3+1 CCTV Cable Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

How to choose a 3+1 CCTV cable: conductor size, copper quality, indoor vs outdoor, coil length and installation tips for clear video and stable power.

For analog and HD-over-coax CCTV systems, the 3+1 cable is the standard choice. It combines a coaxial cable for video and three copper cores for power in a single jacket. But not all 3+1 cables are equal. The right choice depends on your cable runs, cameras and environment.

1. Conductor size

Thicker copper conductors have lower resistance, so they lose less power over distance. For short indoor runs, a standard conductor works well. For longer runs, many cameras on one system, or cameras with infrared night vision, choose a thicker conductor for more headroom.

2. Pure copper vs copper-clad aluminium

Some low-cost cables use copper-clad aluminium (CCA), which has higher resistance and is more prone to breaking and corrosion. Pure copper conductors give better signal and power performance and longer life. Ask the supplier which conductor the cable uses.

3. Indoor or outdoor

Indoor cables are designed for protected routes inside buildings. For camera runs on exterior walls, poles and open areas, use a cable made for outdoor installation, as indoor cables are not built for sunlight and weather.

4. Coil length and planning

3+1 cables are commonly sold in 90 yard coils. Measure your total cable requirement, add a margin for routing and service loops, and plan so that each camera run is a single continuous length without joints.

Quick selection guide

Situation	What to choose
Short indoor runs	Standard conductor indoor 3+1
Long indoor runs or many cameras	Thicker conductor indoor 3+1
Exterior walls, poles, open areas	Outdoor 3+1
IP cameras	CAT6 cable instead of 3+1

Installation tips

Avoid joints in the middle of a cable run
Use good quality BNC and power connectors
Avoid sharp bends and over-tight cable ties
Keep CCTV cables away from heavy electrical lines where possible
Weatherproof all outdoor connections

Frequently asked questions

Is 3+1 cable used for IP cameras?

No. IP cameras use Ethernet cable such as CAT6. 3+1 cable is designed for analog and HD-over-coax CCTV systems.

Why does my camera picture flicker at night?

At night, infrared LEDs draw extra power. On long runs with thin conductors, the voltage can drop too much. A thicker conductor or a better power arrangement often solves this.