Coaxial Cable - An Overview
The most common means of conducting video signals from one piece of equipment to another is coaxial cable. Coaxial cable is often referred to as simply "coax". Not only is coax the most commonly used cable, but also the least expensive, most reliable, most convenient, and easily maintained way of transferring electronic images in a CCTV system.
Coax is available from many manufacturers and comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, specifications and capabilities. The most commonly recommended "coax" type is RG59/U, but this designation actually represents a family of cables with widely varying electrical characteristics. Other varieties like RG59/U are RG6/U and RG11/U; these are used predominately in CCTV and video work.
Though similar in many ways, each cable group has its own various physical and electrical characteristics, which must be taken into consideration.
All three "coax" cable groups are included in the same general family classification for coaxial cables. The RG reference is the cable specification for use as a "radio guide ",while the numerical value helps differentiate the specifications of each individual cable. Although each cable has its own number, characteristics, and size, there is no difference in the way these different numbered cables work.
Coax Construction
Common "coax" cable RG59//U,RG6/U, and RG11/U is circular. Each has a center conductor surrounded by dielectric insulating material, which in turn is covered by a braid to shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The outer covering is the "jacket".
The coaxial cable's two conductors are separated by a nonconductive or dielectric material. The outer conductor (braid) acts as a shield and helps isolate the center conductor from spurious electromagnetic interference. The outer covering helps physically protect the conductors.
Center Conductor
The center conductor is the primary means of carrying a video signal. The center conductor comes in varying diameters, usually ranging from 14 gauge to 22 gauge. The structure of the center conductor generally is solid copper or copper- clad steel, designated as bare copper weld, or BCW. For CCTV applications, solid copper conductors are required. Copper clad, copper weld, or BCW cables have much greater loop resistance at baseband video frequencies and should never be used for CCTV. To determine the type, look at the cut end of the center conductor. Copper clad cable will be silver in the center instead of copper all the way through. Variation in the size of the center conductor has an overall effect on the amount of DC resistance offered by cable. Cables which contain large diameter center conductors have lower resistances than cables with smaller diameters. This decreased resistance of large diameter cable enhances the ability of a cable to carry a video signal over a longer distance with better clarity, but, it is also more expensive and harder to work with.
For applications where the cable may move up/down or side-to-side, select cable that has a center conductor consisting of many small strands of wire. As the cable moves, these strands flex and resist wear due to fatigue better than a cable with a solid center conductor.
Dielectric Insulating Material
Surrounding the center conductor is an evenly made dielectric insulating material which is available in some form of either polyurethane or polyethylene. This dielectric insulator helps determine the operating characteristics of coax cable by maintaining uniform spacing between the center conductor and its outer elements over the entire length of the cable. Dielectrics made of cellular polyurethane or foam are less likely to weaken a video signal than those made with solid polyethylene. This lower attenuation is desirable when calculating the loss/length factor of any cable. Foam also gives a cable greater flexibility, which may make an installer's job easier. Although foam dielectric material offers the best performance, it can absorb moisture, which will change its electrical behavior.
Because of its rigid properties, solid polyethylene maintains its shape better than foam and withstands the pressures of accidental pinching or crimping, but, this characteristic also makes it slightly more difficult to handle during installation. In addition, its loss/length attenuation factor is not quite as good as foam, which should be considered in long cable runs.
Braid or Shield
Wrapped around the outside of the dielectric material is a woven copper braid (shield), which acts as a second conductor or ground connection between the camera and the monitor. It also acts as a shield against unwanted external signals commonly called electromagnetic interference or EMI, which may adversely affect a video signal.
The amount of copper or wire strands in the braid deter- mine how much EMI it keeps out. Commercial grade coax cables containing loosely woven copper braid have shielding coverages of approximately 80 percent. These cables are suitable for general purpose use in applications where electrical interference is known to be low. They also work well when the cable is to be installed in metal conduit or pipe, which also aids in shielding.
