It is impossible to build a home electrical network without electric cable. However, to furnish your home, it is not enough to install it correctly; you also need to correctly select the appropriate type. And for this you need to know what characteristics influence the choice. Do you agree?
We will tell you what types of products the modern market offers and what wire to use for wiring in the house. We will introduce you to the popular nomenclature and help you understand the labeling of products for laying power lines. Let us indicate what buyers and independent electricians should focus on.
In order to optimize perception, we supplemented the information presented for review with diagrams, photo selections, and video recommendations.
The main elements of any electrical cable are the conductors - elements for passing electric current, isolated from each other by an internal shell and enclosed in a common shell.
They are designated by the abbreviation TPG.
In addition to current-carrying cores (1), the cable may contain the following structural elements as core (3), wire or steel armor (2) and outer shell (4)
There are two types of conductors for transmitting electrical energy:
- single-wire solid;
- stranded, consisting of a large number of thin threads.
Some people mistakenly believe that single-wire conductors and single-core cables are an identical concept. In fact, single-core products can have only one core, which, in turn, can be made of single or multi-wire.
Image gallery
The first sign by which cables are divided is number of cores. The operational parameters of single- and multi-core products are detailed in the table below.
Installation of any video surveillance system, with the exception of wireless, is never complete without a cable. The cable transmits the video signal from the camera to the DVR, provides power, and also connects additional devices, for example. There are not so many types of video cables today; in this material we will tell you about the most common and widely used ones.
The choice of cable for video surveillance depends on a number of key points. For example, when installing IP video surveillance, a twisted pair wire is usually used, i.e. a regular network LAN, similar to the one with which we connect a computer to the Internet. The cable for IP video surveillance has one interesting feature: using it you can not only connect the camera to the DVR to transmit a video signal, but also connect a sound recording device. We'll talk more about twisted pair later. We will also look at 3 main types of cables , used for video surveillance purposes, but first things first.
1. Coaxial cable for video surveillance
Components of a coaxial cable
The most commonly used cable for connecting analog cameras is a video surveillance coaxial cable, like the one that connects an external antenna to a TV or receiver. This type of cable consists of a copper core enclosed in a thick layer of foam dielectric, which is covered on the outside with a shielding protective sheath, which ensures good protection from interference and possible signal loss. The most commonly used brands are domestic ones RK-75-2-13, RK-75-4-12 (RK - radio frequency cable), or imported analogues - RG-59, RG-6, RG-11.
When choosing a coaxial cable, it is necessary to take into account such important parameters as the length and location of installation (indoors or outdoors), and depending on this, purchase a suitable brand of wire.
If the cameras are significantly removed from the DVR and from each other (the line length is more than 200-300 meters), the transmitted signal can weaken significantly: a simple axiom applies here - the longer and thinner the cable, the greater the signal loss. So when choosing, it is very important to take into account the laying distance, and, based on it, choose the appropriate cable for video surveillance systems.
For example, we lay RK-75-2-13 with a line length not exceeding 100 meters, and for longer distances (from 100 to 300 meters) we use grades RK-75-3-..., for distances over 300 meters we usually use UTP (more on this below).
The RG-6 cable differs from its Russian counterparts RK-75 primarily in that it has a larger diameter of the central conductor and sheath. It is also capable of transmitting a slightly larger range of frequencies than RK-75; for example, HD-SDI cameras refuse to work with RK, and transmit the signal perfectly via RG-6 with a line length of more than 10 m.
For clarity and greater detail, we present a table showing the dependence of wire type on distance.
Cable selection depending on the distance of the recorder to the camera
When choosing a coaxial cable for video surveillance, be sure to make sure that the center conductor is entirely copper, otherwise the signal will be very weak.
Among other things, coaxial cable differs according to other technical criteria, such as:
- Flexibility - in cases where laying a video cable requires bending it in several places, it is necessary to purchase a wire with a multicore central conductor, which will have increased flexibility compared to a monolithic one.
- Characteristic impedance – for video surveillance, cables with a resistance of 75 Ohms are most often used;
- Degree of protection against interference – presence of shielding shells;
- Insulation diameter;
- The degree of signal attenuation;
Pros. Main advantage of this type the cable is its high, affordable price, the ability to transmit both video and audio signals.
