Securiflex RG59 Premium Shotgun Cable | PVC, 2 Core Power 0.5mm, 100m | Black

FAQs

What makes this premium shotgun cable different from standard shotgun cable?

This premium shotgun cable features a bare copper conductor for the coaxial element and copper power cores, whereas standard shotgun cables typically use copper clad steel (CCS) for the coaxial conductor and CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium) for the power cores. The bare copper coaxial conductor provides significantly lower resistance (<42Ω/km compared to <48Ω/km for CCS), resulting in superior signal quality, less signal loss over distance, and better performance for HD video applications. The copper power cores also provide better conductivity than CCA alternatives. This premium construction makes it the ideal choice for professional installations where maximum signal quality and reliability are required, particularly for long cable runs or demanding HD video over coax applications.

How much better is the signal quality with premium bare copper?

The premium bare copper conductor provides approximately 12.5% lower resistance than copper clad steel alternatives (<42Ω/km vs <48Ω/km). This translates to measurably better signal quality with improved signal-to-noise ratio, clearer images with better colour reproduction, reduced signal loss over distance, and more reliable performance for HD video over coax systems. For analogue CCTV, you'll notice sharper images particularly at longer distances. For HD video over coax (HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD), the improvement is even more significant as these higher frequency signals are more sensitive to signal loss. The premium construction ensures you get the best possible image quality that your cameras and recording equipment can deliver.

Is premium shotgun cable worth the additional cost?

For professional installations, long cable runs (over 100-150 metres), HD video over coax systems, or any application where image quality and long-term reliability are priorities, premium shotgun cable is definitely worth the investment. The improved signal quality from the bare copper conductor and copper power cores provides tangible performance benefits that justify the additional cost. You’re also getting the convenience of combined video and power in a single cable plus the assurance of 25-30 year service life. For budget-conscious projects with shorter runs where standard performance is acceptable, economy shotgun cable may suffice. However, for professional installations where you want the best possible performance, reliability, and longevity, premium shotgun cable is the recommended choice.

Can I run this cable longer distances than standard shotgun cable?

Yes, the premium bare copper conductor allows for approximately 15-20% longer cable runs while maintaining the same signal quality as standard copper clad steel shotgun cable. Where standard shotgun cable might support runs of 150-200 metres with acceptable video quality, premium shotgun cable can extend this to 180-240 metres or more. For power delivery, the copper power cores also provide better performance than CCA alternatives, though power transmission distance still depends on camera current draw and voltage used (12VDC or 24VDC). The combination of premium coaxial conductor and copper power cores makes this cable the best choice for installations requiring longer runs or maximum reliability.

What are the power cores made of in this premium cable?

The power cores in this premium shotgun cable are made of copper conductor material, not CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium). Pure copper power conductors provide better conductivity and lower resistance compared to CCA alternatives, which is beneficial for power transmission over distance. The 0.5mm copper cores are insulated with PVC (0.42mm thickness) before being enclosed with the premium bare copper coaxial cable in the common PVC outer jacket. This all-copper construction (both coaxial conductor and power cores) makes this cable the highest quality shotgun cable option available for professional CCTV installations.

Can this premium shotgun cable be used for all CCTV applications?

Yes, this premium shotgun cable is suitable for all standard CCTV applications including analogue CCTV and HD video over coax technologies (HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD) that require separate power. It’s particularly beneficial for HD video systems where superior signal quality makes a noticeable difference, long cable runs where the lower resistance provides measurable advantages, PTZ cameras requiring both power and control signals, and professional installations where reliability and image quality are critical. The 75Ω impedance is the standard for video transmission, and the premium bare copper construction ensures optimal performance across all applications.

How does this cable simplify PTZ camera installations?

For PTZ camera installations, this premium shotgun cable provides an ideal professional solution by combining superior video signal transmission with reliable power delivery in a single cable. The premium bare copper coaxial element ensures the best possible video quality from your PTZ cameras, while the copper power cores deliver electrical power and can carry control signals for PTZ functions using protocols like RS-485. PTZ cameras typically consume more power than fixed cameras due to their motorized mechanisms, and the copper power cores provide better performance than CCA alternatives. This combination significantly reduces installation time and cost compared to running separate high-quality coax and power cables, while ensuring professional-grade performance.

What is the service life of this premium shotgun cable?

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic jacket has excellent aging properties and will typically exceed a 25-30 year service life under normal operating conditions. The bare copper conductor is highly stable and does not degrade over time like copper clad alternatives where the copper plating can deteriorate. The copper power cores are similarly stable for long-term reliability. This combination of premium materials and quality construction makes this cable an excellent long-term investment for professional CCTV installations. When properly installed and protected from environmental extremes, this premium shotgun cable will provide decades of reliable service with consistent signal quality throughout its life.

Can the power cores handle PTZ camera control signals?

Yes, the 0.5mm copper power cores can be used for low-speed data transmission such as PTZ control signals using protocols like RS-485. The copper construction provides better signal integrity than CCA alternatives for control data transmission. However, these are power conductors without the impedance control and shielding of dedicated data cables, so they’re not suitable for high-speed data transmission. For PTZ control applications, the copper cores provide reliable performance. Always verify compatibility with your specific PTZ system requirements, but most standard PTZ control protocols will work reliably over these copper power cores.

How does this compare to running separate premium coax and power cables?

Running separate premium RG59 coaxial cable and separate power cable would provide the same electrical performance but requires twice the cable pulling effort, potentially more conduit, and significantly more complex cable management. The premium shotgun cable combines both into one neat package, providing the convenience of a single cable pull with the performance of premium bare copper construction. The only advantage of separate cables is flexibility – you could choose different power cable gauges for different applications. However, for most professional installations, the convenience and time savings of premium shotgun cable while maintaining professional-grade performance makes it the preferred choice.