If you are not sure of the conditions and are not running pipe to screen out more EMI, use a cable with a "maximum shield" or heavy braid--type cable containing more copper than those of commercial grade coax. This extra copper obtains the higher shielding coverage by having more braid material made in a tighter weave. For CCTV applications, copper conductors are needed.
Cables using aluminum foil shielding or foil wrap material are not suitable for CCTV work. Instead, they usually are intended to transmit radio frequency signals such as those employed in transmitter systems or in master antenna distribution systems.
Aluminum or foil cable may distort a video signal to such a point that signal quality may be far below the level required for proper system operation, especially over long cable runs, and therefore not recommended for CCTV use.
Outer Jacket
The last component comprising a coax cable is the outer jacket. Although other materials are used, polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is commonly used in its construction. Available in many colors such as black, white, tan, and gray, the jacket lends itself to both indoor and outdoor applications.
Selecting Video Cable
There are two factors that govern the selection of cable: the location of cable runs, either indoor or outdoor, and the maximum length of the individual cable runs.
Video coaxial cable is designed to transmit maximum signaling energy from a 75 ohm source to a 75 ohm load with minimum signal loss. Excessive signal loss and reflection occurs if cable rated for other than 75 ohms is used. Cable characteristics are determined by a number of factors (core material, dielectric material and shield construction, among others) and must be carefully matched to the specific application. Moreover, the transmission characteristics of the cable will be influenced by the physical environment through which the cable is run and the method of installation.
Use only high quality cable and be careful to match the cable to the environment (indoor or outdoor). Solid core, bare-copper conductor is best suited to video applications, except where flexing occurs. In locations where the cable must be continuously flexed (i.e., when used with scanners or pan & tilts), use cable intended for such movement. This cable will have a stranded wire core. Use only cable with pure copper stranding. Do not use cable with copper-plated steel stranding because it does not transmit effectively in the frequency range used in CCTV.
The preferred dielectric material is foam polyethylene. Foam polyethylene has better electrical characteristics and offers the best performance over solid polyethylene, but it is more vulnerable to moisture. Use cable with solid polyethylene dielectric in applications subject to moisture.
In the average CCTV installation, with cable lengths of less than 750 feet (228 m),RG59/U cable is a good choice. Having an outside dimension of approximately 0.25 inches, it comes in 500-and 1,000-foot rolls.
For short cable runs, use RG59/U with a 22-gauge center conductor, which has a DC resistance of about 16 ohms per 1,000 feet (304 m). For longer runs, the 20-gauge variety which has a DC resistance of approximately 10 ohms per 1,000 feet will work well. In either case, cables with polyurethane or polyethylene as the dielectric material are readily available.
For installations requiring cable runs between 800 (244 m) and 1,500 feet (457 m),RG6/U is best. Having the same electrical characteristics as RG59/U, its outer dimension also is about equal to that of RG59/U.RG6/U comes in 500-,1000-and 2000-foot rolls, and it may be obtained in a variety of dielectric and outer-jacket materials. Due to its large-diameter center conductor of about 18 gauge,RG6/ U has a DC resistance of approximately 8 ohms per 1,000 feet (304 m) and can deliver a signal farther than RG59/U.
Use RG11/U to exceed the capability of RG6/U. Once again, the electrical characteristics of this cable are basically the same as the others. The center conductor can be ordered in 14-or 18-gauge sizes, producing a DC resistance of approximately 3-8 ohms per 1,000 feet (340 m). Being the largest of the three cables at 0.405 inches, it is more difficult to handle and install.RG11/U cable usually is delivered in 500-,1000-and 2000-foot rolls.
Because of special applications, variations of RG59/U, RG6/U and RG11/U frequently are introduced by manufacturers.
Due to changes in fire and safety regulations throughout the country, Teflon and other fire-retardant materials are becoming more popular as outer-jacket and dielectric materials. In case of a fire, these materials do not give off the same poisonous fumes as PVC-type cables, and therefore, are considered safer.
For underground applications, direct burial cables, made specifically for that purpose are recommended. The outer jacket of this type of cable contains moisture-resisting and other materials that protect the cable, allowing it to be placed directly into a trench.