Minuses. The disadvantages of coaxial cable include the high cost of connectors, easy damage, and restrictions on laying distance. When using RK grades, there is a need for a separate routing of the power cable, although this point cannot always be attributed to disadvantages, because for budget systems the power supply option via a separate cable will be much cheaper - the savings lie in supplying power to several cameras at the same time, as well as in the high cost of the CVC.
Also, when providing power separately from the main signal transmission cable, it becomes possible to connect cameras to the network away from the DVR, which is almost impossible to do using a combined cable.
2. Power combo cable
Combination cable
In cases where the camera is powered and the signal is transmitted from one point, it is most convenient to use a combined cable for video surveillance systems. It is suitable for both analog and digital devices. This is still the same coaxial wire with a resistance of 75 Ohms, but in one bundle with the power wires. Thanks to this interweaving, power to the cameras and signal transmission can be provided without laying additional wires.
Also, in addition to everything, such a cable may contain wires for connecting additional functional elements (for example, a microphone), and for controlling the camera (for example, for controlling the camera's rotating device). An example is the KKSEV cable, which, in addition to the coaxial core, has separate wires for power and audio signals.
A combined high-frequency cable (HFC) with power cores is one of the most expensive. It is used when creating a video surveillance system in which each camera will be connected to the network using a separate one, each +12V output of which is equipped with an individual fuse, or if not large quantities cameras
Among the most commonly used combined cables for video surveillance are the following brands: KVK-2P, KVK-V-2.
UTP cable for video surveillance, or “twisted pair”
We usually resort to using twisted pair in cases where the range of the proposed line from the camera to the signal receiving device is from 300 to 1000 m (the distance of possible laying of a working video surveillance line using twisted pair can be up to 3 km). The convenience of using this type of cable for video surveillance systems lies in the large number of conductors under one braid. Thanks to this, it is possible to supply power to the cameras via one line, and transmit the main signals (video, audio), and use the remaining wiring to provide camera control, as well as to connect an additional camera (there are enough conductors in the cable - 8 pieces).
Depending on the structural features, there are several types of twisted pair cables - UTP, FTP, STP.
- UTP cable the simplest, it does not have protective shielding shells, and consists of 8 insulated, pair-twisted conductors placed in a common protective shell. The disadvantages of UTP cables include their low resistance to interference, therefore, in cases of laying communications for video surveillance near electrical wiring and other sources of interference, it is better to use cables with additional protection.
- FTP cable characterized by the presence of a common foil shielding shell. Thanks to its presence, this cable can be laid close to electrical wiring cables and other sources of interference. It is very important to ensure the safety of the foil screen and not exceed the minimum bending radius - no more than 8 outer diameters of the cable. External cable protection can be made of either PVC or solid polyethylene.
- STP cable also has a common protective shell, but no longer made of foil, but of copper braid. In addition, each conductor in such a cable is solid copper, insulated with polyolefin, and has an individual protective screen from foil. External insulation is usually made of fire-resistant PVC. The use of this type of cable is necessary in cases of laying over 90 meters in the presence of numerous sources of interference.
When laying STP cable, it is necessary to ground the screen, otherwise it will act like an antenna attracting electromagnetic radiation!
CCTV cameras are quite easy to install and connect, so in cases where the video surveillance structure changes frequently, as well as when connecting a large number of cameras to long distances We recommend using UTP cable.
The undoubted advantage of twisted pair is the large number of conductors, which ensures the connection of all main functional elements. Also, this cable has a lower cost compared to coaxial.
One source describes the experience of connecting cameras at 700 meters. Colleagues share their observations that UTP in their case collected much less interference compared to shielded FTP, so, perhaps, UTP cable for video surveillance is best choice in such cases. But maybe they just forgot to ground the screen, who knows...
When connecting analog cameras using such a cable, transceivers (Video Baloon) are used as an adapter, which also remove interference from the cable. We invite you to watch a very intelligible video about connecting a CCTV camera using twisted pair cable.
