a common protective sheath. The disadvantages of UTP cables include their low resistance to interference, therefore, in cases of laying communications for video surveillance near electrical wiring, and other sources of interference, it is better to use cables with additional protection.
- FTP cable is characterized by the presence of a common foil shielding sheath. Thanks to its presence, this cable can be laid next to electrical wiring cables and other sources of interference. It is very important to monitor the safety of the foil screen, and not to exceed the minimum bending radius. no more than 8 outer diameters of the cable. External cable protection can be made of PVC or hard polyethylene.
- STP cable also has a common protective sheath, but not from foil, but from copper braid. In addition, each conductor in such a cable is solid copper, insulated with polyolefin, and has an individual protective foil shield. External insulation is usually made of fire-resistant PVC. The use of this type of cable is necessary in cases of laying over 90 meters in the presence of numerous sources of interference.
When laying STP cable, the shield must be grounded, otherwise it will work like an antenna attracting electromagnetic radiation!
Twisted-pair cable for CCTV cameras is quite easy to lay and connect, therefore in cases of frequent changes in the structure of video surveillance, as well as when connecting a large number of cameras over long distances, we recommend using a UTP cable.
The undoubted advantage of the twisted pair is the large number of conductors, which ensures the connection of all main functional elements. Also, this cable has a lower cost compared to coaxial.
One source describes the experience of connecting cameras at 700 meters. Colleagues share their observations that UTP collected much less interference in their case compared to shielded FTP, so, perhaps, UTP cable for video surveillance is the best choice in such cases. But maybe they just forgot to ground the shield, who knows.
When connecting analog cameras using such a cable, transceivers (Video Baloon) are used as an adapter, which also remove interference from the cable. We suggest you watch a very intelligible video about connecting a CCTV camera using a twisted pair.
Which one is better to choose?
Which cable to choose for a video surveillance system?
As a rule, the choice of the appropriate type of cable for video surveillance depends on the specific situation, your desires and the selected cameras. In the case of IP cameras, this is almost always the unambiguous use of a UTP cable with RJ-45 connectors, analog video surveillance with a small number of cameras can do with ordinary coaxial at distances not exceeding 100-300 meters, and for the possibility of power supply and signal transmission over one cable, it is necessary use either a powered combo cable or twisted pair cable. With a large number of cameras and longer distances, we would recommend you to use a twisted pair cable. UTP, FTP or STP cable. depending on the distances, place of use (street, indoor premises) and sources of interference.
Differences in the place of laying communications will consist in the fact that for outdoor cameras it is necessary to use a cable with protective external insulation made of solid polyethylene, and for internal video surveillance systems, you can take it from ordinary PVC. Also, a cable for outdoor installation can have a supporting steel cable in the structure, which is necessary to strengthen the strength of the cable when laying the cable through the air (KVK-Pt).
In this article, we tried to make out as much as possible the question of how to choose the right cable for video surveillance, talked about the main types and their characteristics, tried to highlight in as much detail as possible those design differences that play a major role in choosing the most suitable cable, depending on one or another video surveillance systems and your preferences. We wish you good luck and hope that this material will remain useful to you.!
What cable to use for video surveillance. 2 best options.
Video surveillance systems can be conditionally divided into two large groups. digital and analog, or what came after the improvements of the analog signal. AHD, TVI, CVI.
The cable for connecting these systems is exactly what you shouldn’t save on. Almost half of the success of a good installation and a high-quality picture can depend on the choice of cable.
Let’s consider at the beginning what cable is needed for analog systems and AHD.
In order to receive a picture from any video camera and transfer it to a DVR or monitor, at least two conditions must be met:
The most convenient way to do this is with a cable, which already combines these functions. That is, there is a coaxial for transmitting a video signal and there are 2 power wires right there. plus and minus from a 12 volt unit.
To collect these wires separately, today it is extremely irrational and unreliable.
Not so long ago, the most common options for this were:
If you make a video surveillance system, which is called “for yourself”, then these brands are not recommended.
ShGES. these are two or more conductors that go in a copper braid. Power is supplied through one of the conductors, a video signal under the other.
Due to the very low cost, many analog video systems have been built with these wires. True, the distance from the power supply to cameras based on such a cable should not exceed 15-20 meters.
When using this cable, simply forget about parameters such as the characteristic impedance of 75 ohms. However, the signal can still be transmitted over short distances.
The popularity of this cable is also explained by the fact that with 4 cores, a sound can be sent through an unused core.
