In CCTV security systems, cabling infrastructure is as important as camera selection. Choosing the wrong cable can lead to poor image quality, signal loss, or system errors. Therefore, knowing which cable is compatible with which system directly impacts the security system's performance.
In this article, we cover in detail the most common cable types used in CCTV systems and their areas of use.
🎯 What is the Use of Cable in CCTV Systems?
Cables in security camera system:
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Carries the image signal (analog or digital)
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Transmits power (for camera operation)
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Can transmit audio signal or control data (such as PTZ)
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Provides network connection (in IP systems)
🔌 1. Coaxial Cables (For Analog and AHD Systems)
📦 Common Types:
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RG59 : Suitable for short-distance connections (up to 100–150 m)
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RG6 : Ideal for longer distances (300–500 m)
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RG11 : Used for industrial applications, very long distances (500m+)
⚙️ Features:
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75 Ohm impedance
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Used with BNC connector
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Signal transmission + shielding against external interference
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It is usually installed with the power cable (3+1, 2+1 cable).
📌 Areas of Use:
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Analog CCTV systems
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Analog HD systems such as AHD, HD-TVI, HD-CVI
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Coaxial camera systems
🧷 2. 3+1 and 2+1 CCTV Cable (Coaxial + Energy)
✨ 3+1 CCTV Cable:
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1 coaxial (for video)
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2x0.50 or 2x0.75 mm² power line (camera feed)
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1 signal cable (such as PTZ control)
✨ 2+1 CCTV Cable:
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For smaller systems
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1 video + 2 power lines
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Version without signal cable
📌 In coaxial camera systems, image and energy are combined in a single cable, providing cost and labor advantages.
🌐 3. CAT5e / CAT6 Cables (IP Camera Systems)
IP cameras are digital systems and use Ethernet cables for data transmission.
📦 Features:
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4 pairs (8 wires) UTP structure
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100Mbps – 1Gbps speed
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Power + data transmission on the same cable with PoE support
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FTP/STP versions are protected against external interference
🔌 What is PoE?
With Power over Ethernet , both power and data are sent to the camera over the same Ethernet cable, eliminating the need to run a separate power cable.
📌 Provides cost and labor advantages, especially preferred in large IP systems.
🧰 4. Fiber Optic Cables
Used for long-distance (500m+), high-speed and high-resolution video transmission.
🧿 Features:
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Completely immune to electromagnetic interference
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Carries data over very long distances (kilometers) without signal loss
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There are two types: Multimode and Singlemode.
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It carries the signal by light, not electricity.
📌 It usually works with a media converter or IP camera switch .
🔌 5. Power Cables (For Camera Power Supply)
It is used to carry energy to the camera in coaxial systems.
⚡ Common Types:
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2x0.50 mm²
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2x0.75 mm²
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2x1.00 mm²
For long distances, the cross-section must be increased (to avoid voltage drops).
📌 As the distance to the camera increases, a thicker cross-section power cable should be preferred.
📊 Comparison Table: CCTV Cable Types
| Cable Type | Application Area | Max. Distance | Power transmission | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RG59 | Analog / AHD | 150 meters | With separate cable | Standard systems |
| RG6 | Analog / HD Analog | 300–500 m | With separate cable | Remote connection |
| 3+1 Cable | Coaxial + energy | 100–150 m | Internal | Small office / home |
| CAT5e / CAT6 | IP Camera systems | 100m (PoE) | On the same cable | All IP systems |
| Fiber Optic | Industrial IP system | 2 km+ | External power | Campus / Shopping Mall |
| 2x0.75 Energy | Camera feed | 50–100 m | Power handling | In all systems |
✅ Result: Correct Cable, Safe System
In CCTV systems, image quality is determined not only by the camera but also by the cable infrastructure .
Using the wrong cable can cause the following problems:
❌ Image cutout
❌ Parasite
❌ Energy drop
❌ Data loss
Our advice:
👉 3+1 cable in short distance analog systems
👉 Cat6 and PoE in IP systems
👉 Choose fiber optic for long distances.
