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Camera Wire and Cable

Now that you have picked out your security cameras for surveillance use, it is time to pick out your cable and cable lengths. This is an extremely important step since the quality of your cables will play a part in the quality and recording of your CCTV image.

To review, a wired surveillance system does not work without CCTV cables. That’s because the cables allow you to connect your cameras to your VCR, DVR, or PC based recorder.

When it comes to cable selection, you can choose between pre-made professional CCTV power and video cables or bulk style cables. The pre-made cable makes for easier installation because the ends are already formed with BNC and power plug connectors on both ends, while the bulky style cable comes in spools that have to be cut to fit and then suited with the appropriate connectors.

What is a BNC Connector? A BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connector is a weather-proof twist lock coax connector. With a simple twist, the BNC locks into place and provides the most secure way for connecting components and coax cables together.

Remember, before you make a cable purchase, you should measure the length from each desired camera placement area to your CCTV recording device or control station. This is how much cable you should buy. Cable lengths for consumers are typically between 25 and 500 feet long.

Keep in mind that there are a few surveillance cameras that simply require RCA connectors which are commonly used for connecting home theatre components together. You can easily identify an RCA type connector as it is usually color-coded: Yellow (video), Red (audio left) and White (audio right). In addition, there should be a power cord coming from the camera or it should operate off battery.