Integrity Of Security Camera Cable Can Make Or Break System
When installing security cameras in a home or business, when wireless systems have proven to be too expensive, the choice of the security camera cable is important to insure proper video imaging in the system. The distance between the camera and the recording device will determine the quality needed for the security camera cable, but more importantly is the power cable that supplies power to the camera.
For most applications, security camera cable can be as long as 500-feet, which is plenty long enough for most homes and businesses. Power cables may begin to experience a voltage loss in runs of 300-feet or more, but there are transformers that can supply power from a source closer to the camera to eliminate this possibility. In most cases, the security camera cable is a coaxial cable, similar to cables used to connect videocassette recorders to the television and other video devices. They consist of a shielded inner wire, surrounded by braided wire, all of which is contained in a weather resistant casing.
While most security camera cable connections can be made with the same type of connector used on the VCR, a more solid connection can be obtained using BNC connectors, often used by professional installer. They provide a quick, solid connection that prevents the wires from being yanked out without the perpetrator first appearing on the video they are trying to disable.
Bad Connection Number One Cause Of Failure
When connecting cameras using security camera cable the most common problem is in the cable’s connection to the fittings. There are two separate wires in the security camera cable, the thin one in the center and the braided wire around it. Usually a stray strand of the braided wire ends up touching the inner wire, causing the signal from the camera to be shorted. Additionally, the center wire my not be long enough to extend into the female portion of the plug or to become bent, effective not making the connection.
In either scenario, the fitting will need to be removed and the security camera cable clipped to reach a point where a good connection can be established. The cable should not be placed on or around any obstacles that can cause damage to the cable. While running a security camera cable through the home’s heating ducts can be the easiest method, the heat from the ducts can melt the cable, shorting the camera and rendering it blind.
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