Tips for Installing CCTV Cameras with Long CCTV Cable Run

Tips for Installing CCTV Cameras with Long CCTV Cable Run

When you are installing a CCTV system in an office, house or small warehouse, it is usually quite easy to run the cabling. The cable will not often have to go very far, so you can use a standard CCTV cable and the video signal will be clear and sharp.

However, there are some situations where it might be more difficult to install CCTV. In a large building, factory, village, house compound or other large area, installing the cameras and the cabling will bring another set of challenges. You will need a lot more cabling and a much more well thought out approach in order to set up the cameras correctly.

What is the right approach for installing a CCTV system which will require a long cable run? There are a few things that you should keep in mind as you proceed.

Plan Ahead

Because you will be installing such a large system with a lot of cable length, you will need to make a plan for where your cables will go. First of all, get your hands on an area map or a floor plan of the building so that you can get a view of what you have to work with. You can look for the electrical room as well as already existing electrical pipes which are being used for other purposes such as radio equipment.

With this information, you can compute the distance and determine the best path for the cable to run along. Make a plan for how you will install the cable so that you know exactly what you are doing.

Choosing the Right Cable

When you are selecting the type of cable to use for the project, you should be using the highest quality cable available so that it will be strong enough to last for a long time. Make sure that the cable you choose matches the environment, such as whether the installation is indoors or outdoors.

It you find that the cable must be continuously flexed during use, such as when it is being used to connect pan & tilt cameras or scanners, then you should select a cable with a stranded wire core which will be able to withstand this movement. The cable which contains pure copper stranding is the best choice, as cable with stranding made from copper-plated steel will not effectively transmit in the CCTV frequency range.

RG6/U cable in CCTV installation

If your CCTV installation requires a cable run of more than 800 ft, it is best to use RG6/U as this as a large-diameter centre conductor and can deliver a signal further than other types of cable.

RG11/U cable in CCTV cable run

If the installation requires a cable run of more than 1,500 feet, you might want to use RG11/U which is even larger and can transmit even further. However, keep in mind that it is heavy and difficult to install so will require a lot more work.

Why not use CAT5 for CCTV cable run?

One of the best cables to use for a long cable run are CAT5 cables, because they are more cost effective over long distances than coax cables and therefore will save you money. CAT5 cables are also much better at transmitting energy as well as video so that the security cameras can be powered from long distances.

Another advantage is that the CAT5 cables have eight separate wires inside of them, so they are capable of supporting four channels at a time. You will also need Video Baluns, which are necessary for running your CAT5 cables over longer distances.

Tips to remember

These are just a few important tips to keep in mind when you are installing CCTV cameras which have a Long Cable Run.

• Always keep your cable away from any main power cable.
• Don’t leave excess amount cable near cameras.
• Try not to join cables.

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