What is the maximum length video cable can be run for CCTV cameras? Most of the time, when someone asks this question they are asking what is the max distance that RG59 coax cable can be run for CCTV cameras. However, there are a number of different cable options for CCTV and there are also other types of cameras that are sometimes referred to as “CCTV cameras” that are different than the traditional analog security cameras that most people think of when this term is used. This guide will answer most common questions related to how far different types of cables can be used with various types of hard wired security cameras.
CCTV Cameras
RG-59 coax cable is by far the most common type of cable used in CCTV camera installations. However, it is not the only choice. Thicker gauge RG-6 is used quite often and it carries CCTV video signal a few hundred feet further than RG59. It is important to note that not all RG59 coax cable is created equal. Installers should use RG59 with a 100% pure copper center conductor and at least 95% braided copper shield. RG59 that is used for cable TV installations should be avoided. RG59 for CATV typically uses clad center conductor, which is a copper-coated steel, and aluminum shield (instead of copper braiding).
In addition to coaxial cable, UTP cable (such as CAT-5), can be used with video baluns to wire CCTV cameras. This is handy at installation locations where CAT-5 cable has already been run to the required locations. CAT-5 with video baluns also allows longer cable runs, especially when used with active / powered video baluns. Another way to run CCTV video longer distances is by using video amplifiers with RG59 coax cable.
Here is a guide that shows that max distances these cable options can be used to run video from analog CCTV cameras to DVRs and / or monitors.
Max Cable Length for CCTV Camera Video
- RG-59 coax cable max distance: 700-800 feet
- RG-59 coax cable with CCTV video amplifier: 3000 feet
- RG-6 coax cable max distance: 1000 feet
- CAT-5 with passive video balun max: distance: 1,200 feet
- CAT-5 with active video baluns max distance: 5,000 feet
HD CCTV Cameras (AHD)
In 2014, AHD CCTV cameras were introduced. AHD CCTV stands for “analog high definition closed circuit television”. These
HD CCTV cameras can use the same type of cables as traditional CCTV cameras, however, the video resolution is much higher. AHD cameras support 720p and 1080p HD video resolutions. You can learn more about AHD CCTV here.
Like CCTV, there are video baluns and coax cable video amplifiers available for AHD security cameras. Here is a guide that shows the max cable distances cable can be run to AHD cameras.
Max Cable Distances for HD CCTV Camera (AHD) Video
- RG-59 coax cable max distance: 700 feet
- RG-59 coax cable with HD video amp: 900 feet
- CAT-5 with HD camera video baluns max distance: 960 feet
HD-SDI Security Cameras
HD-SDI security cameras are another high definition technology used in video surveillance applications. This is the same video standard used in HDTV so it has been around a long time. It also supports 720p / 1080p video resolutions but unfortunately cable lengths must be kept short. RG59 or RG6 coax cable must be used for HD-SDI cameras. HD-SDI does not support CAT-5 and video baluns. The only way to extent the cable distance is to use powered HD-SDI video repeaters.
Here is a guide that shows the max cable distances for HD-SDI cameras.
Max Cable Length for HD-SDI Security Camera Video
- RG-59 coax cable max distance: 300 feet
- Powered HD-SDI video repeaters can extend distance additional 300 feet
I hipe that this guide was helpful/ If you have any questions related to security camera installation, please email me at mailto:mike@cctvcamerapros.net.