With numerous choices available, finding the right video cable for each camera application should be easy. After the installation has been properly assessed, read the equipment specifications and complete the appropriate calculations.
Cable Runs
Although coax cable has built-in losses, the longer and smaller the cable is, the more severe the losses become; and the higher the signal frequency, the more pronounced the losses. Unfortunately this is one of the most common and unnecessary problems currently plaguing CCTV security systems as a whole.
If, for example, your monitor is located 1,000 feet (304 m) from the camera, approximately 37-percent of the high frequency information will be lost in transmission. The unfortunate aspect of this condition is that it is not obvious. You cannot see information that is not there and may not even realize that information has been deleted. Because many CCTV security systems have cable runs that exceed several thousand feet, unless you are aware of this characteristic of cable, your system may be providing a seriously degraded image.
So, if your cameras and monitors are separated by lengths greater than 750 feet (228 m), you should check to make certain that some provision has been made to guarantee the video signal's transmission strength.
Cable Termination
In video security systems, camera signals must travel from the camera to the monitor. The method of transmission is usually "coax" cable. Proper termination of cables is essential to a system's reliable performance.
Because the characteristic impedance of coax cable ranges from 72 to 75 ohms, it is necessary that the signal travels on a uniform path along any point in the system to prevent any picture distortion and to help ensure proper transfer of the signal from the camera to the monitor. The impedance of the cable must remain constant with a value of 75 ohms. To properly transfer power between two video devices with acceptable losses, the signal output from the camera must match the input impedance of the cable, which in turn must match the input impedance of the monitor. The end point of any video cable run must be terminated in 75 ohms. Usually, the cable run will end at the monitor, which will ensure that this requirement is met.
Usually the video input impedance of the monitor is controlled by a switch located near the looping video (input/output) connectors. This switch allows for either 75 ohm termination if the monitor is the "end point",or Hi-Z for looping to a second monitor. Check equipment specifications and instructions to determine the proper termination requirements. Failure to terminate signals properly usually results in a high contrast, slightly grainy picture. Ghosting and other signal imperfections also may be evident.
Cable Termination
In video security systems, camera signals must travel from the camera to the monitor. The method of transmission is usually "coax" cable. Proper termination of cables is essential to a system's reliable performance.
Because the characteristic impedance of coax cable ranges from 72 to 75 ohms, it is necessary that the signal travels on a uniform path along any point in the system to prevent any picture distortion and to help ensure proper transfer of the signal from the camera to the monitor. The impedance of the cable must remain constant with a value of 75 ohms. To properly transfer power between two video devices with acceptable losses, the signal output from the camera must match the input impedance of the cable, which in turn must match the input impedance of the monitor. The end point of any video cable run must be terminated in 75 ohms. Usually, the cable run will end at the monitor, which will ensure that this requirement is met.
Usually the video input impedance of the monitor is controlled by a switch located near the looping video (input/output) connectors. This switch allows for either 75 ohm termination if the monitor is the "end point", or Hi-Z for looping to a second monitor. Check equipment specifications and instructions to determine the proper termination requirements. Failure to terminate signals properly usually results in a high contrast, slightly grainy picture. Ghosting and other signal imperfections also may be evident.
Splitting/Amplifying the Video Signal
Keep in mind the video signal used in CCTV equipment is nominally a one volt peak-to-peak signal and is impedance sensitive to 75 ohms for ideal video reproduction at the monitor. If these parameters are not kept, then the video will degrade.
Distribution Amplification
If the installation of a system requires viewing the video at multiple locations from a single camera, there are a few different ways of accomplishing this. One way is through using a distribution amplifier. This device basically takes the single video signal and reproduces the exact signal into multiple outputs; and in the case of the Pelco DA104DT you would get four identical outputs.
So, if the input signal is a one volt peak-to-peak signal you will get four output signals of the same amplitude. Providing the run distance for the type of coax used is kept within the specified length, no other equipment will be needed to reproduce a nice clear video display on each monitor. Another timesaving feature of the Pelco DA104DT is that there are not adjustments required. Just connect the unit, turn it on, and the installation is complete. If the need arises where more than four signals are required, multiple units can be linked together by simply using one of the output signals as an input signal to the next unit, and so on.
