CCTV Cable Buying Guide

CCTV Cable Buying Guide

This guide looks at the cabling methods you can use to connect your security cameras to your CCTV recorder or monitor. There are many options to consider and we are going to guide you through the most popular.

Step 1,

Firstly you are going to need a cable to carry the video signal back to your DVR from your camera. The most popular option would be to use a RG59 cable. This type of cable carries only the video signal and will not supply your camera with the power it needs to operate. The RG59 cable then needs a suitable connector at both ends usually a BNC male type connector. We recommend our BNC twist on connectors as there are no tools required to fit these connectors. Once these connectors are fitted the cable can be connected to your DVR's video input and your CCTV cameras BNC fly lead.

Step 2,

Powering CCTV Cameras Locally

Your security camera will require a power supply. Many cameras require a 12V power supply but do check with your supplier as connecting the wrong power supply may void your warranty. If you choose to power your camera locally you will not require a DC power cable. You can simply connect your PSU directly to your cameras DC fly lead and plug the PSU into a power socket close to where your camera is sited. The advantage of this is you do not have to run a separate power lead as well as your RG59 cable. This can save on costs particularly on long cable runs however there are drawbacks on powering your cameras locally.

Powering CCTV Cameras Remotely

You may want all your cameras to be powered from the location your DVR is sited. For example a shop premises may require all cables to lead to a secure back office where they cannot easily be disconnected. The easiest solution would be to use a RG59+2 composite power and video cable also known as a shotgun cable. This is two small cables fused together one carries the video signal and the other carries the power. This type of cable saves time and money and can be easily installed for any application.

Should I Buy DIY CCTV Cables Or Professional CCTV Cable?

This is a question we are often asked and there is no deffinate answer as it all depends on your experience of CCTV installation.

DIY cables are cables which require no tools, no soldering and no additional accessories to function. They are the most popular option if you are new to CCTV installation. We usually recommend these to customers who are installing a home surveillance system for the first time.

Professional cables are usually the prefered choice for professional installers because they are cost effective and suitable for any application. These cables however will require some technical knowledge to setup, DC sockets and plugs will need to be soldered and BNC type plugs will need to be fitted. Professional installers will usually do this after they have fed and layed the cable. This is because it is much easier to thread a cable without its connectors through tight spaces such as drilled holes and under floorboards.

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