How to Extend CCTV Cable Without Losing Quality?

We install CCTV cameras in homes, offices, shops, industries, and institutions. We see them installed on roadsides, pavements, and parking lots. They have become an integral part of our daily life. We feel protected and secure in their presence.

Very often, installed CCTVs require extension for added security and extended monitoring. The scalability of a security system or the long-range CCTV installation requires cabling, and frequently, extended cabling. It is challenging to maintain the video quality with extended cables.

How to Extend CCTV Cable Without Losing Quality? We will explore this topic here. It is a widely discussed issue in the CCTV arena as owners repeatedly encounter this issue.

It seems easier to extend cables in a CCTV System, but if done incorrectly, we may face problems like signal loss, video loss, interrupted streaming, and sometimes even complete camera failure.

Extend CCTV Cable Without Losing Quality- Complete Guidance

We will analyse here all the basic understandings and possible steps to learn cable extension without compromising the quality. Let’s comprehend.

1- Cabling Basics

2- Cable Length and Video Quality Connection

3- Cables and Their Extension Capabilities

4- Extend CCTV Cable Without Losing Quality

5- Avoid These Mistakes in Extending Cables

6- Extension Components- Signal Boosters, Baluns, and Extenders Explained

7- Use of Power Supply & Cable Extension

8- Key Professional Tips

We will discuss these topics to understand the cable extension in a proper way.

1- Cabling Basics

Before anything else, we have to know what kind of CCTV system there is. We select CCTV cables accordingly. There are RG59, LAN, Cat6, Cat5, RG53, power, Ethernet cables, etc.

Different Systems have different needs. Basically, we have three types of CCTV systems.

A- Analog CCTV System

We use coaxial cables here. Cables like RG59 and RG6 transmit video signals from cameras to DVRs.

The transmitted video signal is analog and not digital. The longer the cable, the poorer the video quality.  

B- HD CCTV System

The HD system is an improved and modern Analog system. The AHD, HDCVI, and HDTVI are modern versions. They support up to 4k video resolution.

The Coaxial cable, RG59 or RG6, is used. A separate power cable is run to supply power to the system.

This system supports longer distance cabling compared to analog systems. But, still, it is sensitive to poor quality extension.

C- IP CCTV System

These are also known as Network systems. They use Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables. They transmit digital video signals to NVRs.

The PoE technology is used to supply data and power through the same cable.

This wire is used for longer distances as there is less signal and video loss.

The cabling extension depends on which type of CCTV Systems we are using.

2- Cable Length and Video Quality Connection

The cable length and video quality have a direct connection.

• Signal Loss – The longer the cable, the poorer the video signal.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) – When cables are extended, they take more electromagnetic interference. Hence, we receive poor video quality.
• Voltage Loss – When the cable is longer, we receive reduced voltage. Reduced voltage means lower video quality.
• Bandwidth Limitations – In Ethernet cables like Cat6, there is a standard maximum limitation of 100 meters for cabling. For continuity, we require a repeater, a normal switch, or a PoE switch after 100 meters for proper functionality.
• Coaxial Cable – They give a good image signal within 100 meters. But a low video signal with lower video quality can be received up to 2000 meters.

3- Cables and Their Extension Capabilities

Coaxial Cables for Analog Systems

• The RG59 cable has a recommended maximum length is around 230 meters.
• The RG6 cable is a better version of the RG59. It is a bit thicker and supports longer runs up to 300 meters.
• The Siamese Cable is a combination of RG59 and  Power cables. It can be run up to 250 meters.

Ethernet Cable IP CCTV Systems

• Cat5e Cable supports up to 100m for data & PoE.
• Cat6 cable supports higher speeds, slightly better at longer runs. But 100 meters is the limit.
• Cat6a / Cat7 cables are an improved version of the Cat6 cable. It is mainly used in industrial-grade, up to 100m, with better shielding.

Fibre Optic Cable

• Fibre optic cables are the much-improved version. They are used for IP cameras and cover very long distances. If you have to use cables for over 500 meters to several kilometres, then this is the option.
• It is a powerful cable and has almost no effect of signal loss or video loss.
• The fibre cables require media converters or fibre switches for output.

4- Extend CCTV Cable Without Losing Quality

Let’s understand how we can extend CCTV cables.

For Analog Systems/Coaxial Cables

• If we have to join coaxial cables, we have BNC couplers. Join these cables with BNCs, but try to keep the length under the 150-meter limit for a better output quality. We need to use copper cables for better performance.
• We need to avoid as much as possible joining a CCTV cable for an outstanding performance. Joining cable must be our last resort.
• We need to use Video Baluns on the camera and DVR side for a better video quality if the wiring becomes longer.

For IP Systems/Ethernet/Cat6

• For a short-length wire connection, we can use an RJ45 coupler. But, for long extensions, we have different options.
• If we have to extend the Ethernet cable beyond 100 meters, we need to use repeaters.
• The best available option is the PoE Switch. We can use it as an extender beyond 100 meters. It boosts both power and data.
• If we have longer wiring, we can switch from Ethernet to Fibre. It gives smooth and seamless output performance.

Power Extension Cables

• Always try to use thicker gauge wires, 16 AWG or 14 AWG, for long distances.

5- Avoid These Mistakes in Extending Cables

• Don’t use cheap and uncovered cables.
• Don’t exceed cables more than their extended limits without extenders.
• Don’t use cheap power cables. It will drop the voltage and cause poor video vision.
• Always avoid multiple jointers and couplers. Every jointer or coupler weakens signals.
• Avoid running CCTV cables near high-voltage cables.

6- Extension Components- Signal Boosters, Baluns, and Extenders Explained

• Video Amplifiers – They strengthen analog signals for long runs.
• Baluns – They convert signals for twisted pair cables.
• PoE Extenders – Allow IP cameras to go beyond 100 meters.
• Fibre Extenders – Ideal for campuses, warehouses, or city surveillance.

7- Use of Power Supply & Cable Extension

• Always try to use higher voltage power supplies. 24 volts with regulators.
• Try to use distributed power supplies placed closer to cameras.
• Use PoE injectors and switches for IP systems.

8- Key Professional Tips

These are certain tips. Use them for a better signal and video quality.

• Make it a habit to test cables before permanent installation.
• If you connect wires that are outdoors, always use waterproof connectors.
• Use conduits to protect cables installed in the open.
• Don’t tighten cables; rather, leave some slack for any future adjustments.
• Mark both sides of cables for easy troubleshooting.

Conclusion

These are some important precautions. Read the post, and it will guide you to some pros and cons. Follow those instructions.

If we follow them religiously, we will be able to extend cables without losing signal or video quality.

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