Equalizing Amplification
Due to the many factors that can effect the video signal, it is sometimes necessary to enhance the video signal (as in transmitting a nominal video signal level) directly out of the camera, through RG59 coax to a monitor, while still producing a clear video display across the entire length of the coax. In this case the coax should not exceed 750 feet (228 m).
However, let's say you need to use RG59 because it's more flexible and much easier to work with but the cable length must be 1,500 feet (457 m). The signal at this point is going to be weak and will display a very degraded picture on the monitor. As mentioned, there are many things that can effect signal strength before the signal reaches the monitor. If you find a weak signal, simply pass the weak signal through an equalizing amplifier, make the required adjustments, and once again there will be a good, strong signal that will produce a nice picture.
The Pelco model EA2010 is a post-equalizing amplifier which simply means that this device will be located close to the monitor. There's an advantage to this design in that AC power is usually more readily available at the monitoring location than it is somewhere back up the coax line, and with this type of design it only requires one person to view the monitor display while at the same time making the required adjustments to obtain the nominal signal level.
As mentioned in the example on RG59,the signal strength is good up to nominally 750 feet (228 m). With the Pelco EA2010 amplifying the signal, the same grade of coax can be used in runs of up to 3,000 feet (914 m).
In regard to any equalizing amplification system, there is another type of post-equalizing amplifier that Pelco offers. It is the half-duplex post-equalizing amplifier. This device (as far as the amplification of the video signal is concerned) is exactly like the EA2010.The difference is that the EA2000 was designed specifically for use with any of the Pelco Coaxitron® (up-the-coax) control/transmitter systems. This device enables the video signal requiring amplification to be transmitted over the same coaxial cable over which the control signal is transmitted, whereas if you used the EA2010 it would block the Coaxitron® control signal from being transmitted.
Solving Ground Loop Problems
A ground loop is an electrical problem that happens when an AC current interferes with the ground reference level of the video signal. It occurs on the conductive path formed by the shield of the video cable and the chassis of the video equipment. A loop results from the difference between the voltage potential of the shield at one end of the cable, versus the voltage potential of the shield at the other end.
The electrical level of the shield is usually zero volts. When a ground loop is present, this level fluctuates above and below zero volts. The greater the difference, the more severe the distortion or tearing. If the potential is too great it can destroy the equipment.
Ground loops are an after-the-fact type of problem in which the end-user blames the installer, the installer blames the manufacturer, and actually nobody is at fault. Neither the manufacturer nor the installer can predict where a loop will occur. Only after the system is installed can it be determined if a problem will exist.
Ground loop problems can be corrected. It is important for both the dealer and the end-user to be aware that this problem can occur. A ground loop problem may occur at several points in the system, and each occurrence of the problem must be corrected individually. Loops can occur between a camera and monitor, from a camera to a switch, or one of many other possibilities.
Pelco's GIT100 ground isolation transformer is the most effective and easy solution to any ground loop problem.
If, in rare instances, some ground loops are still present after installation, it means that there is more than one source and further investigation is required.
Not all ground loops show up as picture disturbances. Erratic or strange behavior of other devices can be traced to grounding problems. Remember, wires or connections labeled "common" or "neutral" are not mechanical ground connections even though they may be grounded within the equipment. Each should be treated as a separate wire and not allowed to touch ground or each other.
Many people will resort to shortcuts and try to remove the earth ground (which is the middle prong on a 3-prong electrical plug) from the camera or the associated equipment. Not only is this a very hazardous thing to do, it is also a violation of U.L. (Underwriters Laboratories) laws. When the earth ground is removed, a voltage could appear on the camera chassis. The camera will have what is called a "hot chassis" that can send 60 to 70 volts of electricity through anyone who touches it, which is enough to knock anyone off their feet.
So, the important thing to remember is that while ground loops are perplexing, they are not unexplainable. Knowing that loops do exist and understanding how to correct them will make the task of removing loops much easier – increasing the performance of your CCTV system.
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