IP Wiring — Cat5/6 & PoE

Purpose

This document covers cabling for IP CCTV systems — network cameras connected via Cat5e or Cat6 cable, powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet). It explains the cable types, termination, PoE standards, switch selection, cable run limits, and the differences between IP and analogue wiring practice.

How IP Wiring Differs from Analogue

On an analogue HD system, each camera runs a coax cable back to the DVR — one cable per camera, video only (or video + power on POC).

On an IP system, every camera is a network device. Each camera connects via a standard Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable to either:

• The NVR's built-in PoE switch ports (most common for smaller systems)
• A separate PoE network switch, which then connects to the NVR via its LAN port

The cable carries both the network data (video stream) and the power for the camera — this is PoE.

Cable Types

Cat5e

What it is: Category 5 Enhanced — the minimum standard cable for IP CCTV. Four twisted pairs, rated to 100 MHz.

Suitable for: All standard IP camera installations. Supports Gigabit Ethernet and all PoE standards.

Conductor: Always use solid conductor (not stranded) for permanent fixed installations — stranded is for patch cables only.

When to use it: Standard residential and small commercial IP CCTV installs. Cost-effective, widely available, perfectly adequate for IP camera streams.

Cat6

What it is: Category 6 — improved over Cat5e, rated to 250 MHz. Includes a central spline that separates the pairs, reducing crosstalk.

When to use it: Larger commercial installs, structured cabling jobs, or anywhere you want the best cable quality.

Practical difference: For standard IP camera streams, Cat5e and Cat6 perform identically. The upgrade to Cat6 is about future-proofing and installation quality — the better choice where cost allows.

External-grade Cable

For any run passing through or exposed to the outdoors, use external-grade Cat5e or Cat6 with:

• A UV-stabilised black outer jacket
• Gel-filled (flooded) construction — prevents water tracking along the cable

Standard (internal) Cat5e will fail quickly if used externally — the jacket cracks in UV light and the conductors corrode.

RJ45 Termination

IP cameras connect via standard RJ45 connectors. Always use T568B wiring standard for consistency.

T568B pin order (looking into the front of the RJ45, clip facing away):

Both ends of the cable must be wired T568B to T568B (straight-through — camera to switch/NVR).

Termination tips:

• Strip 25–30mm of outer jacket
• Untwist the pairs and arrange in T568B order
• Trim conductors to equal length (13–14mm exposed)
• Insert into RJ45 ensuring all conductors are fully seated before crimping

PoE — Power over Ethernet

PoE allows a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable to carry both network data and electrical power to the camera simultaneously.

PoE Standards

Most Hikvision 5MP fixed cameras run on 802.3af and draw around 6–10W. Always check the camera datasheet for power consumption before specifying a switch.

PoE budget

Every PoE switch has a total power budget — the maximum combined wattage it can supply across all ports. Before specifying a switch:

1. Add up the power draw of all cameras on that switch
2. Add 20% headroom
3. Confirm the switch budget exceeds this total

If the budget is exceeded, cameras will fail to power on or drop intermittently.

Cable Run Limits

The maximum cable run for standard Ethernet (including PoE) is 100 metres from switch port to camera. This is the IEEE 802.3 standard limit.

Beyond 100m, the network link may not establish, or PoE voltage drops below the camera's minimum.

Solutions for longer runs:

• Install an additional PoE switch at an intermediate point
• Use a PoE extender (extends a single run by up to another 100m)
• Use fibre between buildings with media converters at each end

NVR Built-in PoE vs External Switch

NVR with built-in PoE ports

Most Hikvision NVRs include built-in PoE ports — cameras plug directly into the NVR with no separate switch needed.

Best for: Smaller installs (4–16 cameras) where cable runs can all reach the NVR location.

Limitations: Port count is fixed; cable runs must reach the NVR directly; built-in PoE budget may be lower than a dedicated switch.

External PoE switch

For larger installs, an external PoE switch sits between the cameras and the NVR's LAN port. Cameras connect to the switch; the switch connects to the NVR.

Best for: Larger installs; distributing cameras across a building; systems sharing network infrastructure with access control or door entry.

Considerations: Cameras must be added to the NVR manually by IP address; switch needs its own power and location; a VLAN should be configured to separate CCTV traffic from the customer's LAN.

Cable Routing Practice

Planning

• Map every camera position to the NVR or nearest PoE switch
• Every run must be under 100m — measure, don't estimate on large sites
• Avoid running alongside 230V mains cable — minimum 50mm separation, or separate conduit
• Label every cable at the switch end with the camera position before terminating

Bend radius

Do not pull cable tightly around corners. Tight bends damage the twisted pairs inside and degrade performance. Minimum bend radius: approximately 25mm (4× cable diameter).

External runs

• Use external-grade cable
• Run in conduit wherever possible
• Seal wall penetrations with mastic
• Form a drip loop at external camera connections — water drips off the loop rather than tracking into the wall

Cable management at the NVR/switch

Use short factory-made patch leads from the wall outlet to the switch port — keeps cable management clean and avoids re-terminating if ports change.

Common Faults and Causes

Key Differences vs Analogue Wiring

Related Documents

• Analogue Wiring — Coax, Shotgun & POC
• HD over Coax with Baluns
• DVRs & NVRs — Understanding the Difference