Surveillance cable is not always the right length during installation or system transfer. In such cases, it is necessary to lengthen the wires. Let’s see how to do it correctly and what the maximum cable length is.
The length of the wire depends on its type and the method of data transmission. For instance:
| Cable type | Model | Distance | Comments |
| Coaxial | RG6 | 400 meters
|
If the distance exceeds the optimal value, the picture will lose sharpness. |
| RG59, РК, КВК, 3C-2V | 200 meters | ||
| Twisted pair | With active transceiver on both sides | 100 meters | As the distance increases, streaks appear in the image, and the noise becomes more visible.
|
| With passive transceiver | 200 meters | If the distance exceeds the optimal value, the picture will lose sharpness.
|
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| Without transceiver | 150 meters | The image quality decreases with distance. |
But how to lengthen a coaxial cable or twisted pair if the optimal length is not enough?
Coaxial cable for video surveillance is durable, budgetary, and allows you to run longer lines than twisted pairs. The wire consists of a central core and a braid; to lengthen it, take the advice of a specialist.
4 expert tips
Extension methods depend on the type of center conductor of the cable: stranded or single core. Let’s consider both options:
Advantages of the method: it will help eliminate signal loss, connections will be constructive to mechanical damage.
2. Stranded cable:
Advantages of the method: the central core becomes more solid.
The twisted-pair gives a minimal distance, so it is most often lengthened in street systems. Special transceivers are used to maintain the quality of data transmission, reduce noise, and increase the signal range. They were named above in the table.
3 expert tips
There are three ways to extend the twisted pair cable:
It is also recommended not to use twists as the wire may oxidize.
You can always lengthen the wires; the main thing is to know the methods that allow you to preserve the signal quality. However, there are objects where it is impossible to draw lines. Then you should take a closer look at Wi-Fi video surveillance.
Well, to not rebuild the entire system several times, it is worth developing a video surveillance project at the first stages, where all the nuances are specified.
