What and what cable is needed for video surveillance
Hardware installation is not as easy as it seems to many. Especially when it comes to the installation of video surveillance devices.
Of course, there are wireless systems, but they are expensive, so not everyone can afford to install such equipment. The work of wired devices is carried out by connecting them to a single network. For this, a video surveillance cable is used. How to choose it correctly, you need to find out in advance.
Criterias of choice
Since the cheapest is coaxial cable, it is most often used in video surveillance systems. It is produced by various companies, so there are differences in characteristics.
Experts recommend choosing RG59 / U coaxial cable for video surveillance. However, this range includes products with different electrical parameters.
Despite the generality of the groups, these products have excellent properties, which should be taken into account when choosing. The numbers in the label indicate the difference in the types of cable products. The principle of operation and design data for these products are almost the same.
If you are in doubt about the type of cable, then it can be determined by its cross-section. The steel core will have a silver color. The diameter of the product is also important. The resistance of the cable for video surveillance depends on it, therefore it is recommended to choose conductors with a large diameter. They are capable of transmitting a signal with minimal distortion over a sufficiently long distance. However, such a cable is more expensive.
If the wiring will have many bends, it is recommended to choose models with a stranded conductor. Usually it is made of wires of small diameter. Such a CCTV cable will be more flexible than a single core and resistant to metal bending fatigue.
Types of Security Camera Cables & Maximum Distances
Experts recommend giving preference to foamed polyurethane as a shell. It attenuates the signal less and gives flexibility to the CCTV cable. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the possibility of moisture absorption, which can worsen the characteristics of the product, therefore, it is better not to use it for outdoor work.
Rigid polyethylene video surveillance cable is more durable, but difficult to install. In addition, it has greater signal loss than dielectric coated.
Watching the video, product selection criteria:
The outer braid, which is the second and grounded signal conductor between the camera and the monitor, must have a shielding effect of up to 80%. Usually they are laid in a metal cable, water or pipe. The last component to look for when choosing a powered CCTV cable is the outer jacket. Most often it is made of PVC and can have various colors.
The main criteria for choosing a cable are location indoors or outdoors and the required length.
According to experts, UTP cables for video surveillance are considered one of the best. It is especially convenient to use them in the case of an existing installation throughout the building for the warning system. In this case, they can also be used to transmit video signals, which allows you to reduce the cost of cable products and their installation.
Correspondence between types of cable products and type of camera
When choosing wiring products for installing a video surveillance system, the following recommendations should be taken into account:
- Do not exceed 5dB signal attenuation
- Do not use television coaxial samples
In addition, it should be borne in mind that RF cables are used for all types of CCTV cameras:
- Black and white
- Colored
- Digital
And since the signal is attenuated in any product, and the more, the longer it is, then the load and resistance should be matched.
When using cameras with a microphone, experts recommend using a combined cable for video surveillance systems, with a wire for the audio signal. It can be a product of the KKSEV brand. It is a flat wire with a separator base. IP cameras are connected with a regular UTP cable for video surveillance systems using RJ-45 connectors.
Installation of analog cameras involves the use of a coaxial radio frequency wire. over, its central vein should be, if not copper, then at least copper-plated. The braid is also made from this material. Among the most commonly used samples is PK or RG cable, and its characteristic impedance must be at least 75 Ohm.
For outdoor use, products with a supporting steel cable are suitable. this is the KVK-Pt cable for video surveillance.
Video surveillance equipment and the role of the cable in them
What is the simplest security complex? Usually it consists of: several cameras, sensors, a video recorder and a control panel. The principle of the system is to control the situation at the protected facility. Cameras are installed in such a way that there are no dead zones and you can see everything that happens in the room.
Sensors record the slightest movement in the room. When one of them is triggered, the signal is sent to the camera, and it begins to fix the movement. From it, the information goes to the DVR, which records the video on a hard drive.
But in order for all devices to work as a whole, they must be connected to the network. For this, special cables of security and video surveillance systems are used. It is through them that information is transmitted, and also power is supplied to each of the devices.
Types of their characteristics
It is possible to organize wired video surveillance only using loops to transfer information from cameras to the server and then view it on the monitor. For this, cables are used.
