Axis 5502-731 Outdoor 5M RJ45 Cable
The Axis 5502-731 is a purpose-built outdoor Ethernet cable engineered for IP camera deployments in exposed environments. At 5 meters (16 feet), this cable bridges your network infrastructure to outdoor-mounted PTZ and panoramic cameras without introducing weather-related weak points. The dual-connector design pairs an IP66-rated push-pull connector on the outdoor end with a standard IP20-rated RJ45 connector at the camera end, eliminating water ingress as a single point of failure.
Key Features
- IP66-rated outdoor connector: Complete weather sealing on the network-facing end means direct rain, snow, and thermal cycling won't compromise signal integrity. IP66 blocks water spray and dust entirely—you won't need conduit or additional shielding for typical outdoor exposure.
- CAT6 Ethernet core: Supports consistent gigabit data rates required by modern multi-megapixel camera feeds. On live H.265 or H.264 streams from 5MP and higher cameras, this headroom prevents packet loss and bitrate throttling.
- IP20-rated camera-end RJ45: Standard connector at the camera end ensures compatibility with all Axis PTZ and panoramic models while still protecting against dust accumulation in the camera's immediate environment.
- 5-meter fixed length: Bridges mid-range mounting scenarios—typical for rooftop-to-wall runs, overhang-to-pole installations, or raised conduit routes. Eliminates excess slack that invites water pooling or connector stress.
- Black jacket for discrete outdoor placement: Blends into typical industrial and architectural exteriors; reduces visual impact in security-sensitive or aesthetic-conscious sites.
- Push-pull connector design: Allows field replacement without tools and reduces risk of accidental disconnection under vibration or handling during maintenance.
Integration & Compatibility
The 5502-731 is certified for Axis PTZ and panoramic camera families including select models in the AXIS Q and AXIS P series. Verify your specific camera model against the Axis 5502-731 datasheet before ordering. The CAT6 construction and standard RJ45 termination also support ONVIF-compliant third-party IP cameras, though Axis validation is recommended for mission-critical deployments.
For network switching, the cable is compatible with standard Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure and managed PoE switches commonly used in surveillance architectures. No special termination or adapters are required on the network side.
Deployment Considerations
IP66 protection applies only to the outdoor connector; the camera-end RJ45 is IP20-rated. In high-moisture environments (coastal salt spray, industrial washdowns), position the IP20 connector away from direct spray and consider additional weatherproof junction boxes or strain relief covers for the camera-end connection.
For cable runs exceeding 5 meters, order multiple 5502-731 units and splice them via weatherproof inline couplers, or specify a longer cable variant if your vendor stock permits. The fixed 5-meter length is not field-trimable without risking IP66 seal integrity.
Temperature range support for the 5502-731 spans typical outdoor conditions; consult the datasheet for exact operating limits in extreme-cold or high-altitude deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the 5502-731 indoors?
A: Yes. The IP66 rating is unnecessary indoors, but the cable's CAT6 construction and standard RJ45 termination work in any environment. For indoor runs, a standard CAT6 Ethernet cable is more cost-effective.
Q: What's the maximum cable run length for IP camera deployments?
A: Standard Ethernet (CAT6 or better) supports full Gigabit signaling up to 100 meters (328 feet). The 5502-731 is 5 meters; for longer runs, chain multiple outdoor cables via weatherproof couplers or specify a longer outdoor-rated variant.
Q: Is the 5502-731 suitable for PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivery?
A: Yes. CAT6 construction supports standard PoE (802.3af up to 15.4W) and PoE+ (802.3at up to 30W). Most Axis PTZ cameras draw power within these ranges. Verify your specific camera's power consumption against your PoE switch's per-port budget.
Q: Does the 5502-731 come with installation templates or mounting brackets?
A: No. This is a cable only. Mounting hardware for the camera or connector junction boxes must be sourced separately based on your installation surface and cable routing design.
Q: What's the warranty on the 5502-731?
A: Contact your authorized Axis reseller for warranty terms. Typical Axis accessories carry a 1-year limited warranty from the date of purchase.
Q: Can I replace the outdoor connector myself if it fails?
A: The 5502-731 uses a proprietary push-pull connector at the outdoor end. Field termination is not recommended without specialized crimping tools and seal kits. Order a replacement 5502-731 or contact Axis technical support for connector replacement options.
James EverettPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Axis 5502-731 solves a real integration problem: outdoor camera runs in wet climates often fail at the connector, not the cable. The IP66-rated push-pull connector on the network side of the 5502-731 eliminates that weak point. I've seen too many deployments compromised by standard RJ45 connectors exposed to rain spray or condensation; this cable design shifts the ingress risk entirely to the camera-end side, which you can then protect with a simple weatherproof junction box.
Technical Highlights:
- IP66 outdoor connector + CAT6 core: Water and dust won't breach the network-facing end, and gigabit-capable cabling prevents bitrate loss on H.265 camera feeds. Real-world: no packet retransmissions caused by connector corrosion.
- 5-meter fixed length: Eliminates the temptation to use coiled excess, which traps water and invites thermal stress. At 16 feet, this covers most rooftop-to-wall and pole-to-pendant routes without requiring splices.
- Push-pull termination: Field-swappable without tools—critical for service calls where you don't want to wait for a technician with crimping equipment. Reduces mean-time-to-restore on connector failures.
Deployment Considerations:
- The camera-end RJ45 is IP20-rated, not IP66. In high-humidity or salt-spray zones, pair the 5502-731 with a weatherproof inline coupler or strain-relief boot at the camera connection. Don't assume the entire cable is submersion-proof.
- Verify your PTZ or panoramic camera model against Axis compatibility lists before purchase. While the RJ45 termination is standard, the push-pull connector at the outdoor end is proprietary to Axis camera families.
Positioning: deploy the 5502-731 in any outdoor surveillance run where the network infrastructure is sheltered (roof eaves, wall-mounted junction box, or conduit) and the camera is exposed. This cable pays for itself the first time it prevents a connector-related outage during a rain event.
