How Much Does a 50 Meter CCTV Cable Cost?
The price of a 50-meter CCTV cable in India depends mainly on the cable type 3+1 combo cable, plain coaxial cable, or CAT5e/CAT6 network cable along with the conductor material, shielding, and outer coating. A 50m pure copper 3+1 cable will always cost more than a 50m CCA cable of the same length, and a shielded outdoor-rated cable costs more than a basic indoor one. Rather than one fixed price, think of it as a range that shifts based on what's actually inside the cable.
This guide explains what drives 50m CCTV cable pricing, which type suits which setup, and how to buy the right length without overpaying or under-buying.
Quick Answer: 50 Meter CCTV Cable Price
| Cable Type | Typical Use | What Affects Price | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50m 3+1 CCTV cable | Analog CCTV (video + power) | Copper quality, power pair thickness, outer coating | Analog cameras with DVR |
| 50m coaxial CCTV cable | Analog/video only | Shielding quality, conductor material | Analog CCTV where power is run separately |
| 50m CAT5e/CAT6 | IP CCTV | Copper quality, category, shielding (UTP/SFTP) | IP cameras, including PoE setups |
Within each of these categories, price still varies quite a bit between a pure copper cable and a CCA one, and between a basic indoor cable and an outdoor-rated one. For an accurate, current price, check live listings — cable pricing moves with copper rates and isn't something that stays fixed for long.
What Affects the Price of a 50m CCTV Cable?
A handful of factors decide why one 50m cable costs noticeably more than another that looks similar on the outside.
- Pure copper vs CCA: Pure copper conductors cost more to manufacture than copper-clad aluminium (CCA), and this is usually the single biggest price driver.
- Cable gauge/AWG: Thicker conductors use more raw material and cost more, but they also carry power more efficiently relevant for PoE and analog camera power runs.
- Coaxial vs 3+1: A 3+1 cable bundles a power pair with the coaxial core, so it naturally costs more than plain coaxial cable of the same length.
- CAT5e vs CAT6 for IP cameras: CAT6 generally costs a bit more than CAT5e due to tighter construction and higher bandwidth rating.
- Outdoor/weatherproof coating: UV-resistant, weatherproof jackets cost more to produce than standard indoor PVC jackets.
- Shielding: Shielded cable (like SFTP for outdoor CAT6 runs) costs more than unshielded UTP due to the extra shielding layer.
- Brand and manufacturing quality: Consistent conductor thickness, proper insulation, and quality control all add to production cost, and this shows up in price.
- Copper quantity: More conductors, thicker cores, or additional power pairs mean more copper used per meter, which directly affects cost.
- Cable construction: Better strain relief, tighter jacket extrusion, and proper stranding all add marginally to cost but improve long-term reliability.
50m CCTV Cable Types Explained
A. 3+1 CCTV Cable
3+1 cable combines a coaxial core (video signal) with a 2-core power cable inside one jacket. It's the standard choice for analog CCTV, since it lets you run video and power to the camera in a single cable instead of two separate runs.
B. Coaxial CCTV Cable
Plain coaxial cable carries only the video signal. It's used in analog setups where power is supplied separately for example, when cameras are powered from a centralized DC power supply box rather than individually through the cable.
C. CAT5e/CAT6 Network Cable for IP CCTV
For IP cameras connected to an NVR, CAT5e or CAT6 Ethernet cable is the standard. Where PoE is supported by the camera and NVR/switch, the same cable also delivers power, which is why conductor quality matters more here than it might seem at first glance.
For a deeper look at how these categories compare more broadly, see our guide on what type of cable is used for CCTV cameras.
Pure Copper vs CCA for a 50m CCTV Cable
At 50 metres, the difference between pure copper and CCA starts to matter more than it would on a very short run — this is enough distance for resistance differences to show up in real-world performance.
- Conductivity: Pure copper conducts more efficiently than CCA, which has a copper coating over an aluminium core.
- Voltage drop: Over 50 metres, CCA's higher resistance causes more voltage drop than pure copper, which is particularly relevant if the cable is powering a camera.
- Power delivery: For PoE IP cameras or DC-powered analog cameras drawing power over the same run, pure copper delivers power more consistently at this distance.
- Durability: CCA's aluminium core is more brittle than pure copper and can be prone to breaking at bends or connector points over repeated flexing.
- Long-term reliability: Pure copper generally holds up better over years of use, while CCA is more likely to show issues as connections age.
CCA cable is genuinely cheaper, and that's exactly why it can be tempting — especially for a quick, low-budget install. It isn't unusable at 50m for every scenario, but if the cable will be powering the camera, or the installation is meant to last several years without rework, pure copper is worth the extra cost.
Is 50 Meters Enough for a CCTV Camera?
Whether 50m is enough depends entirely on your specific layout, not on a generic "CCTV cable range" figure. Consider:
- Camera position: Where exactly the camera is mounted relative to the recording device
- DVR/NVR location: Where the recorder or network switch is located in the building
- Cable routing: Whether the cable runs through walls, along ceilings, around corners, or outside the building
- Power requirements: Whether the cable also needs to carry power to the camera, which can affect how much voltage drop is acceptable at the far end
- Camera type: Analog and IP/PoE cameras have different distance behaviour, as covered in our CCTV cable distance guide
The most common mistake here is measuring straight-line distance from camera to DVR/NVR instead of the actual cable path. A camera that's "20 metres away" in a straight line might need 35-40 metres of cable once you account for routing along walls, up through ceilings, and around obstacles. Always measure the real path, and add some extra length for installation flexibility.
