CCTV Camera Cables and Connectors

CCTV Camera Cables and Connectors

When looking for a security solution for your home or business, it is important to spend time researching which type of camera is best suited for your security needs. Not all camera cables and connectors are the same. There are three types of cables and connectors that are common in CCTV systems: BNC, DIN, and RCA. This guide will help you learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of each of these connectors, and how to convert between them.

BNC Connector

BNC is abbreviation for Bayonet-Neil-Concelman. It is an industry industry standard for transmitting a video signal over a coaxial cable. It features a unique locking mechanism to ensure the cable is firmly secured to the DVR/monitor and will not come loose. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of BNC

Advantages	Disadvantages
Industry standard for CCTV cameras BNC cables are good for a distance of 300 ft. (depending on cable quality) BNC cables lock in place, ensuring a consistent image and no unwanted disconnection	Requires a separate power source Only transmits video Does not support audio

DIN Connector

DIN is an abbreviation for Deutsches Institute for Normung. DIN connectors are round with pins arranged in a circular pattern, and can have either 4 or 6 pins (depending on model).

Example of a 6-Pin DIN Connection and Pin-out:

Pin 1: + 12V Input

Pin 2: Audio to Camera

Pin 3: Alarm Signal

Pin 4: NC (no use)

Pin 5: Audio from camera

Pin 6: Video from camera

Advantages and Disadvantages of DIN

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to connect No need for a separate power source. The camera will be powered by the system. Supports two-way audio (depending on camera model) Only one cable required to run between the camera and the system DIN cables are good for a distance of up to 300 ft	Easy to bend pins Pin configuration is proprietary to the camera manufacturer so you cannot mix DIN cameras from different manufacturers Not as common as BNC Cameras Physical connection to the DVR / observation system is not locked-in, as compared to BNC connections

RCA Connector

RCA is a standard cable used to transmit analog video and audio between many devices such as TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereo systems, and video game consoles. The yellow cable is for video. The black and red cables (or white and red) are used for audio: Black/White and Red cables are usually stereo; a single White cable is mono

.

Advantages and Disadvantages of RCA

Advantages	Disadvantages
Standard for audio and video in consumer electronics industry Widely available accessories	Not as common as BNC Cameras RCA cables are good for a distance of 180 ft, depending on cable quality Physical connection to the DVR / observation system is not locked-in, as compared to BNC connections

6-Pin DIN Extension Cable

Simply use the high-performance 100 ft 6-Pin DIN Extension Cable (also available in 250 ft). Connections can be made up to 300 ft.

Extending DIN cables

Type	Terminating Connectors	Coupler	Distance
DIN	Female/Male	Not required	Up to 350 ft: (5 x 60 ft; 3 x 100 ft; 1 x 100 ft + 1 x 250 ft)

BNC Extension Cable

Simply use the 60 ft BNC / Power Cable or the 120 ft BNC / Power Extension Cable.

BNC Extension Cable Connections

Video Input Connections

Connect the BNC cable to the video input of the monitor, and connect the power adapter to an outlet.

Camera Connections

Connect the BNC and power cables to the camera.

Use the BNC (f) to BNC (f) Coupler to connect additional extension cables to each other.

Extending BNC cables

Type	Terminating Connectors	Coupler	Distance
BNC	Male/Male	BNC Female / Female Model: BNCC	Up to 180 ft (3 x 60 ft)

NOTE: It is possible to run a single coax cable with BNC termination over longer distances. However, a power supply will be required near the camera.

Universal Extension Cable

Use the 100 ft Universal Surveillance Camera Extension Cable to extend and/or connect DIN, BNC, and RCA cameras to a monitor, TV, or observation system.

How to Convert Between Connectors

BNC to RCA

Use the BNC (female)-to-RCA (male) Coupler (model: BNCB) to convert CCTV standard BNC connectors to common RCA connectors. Simply connect the BNC connector to the BNC (female)-to-RCA (male) Coupler. Connect the coupler to the RCA port on the TV / monitor. NOTE: BNC cameras terminate with a female connector. You need to use the included BNC extension cable (males in order to connect to a BNC input of an observation system/DVR.

RCA to BNC

Use the RCA (female) to BNC (male) Coupler (model: BNCA) to convert common RCA  Connectors to CCTV standard BNC. Simply connect the RCA connector to the RCA (female) to BNC (male) Coupler and then connect the BNC connector to the observation system/DVR DIN to BNC Use the 6-Pin to BNC Cable Adapter to convert Lorex 6-Pin DIN connectors to CCTV standard BNC. Connect the 6-Pin DIN connector to the 6-Pin to BNC Cable Adapter, and then connect the BNC connector to the observation system / DVR. Connect the power connector from the coupler to a power supply. NOTE: A regulated power adapter will be required (supplied with models: ACC1510, ACC1511) as power will no longer be supplied by the observation system/DVR.

Audio recording capability must be supported on the DIN camera. If audio is supported and you want to continue to record audio, make sure that an AUDIO IN port (RCA-female) is available on the system/DVR.

Check the instruction manual of your system for complete details.

BNC to DIN

Use an RCA to 6-Pin DIN Cable Adapter to connect CCTV standard BNC connectors to a Lorex system with 6-Pin DIN ports. Connect the BNC connector to the RCA to 6-Pin DIN Cable Adapter using the included BNC (female) to RCA (male) coupler (model: BNCB).

RCA to DIN

Use an RCA to 6-Pin DIN Cable Adapter to allow a connection between common RCA connectors (with power supply) and a Lorex system with 6-Pin DIN. Connect the yellow RCA (male) connector to the yellow RCA (female) connector on the RCA to 6-Pin DIN Cable Adapter. Connect the Power connector (female) from the RCA camera to the Power connector (male) on the RCA/Power to 6-Pin DIN Coupler. Connect the 6-Pin DIN (male) connector to a 6-Pin DIN (female) port on an observation system / DVR.

NOTE: If necessary, connect the 6-Pin DIN Coupler to a 6-Pin DIN Extension Cable.