Detailed Description
What Is Security System Cable?
Security system cable is the collective term for the cables that connect CCTV cameras, access control devices, intercom stations, and other building security equipment to the central recording, control, and management systems. It is not one cable type — it is a family of cables, each optimised for a specific security system function: coaxial cable for analog video, Siamese cable for combined video and power, network cable for IP-based systems, and multi-conductor cable for access control and integration.
The cable selection for a security system is determined by the camera or device technology:
| Security System Function | Cable Type | Typical Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Analog HD CCTV (HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD) | RG59 or RG6 coaxial | RG59 for up to 200 m at 1080P; RG6 for longer runs or 4K |
| Analog CCTV + camera power | Siamese (coax + 2-core power) | RG59 + 18/2 or 16/2 AWG power cores |
| IP camera (network video) | Cat5e or Cat6 network cable | Solid copper, UTP or SFTP, PoE capable |
| Access control | Shielded multi-conductor control cable | 6–12 cores, 0.22–1.5 mm², overall foil/braid screen |
| Video intercom | Cat5e/Cat6 or multi-core + coax | Depends on the intercom system technology — IP-based uses network cable; analog uses multi-core + coax |
| Security network backbone | Cat6 or Cat6a / fiber optic | Gigabit Ethernet for NVR-to-switch, server-to-server |
Siamese Cable — The Installer's Time-Saver
Siamese cable combines the video coaxial cable and the camera power cable in a single jacket — one cable pull from the DVR/NVR location to the camera position instead of two. The figure-8 construction allows the installer to separate the video and power elements at the termination point by simply tearing the web between them. The round construction pulls more easily through conduit and is more compact in cable tray installations.
The economic case for Siamese cable is straightforward: the cable cost is approximately 20–30% higher than separate coax and power cables, but the installation labour cost (pulling two cables vs one, terminating two cables vs one, managing two cable routes vs one) is reduced by approximately 40–50%. For a multi-camera installation, the labour saving from Siamese cable typically exceeds the material cost premium. For retrofit installations where the existing cable route is congested and pulling a second cable is difficult or impossible, Siamese cable may be the only practical solution.
Why Choose Yichi Security System Cables
- Complete security cable portfolio — one supplier, all cable types: RG59, RG6, Siamese, Cat5e, Cat6, multi-conductor control, outdoor PE jacket variants — the complete cable specification for any CCTV, access control, or intercom installation. One supplier simplifies procurement and ensures consistent quality across all cable types on the project
- RG59/RG6 with 95%+ copper braid coverage — verified attenuation performance: The braid coverage and the foam PE dielectric quality determine the video signal quality over the cable run. 95% braid coverage is the minimum for CCTV — lower coverage (60–80%, common in consumer-grade coaxial cable) allows EMI ingress that appears as horizontal lines, hum bars, or snow in the video image. Every production batch is tested for attenuation vs frequency — the test data confirms the cable meets the published attenuation specification
- Solid bare copper conductor for CCTV coaxial and network cable: Bare copper (BC) for the best electrical performance. Copper-clad steel (CCS) is cheaper but has higher DC resistance (limiting the cable length before the video signal degrades) and cannot carry PoE power effectively in network cables. Yichi CCTV and network cables use bare copper conductors as standard — CCS is available only on request for cost-sensitive short-run installations
- Siamese cable in figure-8 and round constructions: Select the construction that matches the installation method. Figure-8 for surface-mounted and accessible cable routes where the installer benefits from the ability to separate the video and power elements at the termination. Round for conduit pulling and cable tray installations where the compact circular profile is easier to handle
- Outdoor PE jacket for external camera cabling: The PE jacket is UV-stabilized and weather-resistant for permanent outdoor exposure — the camera mounted on the external wall or lighting column, the cable run along the external wall or through external conduit. PVC jacket degrades under UV exposure and should not be used outdoors without conduit protection