Is Cat5 or Coax Better for CCTV?
For CCTV applications, there are a few different kinds of cables that fit the job, but one of the main questions you’ll be sure to encounter is – which is better for your CCTV system, Cat5 or Coax?
In this guide, we’ll go over what each type of cable does, as well as the features and benefits of each, so that you’re as informed as possible to decide which is best for you.
What is Cat5?
Cat5 is a type of data cable that is most often used for internet and networking applications, for example in large offices or other areas where lots of computers need to access the same network. This being said, Cat5 can also be used for video applications, for example CCTV.
Features & Benefits of Cat5 Cables
Cat5 cables are available in a few different varieties, but the main ones used today are FTP and U/UTP.
‘FTP’ stands for Foiled Twisted Pairs, meaning that each individual pair of twisted wires is wrapped in a protective foil shield. This prevents the wires from electrical interference and crosstalk with adjacent pairs or other nearby cables.
‘U/UTP’ stands for Unshielded Twisted Pairs, so while there is no shielding within the cable, the twisted wire pairs create a balanced transmission line and prevent crosstalk between adjacent pairs and other nearby cables.
There are a few benefits to using Cat5 cables for CCTV applications. The main advantage is that Cat5 allows for long-distance video transmission – it can be used in runs over 1000m! Cat5 cables can also be used both to power the camera and transmit the video signal in the same run, whereas coaxial cables will need a separate power cable. Finally, Cat5 cables tend to be more cost-effective than coax cables.
What is Coax?
Coaxial cables, known in the industry simply as coax, are a type of cable featuring a shielded design, which allows the copper core to transmit data as quickly as possible without signal loss. Coax has been used in the industry for years, powering both low- and high- speed video applications, depending on the cable.
Features & Benefits of Coax
Coax cables generally feature a high-quality copper core within shielding, which helps to transmit the video signal as quickly as possible without signal loss. They’re also available in shotgun constructions if this is needed, with a power cable.
The main benefit of using Coaxial cables for CCTV is that they’re as durable and high-quality as alternative cables whilst also being cost-effective. A shotgun cable is a particularly cost-effective choice for CCTV, as it allows the camera to both be powered, and show and record video without needing to buy more than one cable.
Which Cable is Best for CCTV?
The decision as to which type of cable should be used for CCTV applications ultimately falls to what your priorities are. Coax cables have been the industry standard for CCTV for years, so it’s clearly a reliable option. However, Cat5 cables have become more popular in recent years, and if you’re looking for cables for long-distance applications, Cat5 may be your best bet.
If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our cables, then click here to speak to someone from our friendly team. We’re always happy to help!
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Can Coaxial Cables be Used for Power?
Coaxial Cables are most commonly used for video applications, such as television and CCTV. However, because they’re constructed specifically to be protected against signal loss, they can be used for other applications too.In this guide, we’ll help you to understand the types of cables that can be used for power.Can I Use A Coaxial Cable for Power?While coaxial cables are most often used for carrying video signals, you might be surprised to learn that it’s a common practice in the engineering industry to also use them to power small-scale electronics. Coaxial cables feature high-quality shielding and insulation to ensure a reduction in signal loss outside the cable, so can be an ideal choice if you’re particularly concerned about signal loss.However, the reason why this isn’t standard practice is because coaxial cables can be more expensive than other cables that can be used in the same application.There are also coaxial cables that feature a shotgun style construction, meaning that there are two connected cables sold as a pair. One cable is an RG cable, and the other is a power cable – this way, if you’re looking to power a video system, one cable will power the video system, and the other will carry the video signal.What Other Cables Can Be Used for Power?The types of cable that are ordinarily used for power are simply referred to as power cables. They are used to transmit electrical power from one location to another.There are a few different types of power cables – to view our helpful guide on the types of power cable, click here.If you’re looking for a power cable for an application where it’ll be moved around once installed, we recommend Flexible Power Cables. These are constructed specifically to withstand the daily wear and tear that a cable undergoes if constantly flexed or moved around; for example, a regular Power Cable may experience breaks in the shielding, insulation, or even the sheathing if flexed too much.If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this article, please click here to contact our team of experts.
RG Cable Types: Uses, Differences, and How to Identify Them
RG Cables are a type of coaxial cable that are essential for powering televisions, CCTV cameras, and more. Over the years there have been a few different iterations of RG cable, but the most commonly used types with today’s technology are RG59 and RG6.This article will outline how RG59 and RG6 cables are used, the differences between each type, and how they can be identified.What Are the Differences Between RG59 and RG6?There are a few key differences between RG59 and RG6 cables, namely in the construction. In general, RG6 is produced to achieve a higher level of protection against signal loss; for example, it features thicker insulation and better shielding than RG59. It also features a conductor with a heavier AWG than RG59, which means that signal transfer is better in RG6.All of these features allow for a reduction in signal loss for RG6 cables. RG59 Cables are also protected against signal loss, but to a lesser extent (see the table below) – instead, their draw is that they are more cost-effective than RG6 cables.RG Cable Attenuation RatesAttenuation refers to the loss of signal strength from within the cable. For example, a cable with higher attenuation means that it transfers a weaker signal than a cable with lower attenuation.The attenuation rates of RG59 versus RG6 cables are shown in the table below:Speed (MHz)Signal loss (dB) per 100ftRG59RG6502.41.51003.42.04007.04.390011.16.8100012.07.0 What Are RG59 and RG6 Cables Used For?While both cable types are suited to a wide range of applications including TV, CCTV, and Internet, some applications are better suited to RG59 than RG6 and vice versa.Generally, RG6 cables are better performing than RG59 in terms of bandwidth and frequency, so they are more suited for high-speed applications such as TV and Internet. RG59, on the other hand, suffer from more signal loss that RG6, so are more suited to lower-bandwidth, lower-frequency applications such as CCTV and other analogue video systems.Ultimately, the type of cable you should get depends on the type of application for which you’re intending to use it. If you’re looking for cables for a lower-quality CCTV camera, then RG59 is your best bet, as you don’t want a cable that is too advanced for the system that you’ll be using it for. If you’re looking for a cable to carry a more high-definition video signal, like for your television, then we’d recommend an RG6 cable.If you’d like to know more about our RG59 and/or RG6 cables, or have any unanswered questions, then click here to get in contact with our team.