The most correct and most popular option for use in analog and AHD video surveillance systems. this is an KBK cable. It stands for. Combo Video Cable.
It consists of a standard 75 Ohm coaxial. That is, by design. in the middle of the copper core, filled with foamed filler and outside the braid.
Together with the coaxial, two power conductors go side by side. The most popular sections. 0.5mm2 and 0.75mm2.
If the video cameras are of high quality, then maybe up to all 500m. True, with increasing distance, the question arises with the cross section.
With a large distance of cameras, it will be problematic to transfer the 12V required for power supply. For example, here is a table of voltage losses for KVK with a cross section of 0.75 mm2, depending on the distance of the cameras and their power.
The cable can be marked KVK-V (white) and KVK-P (black). White is intended for indoor and building applications, and black. for outdoor installation outdoors.
However, keep in mind that cables of the same brand, but from different manufacturers, may differ significantly in quality. This is primarily about the copper content in its veins.
In high quality. red-orange, i.e. pure copper. In addition to the fact that it does not oxidize or rust, the percentage of copper content significantly affects the quality of the picture.
Here is a comparison of screenshots from the same cameras, but connected from cables with different percentage of copper in the veins.
Such networks do not serve for more than two or three years, especially in open spaces.
If it is difficult for you to “by eye” determine copper, then you can do it differently. Peel off the insulation 3-4 cm and bring the lighter to the vein.
If it is made of pure copper, then practically nothing will happen to it, it will only be charred. But if this is a copper-plated alloy with a small m of copper (the so-called SSA), then the conductor will simply fold in half.
When laying the KBK cable not along the facade of the house, but between the supports over long distances, a type of KBK is used, which is already included with the KBK-Pt cable.
When pulling the cable to one camera in this way, then this is the best option. But if we are talking about several cameras, then it would be more rational to pull one cable between the supports, and then hang an ordinary KBK-P to it with clamps.
As well as for analog cameras, it is necessary for digital cameras:
To date, the most optimal for digital video surveillance will be the use of cameras with PoE function. PoE format permits transmission of both power and signal over a single cable using a single RJ-45 connector.
It is not recommended to use only a two-pair UTP cable to connect such digital systems. Although it is cheap, not all standards support 4-wire data transmission.
Therefore, here you need to choose a 4-pair UTP (LAN) cable. With it, you can transmit an image at a distance of up to 3 km (when using amplifiers).
It comes with an eight-core, fifth category Cat5e. Supports data transfer up to 100 Mbps using two pairs and up to 1000 Mbps using four pairs.
Before buying, it also does not hurt by cutting off the insulation and the core itself, check the copper inside it.
For outdoor installation, a UTP cable with black UV-resistant polyethylene insulation is required.
Best Cable For CCTV Cameras. CCTV Wire Types & Specification
FTP cable is a type of UTP, in which a shielded foil braid is placed over the cores. It improves noise immunity.
There is also a kind of STP. It uses a shielded copper braid instead of foil. In addition, there is a protective shield around each solid copper conductor.
It is used with a large amount of external interference.
It is possible to increase the range of data transmission over utp cable by means of active and passive amplifiers. One is placed near the recorder, the other is directly near the camera.
At extra-long distances. up to 3 km, active.
With small ones. up to 300m, passive amplifiers. Just keep in mind that active people require a separate meal.
In four-pair utp cables, two pairs are used to transmit digital data packets (Link), and two pairs are used to supply power, which were not originally designed for this.
There is a more expensive, but high-quality option for assembling a video surveillance system with equipment that does not support PoE. this is the application of the so-called multi-cable.
The advantage of this cable is that it has two separate stranded conductors, most often with a cross section of 0.5mm2 or 0.75mm2, through which the 12 volt supply voltage is supplied.
It is ideal for long distances and remoteness of cameras from the power supply, but the price will bite here.
Therefore, the most popular and correct solutions for assembling video surveillance systems today remain 2 options:
What cable is needed for video surveillance?
What cables can be used to connect video cameras?
For systems that allow you to control the situation at the facility, experts advise buying and using “twisted pair”, coaxial and combined cables. So, choose a video surveillance cable.
What cable to use for video surveillance when setting up an analog system? A coaxial cable should be used here. To connect cameras to a DVR at a distance of no more than 100 meters, you must use a RK radio frequency cable, the diameter of which is up to 10 millimeters. If you need to transmit a signal at a distance of up to 200 meters, then a cable with a diameter of up to 5 millimeters is suitable.
