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

FAQs

What is shotgun cable and why is it also called Siamese cable?

Shotgun cable, also known as Siamese cable, is a combined cable that integrates RG59 coaxial cable with power conductors in a single jacket. It’s called “shotgun” because when you look at the cable end-on, the two separate cables (coax and power cores) resemble the side-by-side barrels of a shotgun. The term “Siamese” refers to the fact that two different cables are joined together, similar to Siamese twins. This design allows installers to run both video signal and power to a camera using just one cable pull, significantly simplifying installation.

What are the power cores used for in shotgun cable?

The two 0.5mm power cores integrated into the shotgun cable are used for delivering electrical power to the camera and, in the case of PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras, for controlling the PTZ functions. This eliminates the need to run separate power cables alongside the coaxial video cable. The power cores can carry 12VDC or 24VDC (depending on the camera requirements) from a power supply or DVR to power the camera remotely. For PTZ cameras, these cores can also carry control signals for pan, tilt, and zoom operations.

How far can I run power through the 0.5mm cores?

The maximum distance for power transmission depends on several factors including the voltage (12VDC or 24VDC), the current draw of the camera, and acceptable voltage drop. The 0.5mm CCA conductors have inherent resistance that causes voltage drop over distance. For 12VDC cameras, practical distances are typically 50-100 metres depending on camera power consumption. For 24VDC cameras, distances can be extended further due to lower current requirements. For longer runs, consider using higher voltage (24VDC instead of 12VDC), thicker power cores, or local power supplies. Always calculate voltage drop for your specific application to ensure adequate power delivery.

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

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 where you need both power and control signals. However, it’s not suitable for PoE (Power over Ethernet) IP cameras which receive both data and power through an Ethernet cable. The shotgun cable configuration is most advantageous when you need to run power separately from the video signal, which is the case for most traditional coaxial CCTV installations.

What does CCA mean for the power cores?

CCA stands for Copper Clad Aluminium, where an aluminium core is clad with a thin layer of copper. This construction is used for the power conductors to provide a cost-effective solution. While CCA has higher resistance than pure copper (meaning more voltage drop over distance), it’s lighter and more economical. For the power cores in shotgun cable where distances are typically moderate, CCA provides acceptable performance for powering cameras. The 0.5mm size indicates the conductor diameter, which determines the current-carrying capacity and resistance.

How does shotgun cable simplify installation?

Shotgun cable dramatically simplifies CCTV installation by combining video and power in a single cable. Instead of running separate coaxial cable and power cable (which would require two cable pulls, potentially two conduits, and more complex cable management), installers only need to pull one cable. This reduces installation time, minimizes material costs, simplifies cable routing and management, reduces the visual impact of cable runs, and makes future maintenance easier. The time and cost savings are particularly significant in installations with multiple cameras or long cable runs.

What is the difference between this shotgun cable and running separate cables?

The main difference is convenience and installation efficiency. Running separate RG59 coaxial and power cables achieves the same functional result but requires twice the cable pulling effort, potentially more conduit, and more complex cable management. Shotgun cable combines both into one neat package. However, separate cables offer more flexibility – you can choose different gauges of power cable for different applications, and if one cable is damaged, you only need to replace that cable rather than the entire run. For most standard installations, the convenience of shotgun cable outweighs these considerations.

Can the power cores be used for data transmission?

While the primary design purpose is for power delivery, the power cores can potentially be used for low-speed data transmission such as PTZ control signals using protocols like RS-485. However, these are simple twisted conductors without the shielding and impedance control 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 proper data transmission, use the appropriate cable type designed for that purpose.

What is the service life of shotgun cable?

The polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic jacket used in this shotgun cable has excellent aging properties and will typically exceed a 25-30 year service life under normal operating conditions. This long service life makes it a reliable long-term solution for CCTV installations. The actual lifespan can be affected by installation environment, exposure to UV light, temperature extremes, and mechanical stress, but when properly installed and protected, this cable provides decades of reliable service for both video and power delivery.

What standards does this shotgun cable comply with?

This RG59 + Power 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. These certifications ensure the cable meets European and UK safety, environmental, and performance standards for professional CCTV installations.