Cable for IP video surveillance systems
Cable for IP video surveillance with RJ-45 connector
The same UTP cable with crimped RJ-45 connectors on both ends is used. Its advantage lies in the possibility of laying one common twisted pair line for an entire system of IP video surveillance cameras, using a switch. The cameras can be powered in three ways:
- Laying a separate power cable for each camera;
- Installation of power supplies in the installation locations of each camera;
- Powering cameras using loose twisted pair wires.
The third option is suitable only for cases where the camera and switch support PoE (Power of Ethernet) technology, which allows power to be supplied via an Ethernet cable for IP video surveillance; in other cases, it is necessary to use Passive PoE injectors, which allow combining signal and power transmission on both sides one cable.
Which one is better to choose?
Which cable to choose for a video surveillance system?
Generally, choosing the right type of CCTV cable depends on specific situation, your desires and . In the case of IP cameras, this is almost always the unambiguous use of a UTP cable with RJ-45 connectors; analogue video surveillance with a small number of cameras can get by with a regular coaxial cable at distances not exceeding 100-300 meters, and to be able to supply power and transmit signals over one cable it is necessary use either a combined video surveillance cable with power or twisted pair cable. If there are a large number of cameras and longer distances, we would recommend that you use a twisted pair cable - UTP, FTP or STP cable - depending on the distances, place of use (street, interior spaces) and sources of interference.
The differences in the location of the communications will be that for it it is necessary to use a cable with protective external insulation made of solid polyethylene, and for internal systems CCTV can be taken from regular PVC. Also, a cable for outdoor installation may have support cable made of steel, which is necessary to enhance the strength of the cable when laying the cable through the air (KVK-Pt).
In this article, we tried to analyze as much as possible the question of how to choose the right cable for video surveillance, talked about the main types and their characteristics, tried to highlight in as much detail as possible those design differences that play a major role in choosing the most suitable cable depending on a particular CCTV systems and your preferences. We wish you good luck and hope that this material remains useful to you!
74 comments
You need to check using the KVK or RK75 cable, if the ripples stop, then the problem is in the cable, and if not, then the camera needs to be returned under warranty
Your symptoms hinted to me that the power supply unit. poor. There is a possibility that there is a power drawdown during the day, and at night due to the backlight there is a complete failure.
IP cameras are connected via twisted pair, RJ-45 is a universal connector used in UTP, FTP, STP cables.
Hello, Alexander. It is better to use a response point not loco, but a full-fledged one in bridge mode. And you need direct visibility. There should be no other problems, the scheme is working.
Hello. In the early 2000s, there were cameras that operated only in pulse mode, based on a motion sensor; the same ones were used in video intercoms; they were a little cheaper. You either have a camera malfunction or a pulse camera. It is better to replace it with a more modern AHD.
Hello, Rinat. Clarify your question, what do you mean when you say “what is the best way to do it?” What cameras are you going to use - analogue or IP?
IP cameras operate at a distance of 80-100 meters. At 250 you can use AHD cameras. If you want IP, then an option is repeaters every 80 meters or WiFi with line of sight.
Hello, I have a building with 2 floors plus a roof with metal tiles, I’m going to install a total of 10 cameras inside and outside the building and one on the metal tiles, the question is which cable is better to take, just UTP and with braid, then on the floor for each camera I’m like this I understand that grounding needs to be done, I’m also going to install a passive poe injector with 16 ports to power these cameras, and then take one wire from the injector to the receiver, the distance to the cameras will be no more than 100m, thank you in advance
Hello. You have a wrong idea about the camera connection diagram. More than one wire will come from the injector. If you can imagine approximate diagram installation of cameras with marked places we can prepare for you Commercial offer
What do you mean I plan to install a camera on metal tiles? Cameras are not installed on metal tiles; you will create a leak in the roof.Dear time of day!
SNT, we want to install a video surveillance system at the beginning of 4 streets. From 30 to 200 meters to the registrar 0. The lines are supposed to be pulled along 0.4 kV power poles. Install the recorder next to/inside the PTS. It is advisable to turn on motion sensor cameras and at least one microphone. What are your recommendations for equipment? Thanks in advance for your answerA total of 300 m of cable was laid. In your case, you can either save money by installing cameras general overview, or (which is desirable) install narrow-angle cameras to view each street into the distance. The latter, with a resolution of 2MP 12mm, will cover up to 30-40 meters in length. If we take similar ones with a focal length of 50mm, then their maximum operating range will be up to 200 meters.
