Securiflex RG59 Shotgun Cable | LSF, CCA, 2 Core Power 0.75mm, 100m | Black

FAQs

What are the advantages of 0.75mm power cores versus 0.5mm?

The 0.75mm power cores provide significantly better current-carrying capacity compared to 0.5mm cores. The larger conductor size means lower resistance, which translates to less voltage drop over distance. This allows for longer cable runs while maintaining adequate voltage at the camera, or alternatively, supports cameras with higher current draw at standard distances. For example, where 0.5mm cores might be suitable for runs up to 50-100 metres, 0.75mm cores can extend this to 100-150 metres or more depending on camera power requirements. The thicker conductors also provide better reliability and reduced heating under load, making them the preferred choice for demanding installations or public buildings where reliability is critical.

Why is LSF jacket important for shotgun cable in public buildings?

LSF (Low Smoke and Fume) jacket material is critically important for public buildings because in the event of a fire, the cable will not emit toxic gases and produces significantly less smoke than standard PVC cables. In public spaces such as schools, hospitals, shopping centres, and transport facilities where large numbers of people may need to evacuate, reduced smoke improves visibility for safe evacuation, and the absence of toxic fumes reduces health risks to occupants. Many building regulations and fire safety codes specifically require LSF or similar low-toxicity cables in public access areas. Combining LSF safety with shotgun cable convenience provides the ultimate solution for CCTV installations in safety-critical public environments.

What is the difference between this LSF shotgun cable and standard PVC shotgun cable?

The primary difference is the outer jacket material and the power core size. This cable uses an LSF (Low Smoke and Fume) jacket instead of standard PVC, and features 0.75mm power cores instead of the more common 0.5mm. The LSF jacket provides superior fire safety properties – it will not emit toxic gases and produces less smoke in fire conditions compared to PVC. The electrical performance of the coaxial element is identical (same 75Ω impedance, same signal quality), but the LSF version offers enhanced safety for public buildings. The 0.75mm power cores provide better current-carrying capacity, allowing longer runs or higher power cameras. These features typically come at a modest price premium, but the safety benefits and improved power delivery capabilities make it worthwhile for installations in public spaces.

Can I use this cable for all types of CCTV cameras?

This LSF shotgun cable is suitable for analogue CCTV cameras and HD video over coax cameras (HD-CVI, HD-TVI, AHD) that require separate power. It’s particularly beneficial for PTZ cameras in public buildings where you need both power and control signals with enhanced fire safety. The 0.75mm power cores make it especially suitable for cameras with higher power consumption or installations requiring longer cable runs. However, it’s not suitable for PoE (Power over Ethernet) IP cameras which receive both data and power through an Ethernet cable. The LSF shotgun cable configuration is most advantageous for coaxial CCTV systems in public buildings, schools, hospitals, and other environments where fire safety regulations mandate low smoke cables.

How far can I run power through the 0.75mm cores?

The 0.75mm copper cores provide significantly better power transmission distance compared to 0.5mm cores due to their lower resistance. For 12VDC cameras, practical distances typically extend to 100-150 metres or more depending on camera power consumption. For 24VDC cameras, distances can be extended even further due to lower current requirements at higher voltage. The exact maximum distance depends on several factors including the voltage used, the current draw of your specific camera, and the acceptable voltage drop. The thicker 0.75mm conductors reduce voltage drop per metre, making them ideal for longer runs in large buildings or campuses. Always calculate voltage drop for your specific application, but the 0.75mm cores provide substantial improvement over 0.5mm alternatives, making them particularly suitable for demanding installations in large public buildings.

Where should this LSF shotgun cable be installed?

This LSF shotgun cable should be specified for CCTV installations in public buildings and spaces where fire safety is a critical concern and where combined video/power cable is beneficial. Ideal locations include schools, hospitals, care homes, shopping centres, cinemas, theatres, airports, train stations, office buildings, hotels, sports facilities, and any other environment where members of the public may be present. Many building regulations and fire safety codes specifically require LSF or similar low-toxicity cables in public access areas. The shotgun cable configuration adds the benefit of simplified installation with both video and power in one cable, making it particularly efficient for multi-camera installations in these environments.

What are the power cores made of?

The power cores in this cable are made of copper conductor material (not CCA – Copper Clad Aluminium). Pure copper conductors provide the best conductivity and lowest resistance, which is important for power transmission over distance. The copper cores are insulated with PVC insulation (0.42mm thickness) before being enclosed with the coaxial cable in the common LSF outer jacket. The use of copper rather than CCA for the power cores, combined with the larger 0.75mm size, makes this cable particularly suitable for professional installations requiring reliable power delivery over longer distances or to cameras with higher current requirements.

How does this cable simplify PTZ camera installations?

For PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera installations in public buildings, this LSF shotgun cable provides an ideal solution by combining video, power, and control in a single cable. The coaxial element carries the video signal, while the two power cores can deliver electrical power to the camera and carry control signals for PTZ functions (using protocols like RS-485). This means a single cable pull provides everything needed for a fully functional PTZ camera. The LSF jacket ensures fire safety compliance for public buildings, while the 0.75mm power cores provide adequate current capacity for PTZ cameras which typically consume more power than fixed cameras due to their motorized movement mechanisms. This combination significantly reduces installation time, cost, and complexity compared to running separate cables for video, power, and control.

What standards and certifications does this cable meet?

This RG59 + Power LSF shotgun cable complies with CE 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility), RoHS2 2011/65/EU (restriction of hazardous substances), and LVD 2014/35/EU (low voltage directive). It also carries UK CA certification and meets CPR Eca fire rating requirements. The LSF jacket provides additional compliance with fire safety requirements for public buildings, meeting low smoke and fume emission standards. These certifications ensure the cable meets European and UK safety, environmental, and performance standards for professional CCTV installations in public spaces where fire safety is paramount.

Can the power cores be used for data transmission?

While the primary design purpose is for power delivery, the 0.75mm copper power cores can potentially be used for low-speed data transmission such as PTZ control signals using protocols like RS-485. The thicker 0.75mm conductors provide better signal integrity than thinner alternatives for control data. However, these are power conductors without the impedance control and shielding of proper data cables, so they’re not suitable for high-speed or high-frequency data transmission. Always check the requirements of your specific PTZ or control system to ensure compatibility. For dedicated high-speed data transmission, use the appropriate cable type designed for that purpose.

Is there a significant cost difference between LSF shotgun cable and PVC shotgun cable?

LSF shotgun cable typically costs more than equivalent PVC shotgun cable due to two factors: the specialized low smoke compound used in the jacket, and the thicker 0.75mm copper power cores (compared to typical 0.5mm CCA cores in economy shotgun cables). However, this price difference is generally considered worthwhile given the significant safety benefits for public buildings and the improved power delivery capability. In many public building installations, LSF cable is not optional but required by fire safety regulations, making it the necessary choice regardless of cost. The additional cost per metre is a modest investment for greatly improved occupant safety, regulatory compliance, and more reliable power delivery to cameras. When you also consider the installation time savings compared to running separate cables, the total system cost may actually be lower.