Selecting the Right Security Alarm Cable for Video Surveillance Purposes

May 24
19:05

2017

Anas Jafri

Anas Jafri

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Video surveillance is the backbone of any effective security system. Whether it is CCTV or a DVR system, the quality of its connection will govern the quality of footage.

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Most security cameras come with specified installation requirements. But few understand the importance of Security Alarm Cables for the effective functioning of the equipment.

Without undermining the significance of a good security camera,Selecting the Right Security Alarm Cable for Video Surveillance Purposes Articles even the best camera won’t do you any good if you use improper security alarm cables with it. People tend to blame their surveillance equipment when they get grainy pictures. Most times the blame is misplaced. It is the quality of the cable and its connection that needs looking into.

Coaxial Security Alarm Cables
There are two basic types of security alarm cables used for video surveillance. The coaxial cable is the preferred and most common type. It’s engineered to handle the complete range of video frequency of CCTV and does so without missing a beat. This ensures that there is minimum risk of distortion that comes with frequency changes or lost feed, making it ideal for security video purposes.


You still have to deal with selecting a type of coaxial cable too. There are quite a few to choose from, and making the right selection is vital for enhanced video transmission. What you don’t want is to get everything correct except this and have your video quality suffer for it. Your camera model and transmission equipment will dictate which cable is best.

Cat5 Cables
The other type of security alarm cable that can be used in video surveillance is the Category 5 (Cat5). The Cat5 is not the best choice of CCTV connections, but you can make them work if you are looking for a low cost alternative to coaxial cables. You will need a twisted pair of Cat5 cables in place of the coaxial cables to do the job.

The functionality of Cat5 is somewhat limited. They don’t work at long ranges and there is always a risk of distortion. Their maximum reach is 1,000 feet for black and white videos or 600 feet for color transmissions. Cross that distance and you can expect your transmission to face all sorts of problems.

One benefit that Cat5 does have over coaxial is that although they are of similar size, Cat5 is much more flexible. It can twist around tricky bends easily and so it is easier to install.

Security Alarm Cables Made in the USA
No matter which type of security alarm cable you want, keep an eye on the quality that you buy. You want high-end cables from a manufacturer who is willing to go the extra mile and make sure you get the best value for money products. Electric Wire and Cable Specialists (EWCS) are it.

Since 1994, we have been providing our customers with unparalleled service all across the board. All of our products are made in the US and we take pride in the fact that we put quality over anything else. When you go with EWCS, you can go ahead with confidence that your electrical connections are in good hands. Call us on 800.262.1598 or contact us for more information.