What kind of CCTV cable can I use if the system is digital? For these purposes, a “twisted pair” is suitable. This cable should be used if the range of the proposed line from the camera to the equipment that receives the signal is within the range of 300-1000 meters. “Twisted pair” allows transmitting audio and video signals, powering video cameras, connecting additional equipment.
Combination cables with power conductors are suitable for analogue and digital installations. It is recommended to use them when power supply of cameras and signal transmission are performed from the same point. Thanks to this cable, it is possible to establish signal transmission and power devices without laying unnecessary cables.
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The cable used for video surveillance acts as the main element that provides a communication channel between the video camera and the DVR. Also, thanks to the cable, this equipment is powered and it is possible to connect additional devices, for example, a microphone. Therefore, everyone who has decided to establish such a system wants to know the correct answer to the question of which cable to choose for video surveillance. This is quite natural, because the reliability and durability of the entire surveillance system directly depends on which cable is used for video surveillance. Consider what cable is needed for video surveillance.
What else is important to know?
There are few types of video cables. However, this does not mean that the choice is very easy to make. How to determine which CCTV cable is best?
When choosing a cable for video surveillance, consider, among other things, the following points:
The type of cameras and other equipment used in the video surveillance system.
Maximum cable length for video surveillance from cameras to DVR.
Features of the architecture of the video surveillance system (the number of cameras and their location, the availability of auxiliary equipment, etc.).
For CCTV cameras, cable manufacturers offer a variety of product options. This allows you to find the optimal solution for each specific case. Now you also know what cable is needed for video surveillance, so feel free to act. establish a system that will allow you to control the situation at the facility, will last a long time and will not let you down!
The company “Kabel.RF ®” is one of the leaders in the sale of cable products and has warehouses located in almost all regions of the Russian Federation. After consulting with the company’s specialists, you can purchase the brand of video surveillance cable you need at competitive prices.
Maximum cable length for CCTV cameras
For stable and uninterrupted operation of any CCTV camera, two things are required: electricity and a cable for transmitting video and audio signals. If everything is clear with the first, then what to do with the second? Which cable is suitable for a particular camera, how to choose and how to calculate, we will tell you in the article.
For video cameras that work via wi-fi, a cable is not needed, since the signal is transmitted via the Internet. You only need to provide power.
To transmit a digital signal stably, you need 4 cores. And this is the minimum. The most common cable for most video cameras and recorders is twisted pair. Do not forget that for the equipment to work, you need to connect electricity. And these are two more cables. Special connectors and appropriate tools are used to crimp these cables.
Interdependence of power supply and cable length
The power cable influences the maximum allowable length available for power wiring. It must be remembered that the longer the track length, the stronger the resistance in it. To reduce it, you need to increase the cross-section of the supply conductors. In this way, you can increase the length of the track. The tables below show approximate data, how the section size depends on the maximum distance.
The information given in the table has been practically confirmed many times. In most cases, these are optimal distances. But in order to get the most accurate result for a particular case, it is recommended to make your own measurements.
This table shows the optimal cable length, depending on which type of cable is used, as well as which type of information transfer is selected.
What are the advantages of a combo cable?
Saving space. The cable itself will be thicker than any other, but since it replaces two cables at once, you can still save space.
Strength. Such a wire is very durable and does not break even when pulled. The inner cores are protected by a thick braid and outer jacket. If you use it for long spans, then a regular steel cable is suitable for fixing. It will not be able to damage the cable, but it will fix it well.
Ease of installation. As mentioned above, only one such cable is needed to connect, instead of two or more. It must be extended to each cell. This saves time and resources and simplifies installation.
Stability. The use of a combo cable guarantees good performance over distances.
Types of wires for signal transmission
There are several types of wires, each with its own characteristics:
coaxial. It contains a central core and a braid. The main advantages of such a cable are considered strength and low price. And what is more important. with it you can lay long route cables without risks to the security of data transmission.
twisted pair. A very common option. It is possible to use special transmitters for the signal, which reduce noise and eliminate interference.
combined. The most convenient of all of these, since one cable combines two functions: power supply and video recording. Each of these cameras only needs one cable, which saves costs.
Additional recommendations
To find the right coaxial cable, consider factors such as:
To reduce noise or interference, we recommend looking towards the shielded wires. In this case, both coaxial and twisted pair are similar. If you install a twisted pair cable for transmitting a video signal, it is optimal to connect one core to the plus, and the other to the minus. It is very important that the twisted pairs are the same color. The remaining free pairs can be used as a power conductor. Or, even easier, use a combo cable.