Using Pre-Made CCTV Cables Is Always An Option!
Using Pre-made CCTV Siamese cables in your security camera system installation may be the best option for you. Premade security camera cables have grown in popularity and are ideal for do-it-yourselfers and business owners that seek a fast and easy security camera installation. Premade CCTV cables come with all the connectors pre-terminated on the wires so all the installer has to do is plug them in and power up the cameras. These cables are usually offered in multiple lengths to support various cable length requirements. So it is important to measure the distances from the security cameras to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) so you can choose the right pre-made cables for your needs.
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Most pre-made CCTV wires are offered in a Siamese version (RG59/U Coax + 18-2 Power Cable), a Triamese version (RG59/U Coax + 18-2 Power Cable + Audio Cable with RCA's), and a single RG59/U version. The biggest benefit of using premade cables when installing security cameras is that there is no need for any tools or connectors. The cable you need for a complete installation is already made for you! Each wire is pre-terminated and tested for a quick and easy security camera installation. Most of these cables are of the Siamese types so you will get a pre-terminated RG59 coaxial cable with BNC connectors on each end, and a 18/2 power wire that already has pre-terminated DC power plug adapters on both ends. The RG59 coax will feature a compression BNC connector with a molded boot on both ends. The molded boot will protect the connection from environmental factors like dust and moisture that could interrupt or cause the video signals to fail. A high quality professional grade pre-made CCTV cable will feature both the BNC connector and a power connector with molded boots. The molded boots are a definite sign you are buying a quality cable!
Using premade CCTV cables allows for a fast plug and play installation. This means less time is taken in the installation process which means time and money is saved. There is also added savings because there is no need to buy a cable stripper, termination tool, and connectors.
The downside of using premade CCTV cables instead of building your own is that you have much less flexibility. Premade coaxial cables are usually only offered in a handful of length options. So if the lengths offered do not match your security camera cable runs you could end up with an abundance of extra cable which you would have to somehow hide in the walls or ceilings. Depending on the environment you are installing your cameras in; the extra cable could be difficult to hide. Premade cables are also not very flexible in use. The wires are already terminated so you do not have the ability to remove the connectors unless you cut them off and re-terminate the cables on your own. So if you are running wires in a conduit or areas where room is limited the added bulk from having the connectors already on the cable could become an issue. So in many applications running bulk cable and terminating the ends on your own is the only option.
The issue with buying all premade cables in a large camera system installation could end up being the cost. Most premade cables are more expensive because the cost of building the cable is added. If you have the basic tools it is much cleaner and cheaper to buy a box of bulk CCTV cable and build your own cables. It really all depends on your application, the environment, and your technical abilities. Worst case scenario is if money is not an issue you can just hire a professional installer and put the installation in his hands. If adding a couple cameras is all you need than using a premade cable may be the best option for you. But when installing a large system with numerous cameras your cleanest option is to just build your own cables. Putting a connector on the end of a cable is not rocket science!