50m vs 100m CCTV Cable
| Factor | 50m Cable | 100m Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single camera runs, smaller homes, single-room shops/offices | Longer runs, larger properties, multiple cameras from a central point |
| Cost per installation | Lower upfront cost for shorter runs | Higher upfront cost, but cheaper per-meter in bulk buying |
| Wastage risk | Lower risk of leftover unused cable | Higher chance of leftover cable if the actual run is much shorter |
| Reordering | May need to buy again if the route turns out longer than expected | More buffer for unexpected routing changes |
If you're installing a single camera or a small number of cameras with runs clearly under 50m, buying a 50m length is usually the more practical choice. If you're planning multiple cameras or longer runs across a bigger property, a 100m box is often more economical and reduces the chance of running short mid-installation.
How to Calculate CCTV Cable Length
Don't calculate cable length using straight-line distance between the camera and the DVR/NVR. Instead, trace the actual physical path the cable will follow:
- Camera to nearest wall/ceiling point: Measure from the camera mounting position to where the cable enters the wall or ceiling
- Route through walls/ceiling: Add the horizontal and vertical distance the cable will travel through the building structure
- Bends and corners: Every corner or bend adds a bit of extra length compared to a straight measurement
- Final run to DVR/NVR: Add the distance from where the cable exits the wall/ceiling to the actual recorder location
Once you have this total, add a reasonable installation allowance — extra length for connector termination, minor rerouting, and future flexibility. Buying exactly the measured length with zero allowance often leaves you short by the time the cable is actually routed and terminated.
Which 50m CCTV Cable Should You Buy?
Basic Home Analog CCTV
A 50m 3+1 cable with decent copper content is generally sufficient for a small home setup with a handful of cameras and short-to-moderate cable runs.
Outdoor CCTV
Prioritize an outdoor-rated, weatherproof jacket over saving a small amount on price — an indoor-rated cable used outdoors tends to degrade well before it reaches 50m worth of use.
Shop/Office
For commercial spaces with more cameras and longer runs to a central DVR/NVR, pure copper cable is worth the extra cost since these systems typically run continuously and are harder to access for repairs later.
IP CCTV / PoE
Use CAT6 with pure copper conductors, particularly if cameras are drawing meaningful power over PoE at close to the 50m mark — this is where CCA's voltage drop becomes more noticeable.
Long-Term Professional Installation
For installations expected to run reliably for years with minimal maintenance, pure copper cable with proper shielding and a quality outer jacket is the more sensible investment, even at a higher upfront cost.
Common Mistakes When Buying 50m CCTV Cable
Choosing only by price
The cheapest 50m cable on the shelf is very often CCA with a thin, basic jacket. The savings can be small compared to the cost of troubleshooting or replacing a failing cable later.
Confusing cable length with camera transmission distance
A 50m cable spec doesn't mean every camera will perform identically at 50m — actual performance still depends on camera type, equipment, and cable quality.
Buying CCA when power delivery matters
If the cable is carrying power to the camera — whether DC power in an analog setup or PoE in an IP setup — CCA's higher resistance becomes a real factor at 50m.
Ignoring outdoor protection
Using an indoor-rated cable outdoors "for now" is a common shortcut that tends to cause problems within a year or so, once UV and moisture exposure take their toll.
Not checking connector compatibility
Coaxial cable needs BNC connectors and CAT5e/CAT6 needs RJ45 — make sure the cable type actually matches your camera and DVR/NVR connectors before buying.
Buying exactly the measured length with no allowance
Zero buffer leaves no room for termination, minor rerouting, or measurement error. A small allowance beyond the measured route avoids running short mid-installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 50 meter CCTV cable cost?
It varies based on cable type (3+1, coaxial, or CAT5e/CAT6), conductor material (pure copper vs CCA), shielding, and outer coating. Pure copper and outdoor-rated cables cost more than basic CCA indoor cables. Check current listings for accurate, up-to-date pricing.
What is the best cable for a 50 meter CCTV camera?
For analog CCTV, a pure copper 3+1 cable is generally the practical choice. For IP CCTV, pure copper CAT6 is preferable, especially if the camera draws power via PoE.
Is 50m CCTV cable enough for a house?
For most homes with cameras positioned reasonably close to the DVR/NVR, 50m per camera run is usually sufficient. Measure the actual cable route (not straight-line distance) to confirm before buying.
Can I use CAT6 for a CCTV camera?
Yes, CAT6 is commonly used for IP CCTV cameras connected to an NVR, including PoE-based installations where the camera, switch/NVR, and cable all support it. It isn't used for analog/DVR-based systems.
Is pure copper CCTV cable better than CCA?
Yes, particularly for power delivery and long-term reliability. Pure copper has lower resistance, delivers power more consistently over distance, and tends to hold up better than CCA over time.
How much extra CCTV cable should I keep?
A reasonable allowance beyond your measured route accounts for termination, minor rerouting, and measurement error. The exact amount depends on the complexity of your installation, but it's better to have a bit extra than to run short.
Can a 50m CCTV cable work outdoors?
Yes, as long as it's specifically rated for outdoor use — UV-resistant and weatherproof. A standard indoor-rated cable used outdoors tends to degrade over time due to sun and moisture exposure.
Conclusion
Choose your 50m CCTV cable based on CCTV type, distance, power requirement, and installation environment — not price alone.
To recap:
- Analog CCTV → 3+1 cable, pure copper where power delivery matters
- IP CCTV → CAT5e/CAT6, pure copper for PoE installations
- Outdoor runs → Outdoor-rated, weatherproof jacket regardless of cable type
- Length → Measure the actual route, not straight-line distance, and add a reasonable allowance
A cable that's slightly more expensive but properly matched to your setup will almost always cost less over time than a cheaper one that needs replacing or causes recurring issues.
Looking for a 50m CCTV cable for your installation? Explore JUAA's CCTV and networking cable range and choose based on your camera type, distance, and power requirements.
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