CAT6, RG59 or CCTV 3+1: picking cable for cameras

The right camera cable depends on what kind of camera you are installing. Pull the wrong one and you will be pulling it again.

Analog and HD-over-coax cameras

These cameras send video over coaxial cable and need separate power. A combined CCTV 3+1 or 4+1 cable puts an RG59 coaxial and power cores in one sheath, so each camera needs a single run back to the DVR and power supply.

• 3+1: one coaxial plus three power cores.
• 4+1: one coaxial plus four cores, useful when you need a spare or a separate control pair.

IP cameras

IP cameras connect to a network video recorder over Ethernet, and most take power over the same cable (PoE). Use CAT6 with solid bare copper. Avoid copper-clad aluminium for PoE: it has higher resistance, runs warmer and drops more voltage, which can cause cameras to reboot at night when infrared lights switch on.

Outdoor and underground runs

Water that gets into a coaxial cable ruins the picture. For outdoor runs, conduits that may flood and underground ducts, use jelly-filled CCTV cable, which blocks moisture from travelling along the core.

Quick reference