How To Choose Power Supply For Your CCTV Camera?

In our blog post today, we have made super easy for you to use appropriate power supplies for your security cameras. You will go through a 5-step method to finalize and purchase the right power supply.

4 Power Supply Types For Your CCTV Camera

Wired Power: Well, AC (alternating current) power adapters and PoE (Power over Ethernet) are among the good choices in this case. They always supply reliable power because of the consistent access to electricity.
Wireless Power: You don’t have to deal with messy wires. Also easily applicable in outdoor settings. If you choose a wireless power source for CCTV cameras then our experience is the cameras need to be linked with Wifi.
Uninterrupted Power Supply or UPS: It is used as a strong power backup tool in case of power fluctuations so you don’t lose your important data.
Solar Power: This is a relatively unusual type of power supply for cameras but highly sustainable, affordable and low maintenance. You will find it a great option for remote areas where energy outlets are hard to find.

5-Step Guide To Use a Power Supply For Your CCTV

If you follow these steps, you will face no difficulty in selecting a reliable power supply for your security camera.

1. Specifications of Your Camera

Before anything else, you have to consider the camera features to choose the most suitable power supply. You must check the following points:

Voltage: To avoid any kinds of issues with your camera such as image distortion, flickering & overheating, check the voltage requirement of your security camera. If it is 12V, then the power supply with this capacity of voltage is ideal.
Current: The power supply must have the current capacity according to the camera’s electric current rating (written in amperes). But if your electric source is transferring very low electricity to your CCTV systems, then for sure your camera will face a lot of complications and malfunctioning.
Connector Type: To ensure a stable connection, the connector type of the power supply should be matched with the camera’s power input connector.

2. Installation Distance

When we talk about the space length between the cameras and power supply, it is really important. Why? Because suppose the electrical power is coming from a far location. Ultimately the voltage will reduce or become weak.

So, if your CCTV camera is, let’s say several meters away from the location of the power supply, you must then arrange a higher-voltage setup to fill power needs.

Moreover, according to our experience, you can also ask the professional to install a PoE power supply / or also called Power Over Ethernet. The reason is PoEs deliver the power to the camera through the data cable.

3. Number of CCTV Cameras

Camera number is another deciding factor.

Suppose you need the supply for a single camera for the outside view of your home or your office room. All you have to do is calculate its power consumption to find an appropriate power supply.

Now imagine you wish to buy a power supply which can properly support multiple cameras (may be 5, 7 or 10). At this time, you should multiply the camera number with the energy usage of each camera.

4. Calculate the Required Energy For Security Camera System

Don’t immediately finalize a supply power for cameras, first you need to see the power requirement for every camera. We also noted most of the time people realize later that their electric supplies can’t easily energize the cameras with full power and it’s really a bad experience at the end.

So, what if you can finally get rid of such sudden conditions? For this, first you need to multiply the overall power usage by a number 1.3. Use the following formula to easily calculate the required energy for cameras:

Power (Watts) = Voltage (Volts) x Current (Amps)

The other two values are already given so you just need to multiply them to get the final value.

5. Environmental Conditions

To be honest, it’s not that expensive if you decide to purchase a power supply for indoor CCTV cameras. However, you still have to consider things like moisture and dust so that your supply is not damaged.

On the other hand, for cameras that are installed outside, your approach should be different. Go with a power supply which can easily stay strong against the bad weather. It must be water and temperature proof.

Conclusion & Our Recommendations

So we can summarize that all CCTV camera systems are not the same. Some require high voltage and current while others don’t. It will be much better practice if you always analyze these current and voltage numbers before purchasing a power supply.

If you have customized power supply needs for your business and require other electrical parts for your security surveillance system, we can help you. Contact us now!

よくある質問

What Size is CCTV Power Plug?

The most common power plug which is used for CCTV tools has a size of:

2.1 or 2.5 mm inner pin
& 5.5 mm outer barrel

How Much Power is Required For a CCTV Camera?

From 4 watts to 15 watts, this is the energy range which most of the cameras in the market use. That means it really depends on the camera type. If we talk about the DVR tool which is linked with CCTV, it utilizes a power of 10 watts to 40 watts.