But these cameras will no longer be able to see the 20 meters closest to the camera. Of course, such narrow-angle cameras are more expensive, 12,000-19,000 per unit. It is not advisable to install microphones outdoors; moisture condensation quickly damages them. Or are you planning indoors? If you are interested in equipment, call the phone number listed on the website.
Hello. They gave me a regular analog camera, I installed and stretched a regular military field wire twisted (black), the distance of 45 meters shows dimly and in the evening nothing at all, power supply installed next to the camera. The image has not improved, please tell me what am I doing wrong and do I need to install the power supply nearby? Thank you in advance, I'm waiting for your answer.
What cameras are you going to connect? In general, the grounding conductor can be combined.
Hello, we have an IP camera with a distance of 250m. The recorder does not see it, the cable rings and the power comes to the camera. The camera is registered and tested on a short cable. The switch produces three short signals with a pause and repeat. What should I do? Thank you in advance
Good afternoon You can use a sealed pipe, for example HDPE.
Good afternoon. There is a need to create a temporary video surveillance system at the site. 10 cameras. Distances from the recorder from 30m. up to 600m. The question is what is the best way to do it (cameras on poles, power will not be supplied to the poles).
Good afternoon. ST-1045 cameras are connected via coaxial cable: RK-75, KVK or similar. If you do not have the opportunity to use coaxial, then at your own peril and risk you can connect twisted pair cables through specialized transceivers for the AHD signal. Transceivers for analog signals are not suitable. And remember that this combination very strongly picks up any interference, for example from a 220V network. Therefore, place the twisted pair cable as far as possible from the source of interference (other cables). In addition, make sure that the recorder input is turned on in AHD mode
We tested it on AHD Space technology cameras, the cameras worked normally at a distance of 250-320 meters. These cameras are currently on sale in May and cost 850 rubles each! They have a resolution of 1 megapixel, naturally colored, with night illumination, outdoor, with a stated distance of up to 500 meters. It would be better to replace analog cameras with long-range ones.
It is possible, as long as the pipe is sealed. Usually HDPE pipe is used, it is without seams.
Hello.
Connected the KPC-EX190SHB1(H-Res) video camera
The camera shows well, but not for long. The camera soon becomes very hot and wide black stripes appear in the video. The instructions say that it is important that the current is no more than 80mA.
Hello. The blue pair is entirely for minus power, the brown pair is for plus power. Direct crimping (hub-computer).
Good evening, please tell me. 3ip cameras are connected to the switch. From the candle there is a loco transmitting point at a distance of 200 meters. We use UTP cable on the cable. What problems might arise? Will distance affect signal transmission?
A DVR is like a computer. Accordingly, if directly, then a cross connection, if through a hub, then direct crimping.
Hello Aram. A coaxial cable will suit you, maybe with a transition to BNC.
Hello, Vladimir. You need to use TVI converters for twisted pair, or connect with a coaxial cable.
Hello. Yes you can, with a resistance of 75 ohms.
Good afternoon, yes you can.
Good afternoon. For 40 meters you can use any cable, the distance is not long.
Hello, I need to connect 8 cameras on the street, the cameras will be on poles around the area, but I don’t know which cameras need to be taken so that I can use twisted pair, but twisted pair (with foil insulation) but RJ-45, is there such a thing? And how to connect everything into one circuit, hook up the adapters on the branches to the cameras?
Thank you.
Hello. Not every video intercom can connect a video camera; read the instructions for the intercom.
hello, please tell me, we connected the camera via UTP twisted pair cable, the distance is 10 meters, and the picture is rippling! But at night it doesn’t show!! The cameras were changed, the signal amplifiers were installed, everyone has already changed their minds, there is no electrical wire nearby, everything is connected clearly and perfectly, checked inside and out several times!!! Has anyone come across this?
