What Type of Cable Is Used for CCTV Cameras?
The type of cable used for CCTV cameras depends mainly on whether your system is analog or IP-based. Analog CCTV systems typically use coaxial cable (commonly RG59), while IP CCTV systems use Ethernet cable such as Cat5e or Cat6. The final choice also depends on cable distance, power requirements (PoE or not), and whether the installation is indoor or outdoor.
There isn't a single "correct" CCTV cable for every situation — the cable has to match your camera type, recorder, and installation conditions. This guide walks through the main cable types used in CCTV installations today, so you can identify what your specific setup actually needs.
Quick Answer
- Analog CCTV (DVR-based) → Coaxial cable, typically RG59, often as a combo video + power cable
- IP CCTV (NVR-based) → Ethernet cable, typically Cat5e or Cat6
- PoE-enabled IP cameras → Cat5e/Cat6 with power delivered through the same cable, when the camera, switch, and cable all support it
- Outdoor runs → Cable specifically rated for outdoor/UV/moisture exposure, regardless of whether it's coaxial or Ethernet
What Cable Is Used for CCTV Cameras?
CCTV cable selection starts with one question: is the system analog or IP? This determines the entire cabling approach.
Analog CCTV systems connect cameras to a DVR and transmit video as an analog signal over coaxial cable. The most common type used is RG59, often supplied as a combo cable that bundles a power line alongside the coaxial core. In some cases, RG6 is used instead of RG59 — RG6 has a thicker core and different impedance characteristics, and is more commonly associated with longer runs or specific equipment recommendations, though RG59 remains the standard for most analog CCTV work.
IP CCTV systems connect cameras to an NVR (or a network switch that feeds an NVR) and transmit digital video data over Ethernet/network cable. Cat5e and Cat6 are the cable types generally used here. Where the cameras and network equipment support Power over Ethernet (PoE), the same cable also carries power to the camera, removing the need for a separate power adapter at each camera location.
The correct answer for "what cable is used for CCTV cameras" is therefore not one single product — it's whichever cable type matches your camera's connector, your recorder type, and your installation's distance and power needs.
Types of CCTV Cables
Here's a practical comparison of the cable types you'll come across when sourcing CCTV cable.
| Cable Type | Typical CCTV Application | Main Advantage | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coaxial (general) | Analog CCTV, video signal transmission | Reliable analog video transmission over moderate distances | Needs a separate power cable unless using a combo cable; no data networking capability |
| RG59 | Standard analog CCTV installations | Widely available, cost-effective, well suited to typical CCTV video runs | Not designed for long-distance runs without accounting for signal loss |
| RG6 | Analog CCTV where longer runs or specific equipment specs call for it | Thicker conductor, can suit certain longer-distance scenarios | Bulkier and less flexible than RG59; confirm compatibility with your DVR/connectors |
| Cat5e | Basic to mid-range IP CCTV installations | Cost-effective for standard IP camera networking | Lower bandwidth headroom than Cat6; check PoE class support for your cameras |
| Cat6 | IP CCTV, including higher-resolution and PoE installations | Higher bandwidth headroom, generally better suited to PoE and future upgrades | Still depends on conductor quality (pure copper vs CCA) and correct termination |
| CCTV combo cable (video + power) | Analog CCTV where a single cable run is preferred | Combines coaxial video cable and power conductors in one jacket, simplifying installation | Only applicable to analog/coaxial systems, not IP/Ethernet setups |
None of these cable types is a universal answer — each one fits a specific type of CCTV system and installation scenario.
Coaxial Cable vs Ethernet Cable for CCTV
Coaxial and Ethernet cable work in fundamentally different ways, which is why they aren't interchangeable.
Coaxial cable carries an analog video signal to a DVR through a BNC connector. It does not carry data in the networking sense, and it cannot power a camera on its own — a separate power line (or a combo cable bundling one in) is needed.
Ethernet cable carries digital data to an NVR (or through a switch) using an RJ45 connector. When PoE is supported by the camera, the switch/NVR, and the cable, it also delivers power over the same run.
| Factor | Coaxial (Analog CCTV) | Ethernet (IP CCTV) |
|---|---|---|
| Signal type | Analog video | Digital data |
| Recorder | DVR | NVR |
| Connector | BNC | RJ45 |
| Power delivery | Requires separate power line or combo cable | Can carry power via PoE, if all equipment supports it |
| Installation note | Simple point-to-point run to DVR | May involve network switches, PoE budget planning |
Choosing between them isn't really a preference decision — it's determined by which camera and recorder technology you already have or plan to install.
Can I Use Cat6 Cable for CCTV?
Yes — Cat6 is commonly used with IP CCTV cameras. When a camera connects to an NVR (directly or through a network switch), it uses standard Ethernet networking, and Cat6 is a widely used cable for this connection.
Where PoE is involved, the camera draws both data and power through the same Cat6 cable, provided the camera, the switch or NVR's PoE ports, and the cable itself are all compatible and correctly rated for the required power class. This is a common setup, but it depends on matching equipment — not just the cable in isolation.
It's worth being clear that Cat6 should not be treated as automatically "the best" cable for every CCTV installation. It's the appropriate choice for IP cameras, but it has no role in an analog/DVR-based system, and even within IP systems, factors like conductor quality, cable length, and PoE equipment compatibility affect whether a given Cat6 cable performs reliably in a specific installation.
Which Cable Is Best for CCTV?
There's no single universal "best" CCTV cable — the right choice depends on your system and installation conditions. As a general guide:
- For analog CCTV: Coaxial cable, typically RG59-type solutions, is commonly used and matches DVR-based systems.
