What cable gauge do I need for 500 ft camera runs?
For 500 ft PoE runs to a 12W camera, use 18 AWG minimum to stay under 3% voltage drop (~0.36V @ 12V). Cat6 or Cat6A twisted-pair is acceptable; calculate exact drop using: VD = 2 × 500 × 0.35A ÷ (1624 CM × 58.0) ≈ 1.9%. Verify with PoE Budget Planning guide.
Can I run Cat5e instead of Cat6 to save money?
Cat5e works for 1 Gbps single-camera runs, but does not support 10 Gbps backbone or high-bitrate NVR throughput under load. Cat6 is marginally more expensive per foot; use it for any future expansion or multi-stream aggregation.
What is the difference between shielded and unshielded cable?
Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) is adequate in low-EMI office/mall environments; shielded twisted-pair (STP) or foil-shielded Cat6 is mandatory in factories, broadcast studios, and sites with strong RF or power-line interference. Shielding adds ~15–20% cost but prevents re-runs.
Do pre-terminated cables carry warranty?
Most factory-terminated assemblies are tested at 100% continuity and carry 1–3 year warranty against manufacturing defect (open/short). Field crimps are not warranted; use a certified crimper tool and punch-down blocks if extending.
What is plenum-rated cable and when is it required?
Plenum-rated (CMP) cable passes UL 910 low-smoke, halogen-free burn tests and is required by fire code in air-return ceiling spaces and HVAC ducts. Non-plenum (CMR/CMG) cable is acceptable in conduit runs and wall chases. Plenum is 2–3× cost; confirm AHJ code requirement before bulk order.
How do I troubleshoot cable intermittency in an existing install?
Use a Cat6 continuity tester (RJ45 loopback) to check open/short; measure DC resistance (should be <20 Ω per 100 ft run). If resistance is high or unstable, jacket may be pinched in conduit. Test voltage under load at camera end (should match budget calc). See Ask an Expert for onsite diagnostic support.