Hello, Sergey! The cost of this cable from various sellers ranges from 10 to 30 rubles/meter.
Hello, Ilya. You can use a repeater every 80 meters, but AHD and TVI digital cameras would be better. They now have a resolution of up to 5 megapixels, a range of up to 500 meters.
there are laser cameras up to several kilometers
Did you like the video? Subscribe to our channel!
When working on upgrading electrical wiring, it makes sense to think about how to connect the Internet in the apartment.
Internet wiring- the work is quite simple, but requires a set of tools for stripping the cable and connecting the connectors. Minimum tool kit for internet wiring cable contains a special cutter for stripping the insulation from the cable, pliers (crimper) for crimping RJ-45 connectors and percussion instrument(in installer jargon - “poke”) for connecting cable cores to an outlet.
Before bring internet to the apartment you should decide on the locations of the intended placement of computers and designate the place where the router will be located.
General principle of organizing a home Internet network
The cable from the provider is connected to a special device - a router, which distributes the Internet to computers on the home network. Typically, the number of computers on a home network does not exceed 4, so many routers have 4 outputs. In addition, the router often has Wi-Fi point access to connect wireless devices.
It is best to place the router in the place where it is most convenient to run cables from all rooms. You will also need to run a cable from the provider there. Don't forget about the outlet to power the router.
Once you have decided on the connection points for computers and other devices, you can begin laying the Internet cable. For Internet wiring a four-pair twisted pair cable (UTP 5e) is used, for example (used for single installation) or (used for group installation).
Internet cable wiring carried out simultaneously with laying the power cable. The ends of the cable are connected to special sockets RJ-45. Such sockets are also produced by different manufacturers. How to connect a cable to an RJ-45 socket can be read in the article “connecting sockets”
The ends of the cable leading from the outlets should be connected to the router using an RJ-45 jack. To do this, you need to strip the cable of insulation by about 30-40 mm, carefully unravel the wires and arrange them in the following sequence:
- white-orange
- orange
- white-green
- blue
- white-blue
- green
- white-brown
- brown
Then cut at a distance of 14 mm from the insulation, and insert into the connector, as shown in the figure:
After this, insert it into special pliers (crimper) and crimp. If possible, you need to ring connections using special device- connection tester. If there is no tester, you can connect the computer to the outlet using a patch cord - a flexible cable with RJ-45 plugs at the ends. If there is no ready-made patch cord, you can make it yourself from a piece of cable and two RJ-45 plugs.
After this, you can connect the cable to the router and supply power to the computer and router. If the light on the router lights up above the connector that is connected to the computer, then you have done everything correctly and the connection will be established.
After this, you can call the provider and ask him bring internet to the apartment.
When an inexperienced person is faced with the need to set up a local network, even if this network is for home and connects only a few computers, he has a lot of questions. One of the first will probably be: “Which cable for the Internet should I choose?” Let's figure out what types of this element exist, how they differ, what are their pros and cons. Answers to all questions will allow you not only to have an idea of how to create local network, but will also help you understand the creation of larger networks. And also in some nuances of structured cable systems and their construction.
Internet cable: types
There are many characteristics that distinguish an Internet cable. However, we should not focus our attention on all of them; we will only need a few. Let's figure out what cores are provided for a particular product, we will also find out what the cable category is and what shielding methods are available.
What kind of veins are there?
Screen on the cable. Why is this necessary?
The answer to this question lies in determining the location of the gasket. If it is laid next to power cables up to 380 volts, with a cross-section of 4 square meters. mm, then FTP type shielding is definitely required. After all, power cables are sources of electromagnetic interference, and an outdoor Internet cable must be able to withstand these harmful factors. When it is located with power elements more high voltage with a cross-section of 8 square millimeters, it is best to provide an F2TP cable.
There are cases when conductors are laid close to high-voltage cables (that is, 1000 volts and above). In addition to the fact that power and low current cables should be laid separately, it is also necessary to select SF/UTP network cables. Such situations are usually excluded due to certain electrical installation rules, but still sometimes occur.
