01304 827609 info@use-ip.co.uk Find us

Using a 12v extension power cable

Is there any limit to how long a 12v extension power cable can be used for IP cameras?
If it's an IP camera you would be better off using a PoE injector at source (assuming it can be powered via PoE). If powering by 12V DC you're going to have to size the conductors in the cable to ensure the camera gets sufficient power.
 
It seems like these extension cables you can buy are all the same diameter, so I was hoping someone could give some numbers on the number of meters of length that is possible. I agree that POE works fine, but it is not always convenient to make holes in walls.
 
It seems like these extension cables you can buy are all the same diameter, so I was hoping someone could give some numbers on the number of meters of length that is possible. I agree that POE works fine, but it is not always convenient to make holes in walls.
Any length is possible with a cable that has the correct cross sectional area to carry the current that the camera draws at the distance required form the power source. No one can give you numbers as you've not indicated what the power consumption of the camera is and not indicated how far away you want to power it from. Rather than buy a 12V extension cable (whatever that is) you can just use male and female 2.5mm barrel connections (get them on Amazon) that have screw terminals and terminate your own cable into them. Just double or triple the cores on a length of standard intruder alarm cable and you'll be fine, or use a bit of 0.5mm or 0.75mm core flex.
 
Back
Top