How to prepare the wiring for the camera system
What wiring for IP camera system
IP systems find a major advantage in the almost infinite possibilities of combinations and variations of wiring, including wireless. Most of the options are described in the article Wiring-for-ip-camera-system
What cables do I need
Because IP systems operate, as the name suggests, on the principle of an IP structure (LAN) they are built just like any other computer network (you can even use an existing one for an IP camera system) via structured cabling and fall into this category:
- UTP cables (unshielded) (sufficient for most camera systems)
- FTP/STP cables (networked)
These cables are further divided by conductor cross-section (thickness) into:
- CAT5, CAT5e (sufficient for most camera systems)
- CAT6
- CAT7
For IP camera systems, therefore, in general, the most common CAT5 UTP cable (wire), whose maximum distance for a single connection is 100m,
is sufficient.
Where to run the cables
The ideal wiring principle for IP camera system isto create a wired connection between IP camera and POE recorder or POE switch. What is PoE power
For example, for a single-family home distribution system, this means:
- .
- cable runs from the camera to the utility room where there is a rack (cabinet) ready to house other technology (router for internet connection, etc.)
- one end is then connected to the IP camera and the other end is connected to the POE recorder (NVR)/switch that takes care of the image data transmission and power supply
- and that's it 😉
Simply put, you just need to prepare the cables from the location designated for the security camera installation to where you will place the remaining technology, wherewe recommend preparing 2-3pcs 230V sockets and internet connectivity.
TIP: For those who do not have the possibility to stretch the cables from the cameras to the recorder, there is an option, for example, in the attic to place a POE switch to power the cameras and then from the switch to continue with one UTP cable to the Internet router (e.g. a few floors below), where you can then connect the recorder (just without POE ports).
Further details are given in this article: Installation of IP camera system
What wiring for AHD camera system
AHD systems are a little more strict than IP for wiring, but they are also simpler.
What cables do I need
AHD camera system transmits the video signal analogue. Therefore, it needs a high quality coaxial cable (also used for antenna distribution) to ensure that the image is transmitted without interference. The power supply of the cameras is usually handled separately. However, there is a possibility to solve everything elegantly with one cable:
- Multikabel for AHD camera systems .
This cable is a simple solution of a high quality RG59 coaxial cable combined with a power twin line. This is an ideal solution for a distance of about 150m (the coaxial part will carry the image for up to 300m, but the DC power supply then has large losses).
Where to run the cables
In an AHD system it is simple, here the coaxial cable must always lead from the cameras to the recorder. There is therefore no possibility of using switches that can merge the video signal and send it on through one cable as is the case with IP technology.
- the cable runs from the camera to the technical room, where there is a rack (cabinet) ready to place the recorder
- one end is then connected to the AHD camera and the other end is connected by coaxial part to the recorder and by power double line to the power supply
Simply put, you just need to prepare cables from the place intended for installing the security camera to the place where you place the recorder, where we recommend to prepare 2-3pcs 230V sockets and the possibility of connecting to the Internet.
Further details are given in this article: Installation of AHD camera system