Different Types of CCTV Cables Leave a comment

After picking out your security cameras and video recorder, the next step is to choose which type of CCTV cable you want to transmit power, video, and audio in your system. It is important you know the differences between different security camera cables, so you can pick out the right one for your system. There are two main types of CCTV cables, Ethernet and coaxial.

Coaxial Cable

RG59 is the standard coaxial cable for analog CCTV systems. It is comprised of a small conductor wire that is surrounded in insulation. It is wrapped in a wire braiding to filter out lower frequency interference, and also wrapped in a heavy-duty plastic coating. The cable has a power cable attached to it, which is why it can be called a siamese cable.

RG6 cable is similar to RG59 because it is also in an insulated and shielded wire for transmitting video. Also, it has additional wires for running power. The differences are that RG6 has a heavier gauge wire for video and thicker insulation with shielding layers to slow down video degradation over the cable run.

Which one you should get depends on your system. If you are using legacy analog cameras, then RG59 is fine. However, if you are using a higher definition camera system, you might want to use RG6. Comparing those prices to upgrading to an IP system would be helpful.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cables are capable of high bandwidth data transmission. This is important to the proper operation of IP security camera systems. Ethernet is typically used with IP systems, although it can be used in analog systems.

There are two different types of Ethernet cable, Cat5, and Cat6. They are structurally similar. They both use copper wiring that is fed into an RJ45 connector in a specific order and crimped to end the cable line. Ethernet cables are both used to transmit audio, video, and data at high speeds. They can also be used to send over an Ethernet cable run. The main difference between Cat6 and Cat5 is that Cat6 is capable of higher transmission speeds and bandwidth but over shorter distances.

Cable Lengths

Cable Spools are typically bought in 500ft and 1,000 ft lengths. They are best for large installs that need irregular or long cables since you can run exactly the length you need. You can set up the cable spool next to your ethernet switch or video recorder. Then run the cable to the area where the cameras will be installed. This cuts down on installation time.

CCTV cable spools come in unshielded and shielded versions, and some of them are burial rated so that outdoor cable runs can be buried. Bear in mind that additional ratings increase the cost of the cable. Shielded spools will typically be more expensive than unshielded. Also, burial will be more costly than regular cable.

Pre-Cut Cable Kits

Pre-cut cable kits come in 25 ft, 50 ft, 75 ft, 100 ft, and 150 ft. This gives you plenty of flexibility when you are installing cameras in your business of home. This is because you can use a kit appropriate for the cable run without having to get rid of lines with connectors. Downsides to these are you should not use them beyond 150 ft. This is because it will cause the quality of your video to degrade.

Wrap Up

If you are looking to install or upgrade a surveillance security system, give us a call at (877)-926-2288 today or log on! We have trained professionals who are ready to help. We can walk you through the process start to finish and help you select the best home security cameras for you and survey your property to decide on the most optimal locations