- Information
- To supply power
- Combined
Power cables for video surveillance systems are wires consisting of one or more conductors. Each of them has insulation and shell, and some even have armor. They are used to transmit electricity to video cameras. The conductors of such cables are usually made from:
Information type allows you to transfer video, sound. They can be twisted pair or coaxial cable for video surveillance systems. The first type consists of cores, there can be from 2 to 8. They are twisted in pairs and have PVC insulation. Sometimes twisted pair can be individually or collectively shielded.
A coaxial cable consists of a core covered with a dielectric as insulation. This protects against electromagnetic interference. In addition, it can be covered with a conductive braid and has a shielded protective sheath.
We watch the video for what the combined option is needed:
The combined cable for video surveillance is used both to control signals and to supply power to system equipment, given the low price. If the wire is intended for indoor installation, then it has a PVC sheath. For outdoor work, use a video surveillance cable with a polyethylene coating.
Such products consist of an inner single conductor, which is insulated with solid polyethylene and an outer one. a copper wire braid without an outer coating. Combined cables for video surveillance are capable of operating at humidity over 90% and temperatures up to 35 ° C. The most common model of such cables is the KBK product.
Of all the existing types, only the fiber-optic analogue provides perfect video transmission. In this product, the information carrier is the luminous flux. It allows data transmission for both digital and analogue systems. But to use this kind, you need to use media converters.
They play the role of a transmitter and must be installed at the location of the camera. To transmit multiple signals, the fiber optic cable is equipped with frequency division multiplexing. The only drawback of this type is their high price. Therefore, they are used extremely rarely.
Let’s summarize
Recommendations for the selection of the type of wiring products will help to correctly determine the right product for a specific system. But it is still better if this task is solved by professionals. This approach will help to avoid various nuances associated with the wrong choice of cable or its connection.
What cable is needed to connect a CCTV camera?
When organizing video surveillance at an object, the priority method of combining all components into a single system remains the use of wires. it is not only cheaper, but also more reliable. At the same time, you need to know for sure. which cable to connect the AHD surveillance camera, which one. analog, which one. IP device.
What cable is needed for a surveillance camera?
Fundamentally distinguish between signal conductors for broadcasting video and audio signals, and power ones. they are powered.
Which wire is best used for a video surveillance system with various technical solutions:
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coaxial cable is widespread in the telecommunications field. a central copper conductor in a dielectric layer, braided shield and PVC insulation. It is characterized by mechanical strength, weather resistance, noise immunity, but can only be used in analog and AHD systems and is capable of transmitting only a signal. Most popular brands. RK-75-2-13, RK-75-4-12, RG-6, RG-59;
combined (“Siamese”) cable. a symbiosis of coaxial and power cable, which is especially convenient when supplying power from the signal receiving point. Provides the functionality of analog and digital devices, may contain additional wires for connecting optional devices. Most often, the brands KVK-2P, KVK-V-2, KKSEV are used;
The popular twisted pair cable (UTP cable) contains 8 paired conductors in a single sheath. It is used in IP systems or to connect cameras remote from the DVR at a distance of 500-1000 m.
Additional nuances
When laying large-scale systems, the question often arises. how to lengthen the cable for a CCTV camera? Twisting and even soldering is not the best and most convenient option. It is recommended to use special accessories:
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BNC and power connectors for coaxial and combo cable; RJ-45 (8P8C) connectors and “loop-through modules” or UTP extenders for twisted pair cable.
Many are interested in what cable is optimal for connecting an outdoor surveillance video camera?
Look for products that use durable polyethylene to provide external insulation that is resistant to temperature fluctuations and UV radiation. If you have doubts and difficulties in the selection process, we recommend that you consult with the managers of the company “Security Systems”.
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Tips for Wire Selection and Power Calculations.
For all CCTV cameras: be it digital ip, analog, ahd, TVi, cvi cameras, two things are required: a video (audio) signal cable and a power cable. In the case of wireless Wi-FI cameras, only power is required, the signal will be transmitted via wi-fi.
A minimum of 4 cores (100 Mbps) are required to transmit a digital signal. The most common cable for digital IP equipment: utp “twisted pair”. Also, do not forget about providing the device with power, at least 2 more cores. To crimp such a cable, RJ-45 connectors are used, which require a crimping tool: crimper.