It is also worth highlighting the question of how to connect a shielded Internet cable. Usually shielded connectors are used, which differ from the standard ones in the metal part. In order to connect a network cable, shielded and standard, to the equipment, you will need the following things. The connector itself and the crimping tool. First you need to remove the outer sheath of the cable, leaving the cores of the required length. This can be done using a crimping tool. Then the wires are braided in pairs according to colors according to a pattern that corresponds to the drawing on the switching equipment. After this, using a crimping tool, the connector is crimped onto the cable, while its knives cut into the cable cores.
So, we looked at how you can lay electrical cables in your home yourself. As you can see, it is quite possible to perform this operation yourself. But do not forget about vigilance and safety. After all, most residential fires occur precisely because of non-compliance with installation techniques. electrical wiring. Also, you should not save on cable thickness, especially since the number of current consumers in modern houses 2-3 times higher than during the USSR.
When organizing indoor wiring, many people do not think about choosing a wire and often use the first option they come across. When laying outdoors, this approach is unacceptable, because there are a number of negative factors - temperature fluctuations, the influence of UV rays, high humidity, risk of mechanical impacts and others. That's why it's important to know what wire to use for outdoor wiring and what to consider when installing it.
Design and marking features
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is important to understand the intricacies of marking and the decoding of each letter in the product name. All cables are conventionally divided into two categories - single-core and multi-core.
The core itself can be solid or formed from many wires of small cross-section. In the second case, the wire acquires additional softness, bends better and practically does not break if bent.
In the manufacture of cores, as a rule, two types of metal are used - aluminum and copper. The exception is special products where the use of alloys is allowed. By the way, the cable for outdoor SIP wiring has aluminum-steel cores.
For installation at home, wires with copper conductors having best characteristics and designed for high currents. Aluminum cores were previously used due to their low cost and greater availability, but today they are abandoned due to poor corrosion resistance and brittleness.
When making insulation for wires, the following can be used:
- Rubber.
- PVC material.
- Polyethylene.
- Lead and other materials.
Wire marking
If the core material is aluminum, the wire is marked with the letter A. Copper is the default core material and therefore is not reflected in the marking.
According to their purpose, the wires are marked as follows: Ш - installation, K - control, M - installation and others.
Insulation (material):
- P - polyethylene.
- N - non-flammable rubber.
- B - PVC.
- K - nylon.
- Ps - self-extinguishing polyethylene.
- C - lead.
- PV - vulcanizing polyethylene and others.
Cable protection level:
- B - with an armored shell.
- G - without armor (flexible).
- A - paved and so on.
In addition to letter designation There is also digital marking. In it, the first symbol reflects the number of cores, the second - the cross-section, and the third - the rated voltage class. If there is no first digit, the cable has one core.
Which wire to use for outdoor wiring: the best options
We smoothly approached the main question of which wire to use for external wiring in order to be confident in its reliability and ability to withstand negative natural influences. The main requirements for such products are combustion resistance, strength and non-hygroscopicity.
The most popular types include:
Capable of conducting voltages up to 1000 V. Structurally, the product is a group of wires with individual insulation and aluminum conductors. Such products have their own subtypes (SIP -1, 2, 3, and so on) and are produced in many countries around the world. Main feature is the black insulation of the wires. The use of such a cable guarantees greater reliability during aerial installation and reduces installation costs. Additional benefit- compactness, which allows you to use the cable even in conditions of limited space.
AVBbShv is a product based on a group of wires with aluminum cores united under one armored sheath. One of the cable varieties is VBBShV - option with copper wires. A special feature is the possibility of laying in the ground without the use of additional protection and resistance to mechanical stress. Main characteristics:
- The presence of steel tape in the shell.
- Wire insulation is made in different colors for ease of dialing and connection.
- The outer shell is black.
- Resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
- Resource - 30 years.
Due to the presence of armor, cable products of this type are characterized by increased rigidity, which creates additional problems during installation.
NYY is a cable characterized by versatility and reliability in operation. May have copper or aluminum conductors. This product is increasingly used for external wiring in the ground or in the air, as well as for connecting electrical receivers indoors. Main characteristics:
- Resistant to water and fire.
- Compliance with international standards.
- Availability of multi-colored wire insulation.