- For IP CCTV: Cat5e or Cat6 may be suitable, depending on the camera's resolution, PoE requirements, and network design.
- For outdoor CCTV: Choose a cable specifically designed and rated for outdoor conditions, regardless of whether it's coaxial or Ethernet.
- For long-distance CCTV: Selection should account for cable type, transmission method, cable quality, actual run distance, and any network or PoE equipment involved — not just the cable label on the box.
For a more detailed breakdown of when to choose coaxial versus Cat6 for a specific CCTV setup, see our guide on which cable is best for CCTV.
What Is CCTV Wire Called?
People use several different terms when referring to CCTV wiring, and the terminology can be a bit inconsistent depending on region and installer habits. Common terms include:
- CCTV cable — the general umbrella term
- CCTV wire — often used interchangeably with "CCTV cable"
- Camera cable — a casual way of referring to the same thing
- Coaxial cable — the specific technical name for analog CCTV cable, typically RG59
- Ethernet cable — the general technical name for IP CCTV cable
- Cat5e cable / Cat6 cable — the specific category of Ethernet cable being used
So "CCTV wire" isn't a distinct product on its own — it's a general term, and the correct technical name depends on whether you're referring to an analog coaxial cable or an IP Ethernet cable.
CCTV Cable for Indoor vs Outdoor Installation
Whether a cable is going indoors or outdoors changes what "right cable" means, even if the underlying cable type (coaxial or Ethernet) stays the same.
Indoor Installation
Indoor cable runs are generally more straightforward:
- Cable is routed through walls, ceilings, or conduit, away from direct weather exposure
- Standard indoor-rated jacket is sufficient
- Physical protection mainly needs to account for foot traffic areas, sharp edges, and accidental damage during other work
- Installation is typically quicker since there's no need for weatherproofing at joints or entry points
Outdoor Installation
Outdoor runs need to withstand ongoing environmental exposure:
- UV/sun exposure: Cable jackets not rated for outdoor use can degrade and crack under prolonged sunlight
- Moisture: Rain and humidity can enter through a cracked jacket or poorly sealed connector, affecting signal quality over time
- Temperature changes: Repeated expansion and contraction can stress cable and connectors if the cable isn't built for it
- Physical protection: Outdoor cable is more exposed to accidental damage, pests, and general wear, so conduit or proper cable routing helps
- Outdoor-rated jacket/construction: Look for cable specifically described as outdoor or weatherproof rated, rather than assuming an indoor cable will hold up
- Installation practices: Seal connector points properly and avoid leaving joints exposed directly to rain or standing water
Using an indoor-rated cable outdoors "temporarily" is one of the more common causes of CCTV reliability issues that show up months after installation, once the jacket has started breaking down.
How Far Can CCTV Cable Run?
Practical CCTV cable distance isn't a single fixed number — it depends on several factors together: whether the system is analog or IP, the specific cable type and its build quality, the transmission technology in use, whether PoE is involved, and the physical installation conditions along the route.
Both coaxial and Ethernet cable have practical distance considerations that installers plan around, and going beyond typical limits usually requires additional equipment (such as signal boosters, PoE extenders, or network switches) rather than just running a longer cable. For a full breakdown of distance limits for different CCTV cable types, see our detailed guide on how far you can run a CCTV cable.
How to Choose the Right CCTV Cable?
CCTV Cable Selection Checklist
- Identify whether the CCTV system is analog or IP.
- Check the camera's connector/interface (BNC for analog, RJ45 for IP).
- Check power requirements — does the camera need PoE or a separate power supply?
- Determine the approximate cable route and distance.
- Decide whether the installation is indoor or outdoor.
- Check the conductor material and overall cable construction.
- Consider cable quality rather than choosing purely by the lowest price.
- Confirm the cable is appropriate for the specific camera and recording equipment being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cable is used for CCTV cameras?
It depends on the system. Analog CCTV cameras typically use coaxial cable, most commonly RG59. IP CCTV cameras use Ethernet cable, typically Cat5e or Cat6.
What is CCTV wire called?
"CCTV wire" is a general term. The specific technical name depends on the cable type — coaxial cable (usually RG59) for analog systems, or Ethernet cable (Cat5e/Cat6) for IP systems.
Can I use Cat6 cable for CCTV?
Yes, Cat6 is commonly used with IP CCTV cameras connected to an NVR, including PoE-based installations where the camera, switch, and cable all support it. It isn't used with analog/DVR-based CCTV systems.
What kind of cable is used for CCTV?
The main categories are coaxial cable (for analog CCTV, typically RG59) and Ethernet cable (for IP CCTV, typically Cat5e or Cat6). The right one depends on your camera and recorder type.
Which cable is better for CCTV?
Neither is universally "better" — they serve different systems. Coaxial cable is required for analog/DVR systems, while Ethernet cable is required for IP/NVR systems. The right choice depends on which system you're installing.
Which cables are used in CCTV?
Common cable types used across CCTV installations include RG59 coaxial cable, RG6 coaxial cable, Cat5e, Cat6, and CCTV combo (video + power) cable — each suited to a particular system type or installation scenario.
Conclusion
There's no single cable that works for every CCTV installation. The right cable depends on your CCTV system type, the cable distance involved, your power requirements, whether the installation is indoor or outdoor, and compatibility with your specific camera and recording equipment.
As a general starting point:
- Analog CCTV → Coaxial cable (typically RG59)
- IP CCTV → Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable
- PoE-based IP CCTV → Cat5e/Cat6 with compatible PoE equipment
- Outdoor installations → Cable specifically rated for outdoor conditions
Getting the cable type right at the planning stage avoids compatibility issues, unreliable connections, and unnecessary rework later.
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