Related tools
After calculating cable quantity, include it in your quotation, or check PoE switch sizing and PoE power budget.
How Much CCTV Cable Do I Need?
Estimate number of runs multiplied by average run length, plus slack and contingency.
Why Add Cable Slack?
Slack can account for service loops, cabinet termination, camera-end slack, and routing adjustments.
Cable Waste / Contingency
The chosen percentage is a planning allowance, not a mandatory rule.
305 Meter / 1000 Foot Cable Boxes
These are common package sizes, but not universal. Enter the actual package length you plan to buy.
Ethernet Cable Distance
Structured copper Ethernet planning commonly uses about 90 m permanent link and 100 m channel length.
What If My Camera Is More Than 100m Away?
Consider fiber, an intermediate switch, a properly designed extender, or another appropriate transmission method.
PoE on Long Cable Runs
Cable electrical characteristics can affect PoE voltage drop and available device power.
CCTV Cable Quantity Example
Eight runs at 35 m average, 2 m slack, and 10% contingency require 325.6 m.
FAQ
How much cable do I need for 8 CCTV cameras?
Use the number of runs, average length, slack, and contingency. The default example requires 325.6 m.
How do I calculate CCTV cable length?
Multiply runs by average length, add slack, then add contingency.
Why should I add extra cable to each camera run?
Extra cable helps with service loops, routing adjustments, and termination.
What is the maximum Ethernet cable distance?
A common copper Ethernet channel planning limit is about 100 m, with about 90 m often reserved for permanent link.
Can Cat6 run more than 100 meters?
Do not treat Cat6 as a universal exception. Longer links require a validated design or another technology.
What should I do if a CCTV camera is over 100 meters away?
Consider fiber, an intermediate switch, an approved extender, or another suitable network design.
Does long cable affect PoE cameras?
Long cable can affect voltage drop and available device power depending on cable and load.
How many 305m cable boxes do I need?
Divide total required cable by 305 and round up to whole boxes.