For CCTV installations, copper-based CAT 5 and CAT 6 cables are both widely used, with each offering specific advantages depending on application needs and performance requirements.​

Key Features of Copper CAT 5 & CAT 6 Cables

• Both CAT 5 and CAT 6 cables for CCTV applications should always be pure copper (not copper-clad aluminum) to ensure longevity, signal stability, and safety.​

• These cables can deliver video, data, and power, depending on the CCTV setup and accessories like baluns or POE (Power Over Ethernet) injectors.​

CAT 5 vs CAT 6 for CCTV

Recommendations for CCTV Installations

• Always choose pure copper (not CCA) for best signal quality and reliability.​

• CAT 5e can handle standard analog or IP cameras up to 100 meters, but for long cable runs or high-resolution (HD/4K) cameras, CAT 6 is superior due to higher bandwidth and reduced interference.​

• Both cable types support Power Over Ethernet (POE), which is common in modern CCTV setups.​

Commercial Availability

• Pure copper CAT 6 cables for CCTV are widely available in shielded/unshielded variants and commonly sold in 100/305 meter boxes.​

• Hybrid options (combined with power wires) like 3+1, 4+1 CCTV cables are prevalent, but for IP CCTV, standalone CAT 5e/CAT 6 is standard.​