- Convenience of organizing outdoor wiring.
- The outer shell is black PVC plastic.
- Resistant to temperature changes.
- Resource - 30 years.
This cable is produced in many factories due to its versatility and reliability. The main competitor of the product is considered to be the VBBShV cable, which was mentioned above.
Which are actively used in production and when creating outdoor wiring. Its peculiarity lies in its versatility and ability to operate in different conditions. Characteristics:
- Compliance with the standards of the German Electrical Engineers Association.
- Heat resistance and ability to operate over a wide temperature range.
- Non-hygroscopic and durable, which allows the product to be laid in concrete or in a layer of plaster.
- The cross-section is round, the color is gray.
- Fire resistance.
When installing wiring outdoors using NYM, protection from sunlight is recommended. Such cable products are produced at many factories located in Europe and Russia. Some manufacturers produce cables according to individual specifications, but such products have a lower price and, accordingly, worst quality. The use of such cables for external wiring is not recommended.
Alternative solutions
In addition to those discussed above, it is worth highlighting a number of other brands of cables used in organizing street wiring:
- with PVC sheath and marked wires. The number of cores is from two to five.
- . It is distinguished by its flat shape and double insulation, which allows the wire to be used outdoors .
- PV, APV, PV1 and other wires are suitable for laying external wiring, but only if they are located in pipes. The main disadvantage is the presence of single insulation, which makes them vulnerable to mechanical stress.
- VBBvng is a product characterized by fire resistance and flexibility. The number of cores is from one to six. Most often used to connect portable devices.
After the 2000 Bell Telecom building tragedy in New York City, cable manufacturers changed safety standards. The reason is the release of toxic gases from the braided wires during the combustion process, which is why most people died. In addition, toxic gases also negatively affect complex electronics. That's why on modern stage manufacturers focus on the production of non-flammable wires that differ low level gas and smoke emissions.
Rules for installing outdoor wiring
When choosing wires for external wiring It is important to take into account the features of its laying. There are a number of rules regarding protection and distance from residential buildings. Thus, the distance from the cable to the porch should be at least 250 cm, and to the balcony or window - 100 and 50 cm, respectively. If the wiring has vertical version, the distance from the ground surface should be 275 cm, to the balcony or window opening - 100 and 75 cm, respectively.
If the wire is laid along the wall, you should follow a number of rules:
- In the case of using individual wires, the use of plastic or metal pipes is mandatory.
- The connection of the wires must be ensured using terminal blocks (twisting is prohibited).
- When hanging a cable between buildings, it is necessary to use a cable and a corrugated sleeve.
- Wire connections should only be made in sealed junction boxes.
- Installation of wiring on the roof is prohibited.
In the process of laying wires on the street, it is worth considering a number of other important nuances. Thus, the network of a private home can be connected to a power source of 3 or single-phase voltage (380 or 220 Volts, respectively). If wiring is done by air, it is recommended to use SIP-4 wire.
Armored wires of the VBShv or AVBShv brands are more suitable for underground laying. A special feature of such products is their resistance to water and mechanical damage. For external wiring, as a rule, wires with an aluminum core of larger cross-section are used, which reduces installation costs.
Another factor that must be taken into account is the installation method. The most popular options:
- Air. Such option will do for cases where the cable has a length of 3 meters or more. The advantages of the method are high installation speed and ease of maintenance. On the other hand, aesthetics suffer and the service life of the product decreases. In the process of such installation, it is used steel rope, to which the cable itself is attached using ties.
- Underground. This method is used in most cases when it is necessary to lay a long cable. Installation is carried out in several stages - selecting the cable type, marking the location and laying it. The depth of the trench is about 70 cm. Below there should be a “cushion” of sand about 8-10 centimeters thick. The cable must be laid without tension, after which it is covered with sand, soil and finally compacted.
An example of cable laying in a trench is shown in this video:
Results
When choosing a wire for installation outdoors, it is worth considering many factors, as well as thinking about the installation method in advance. Remember that your peace of mind, safety, and sometimes even your life depend on the correct choice of cable and compliance with the rules of the electrical installation instructions during the installation process.