To transmit AHD, TVI, CVI, analog signal, there are several types of wire:
Coaxial. Advantages: durable, inexpensive, allows the use of long cable runs. The wire contains a central core and a braid.
Twisted pair. Usually it is cat 5e or cat 6. Transceivers are used to reduce noise and increase the signal transmission range over twisted pair (to connect them, you do not need rj-45 connectors and a crimping tool).
Combined. For video surveillance (video surveillance wire with power cores).
A powered cable is used to solve two problems at once: transmitting a video signal and providing power. This solution is very convenient: it is enough to connect one such wire to each camera.
The advantages of the combo cable:
CCTV cable length depending on power supply.
The maximum distance we can run power depends on the power cable. The longer the track, the more resistance! The use of an increased cross-section of the supply conductors reduces the resistance and allows the use of longer routes. Below are approximate data on the dependence of the section size on the maximum distance.
| Cable type | Conductor material | Number of conductive cores | Section (mm2) | Maximum track length, m |
| Combined | Copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.5 | one hundred |
| Combined | Copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.75 | 150 |
| Combined | Copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | one | 200 |
| Combined | Copper-plated | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1.5 | 300 |
| Combined | Copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.5 | 160 |
| Combined | Copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.75 | 240 |
| Combined | Copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | one | 320 |
| Combined | Copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 1.5 | 480 |
| Twisted pair, core diameter 0.46mm | Copper | 2 (one for plus, the other for minus) | 0.17 | 55 |
| Twisted pair, core diameter 0.46mm | Copper | 4 (two for plus, two for minus) | 0.33 | 110 |
| Twisted pair, core diameter 0.46mm | Copper | 6 (three for plus, three for minus) | 0.5 | 130 |
| Twisted pair, core diameter 0.46mm | Copper | 8 (four plus, four minus) | 0.66 | 160 |
This table was compiled for its employees, and has been repeatedly confirmed by practice. From our point of view, these are the optimal distances: at maximum lengths, the voltage can drop from 12 V to 9.5 V (the minimum value, below which it is better not to fall). It is also worth with Honor that when there is a lack of voltage, the power of the IR illumination sags, and certain camera models may not start or constantly reboot.
The table is valid for powering one 12-volt CCTV camera, consumption 4.6 W (current 0.3.0.5 A).
For PTZ cameras or digital cameras, the consumption will be higher, usually the manufacturer indicates this value in the technical data sheet or on the product packaging.
The ideal option is, of course, to measure the voltage sagging under full load with the infrared diodes on (IR illumination).
The length of the video surveillance cable depending on the type of cable and the method of video signal transmission.
| Cable type | Model | Recommended distance, m | Maximum track length, m | Note |
| Coaxial | RG59, RK, KBK, 3C-2V | 200-250 | 450 | From 250 m with increasing cable length, the image loses its sharpness. |
| Coaxial | RG6 | 400 | 600 | From 400-600 m with increasing cable length, the image loses its sharpness. |
| Twisted pair | Without transmitters | 100-150 | 200 | Color horizontal stripes appeared from 100m. As the length of the cable run increases, the sharpness is lost and the noise becomes even more noticeable. |
| Twisted pair | With passive transceivers | 200-250 | 300 | At 300 meters, the quality is comparable to 600 meters of RG6 coaxial cable. |
| Twisted pair | With active transceivers on both sides | 500-600 | 900 | From 600m with increasing cable length loss of sharpness was observed. |
Consider the diameter and material of the center conductor, the attenuation factor and the density of the braid to select the correct coaxial cable.
To minimize interference and pickup, it is better to use a wire with a screen: both coaxial and twisted pair.
To transmit a video signal over a twisted pair, use one core for plus, the other for minus, and these must be twisted pairs of the same color: for example, green and white-green. The remaining free pairs can be combined and fed through them. Or use a combined twisted pair.
As you can see from our two tables, the signal can be sent over a greater distance than the power supply. Consider this when designing your video surveillance system. Alternatively, you can power the cameras on site (near their installation) or run 220 V via the combined wire.