Using CCTV Video Balun to Transmit Video Over a Cat5 Cable

When transmitting a video signal for your security camera over long distances, a Cat5 cable is ideal. This kind of situation is perfect for using a CCTV video balun, otherwise known as a UTP balun. What does a video balun do? It converts a 75 ohm video signal over to the correct 100 ohm impedance for the Cat5 cable and then back to the 75 ohm video signal again. Aside from a Cat5 cable, a CCTV video balun also allows other forms of twisted pair wire in CCTV video camera and surveillance installations. In addition, a video balun is more cost efficient because installers can run over long distances easier than a coax cable for less money. In fact, an active video balun transceiver can extend wires for surveillance cameras for up to 3,000 feet.

Aside from being a money saver, using a CCTV video balun is a time saver too. Instead of running a coax cable from all the way up, you can just check for unused Cat5 phone lines. Phone lines are cost efficient when it comes to wiring. As an installer, using a phone line means that you just have to unscrew the face plate, strip the phone cable wires and connect it to the balun. When it comes to stripping, the more economical video baluns will require wire stripping and an individual wire connection. For this, you will need a cable stripper. However, if you are using a “fancier” balun, you will notice that it usually has a built in port for easier connection directly from a cable with a connector. Using a CCTV video balun also gives you multiple pairs of wires. Ordinarily, you will have four pairs of 22 gauge wires so you can use one cable for four cameras. A word of caution, though. Do not forget to either power the security camera at the camera itself or use a separate Cat5 cable to avoid interference.