The useful answer is rarely “buy the biggest number.” This guide turns the specification sheet into an installation decision you can defend after dark, after handover and when footage is actually needed.
Choose traceable solid-copper cable
Choose solid-copper cable from a traceable supplier and match the connector to the conductor type and category. Copper-clad aluminium may pass a quick bench test yet creates voltage drop and reliability problems on longer PoE runs. Keep pair twists as close to the termination as the connector allows.
Keep water outside the junction
Outdoor junctions fail when water follows the cable into the enclosure. Form a drip loop, use the correct gland and keep connectors off the bottom of the box. Desiccant is not a substitute for a sealed entry, and electrical tape is not a permanent weatherproofing system.
Test, label and record every run
A cable tester should verify wire map and, for important runs, performance under load. Record the result against the cable label. Photograph concealed routes and junctions before closing the work; that evidence is invaluable when a building changes later.
Commission the system against a written evidence goal. Save reference images and settings so future maintenance can spot gradual changes.
Can another person prove the system still works?
Record the final view, night image, bitrate, alerts, firmware and access method. A system is not finished until the owner can verify recording and export without the installer standing beside it.
Every site is different. Confirm manufacturer instructions, electrical requirements, privacy obligations and local regulations before installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can CCA cable be used for PoE cameras?
Copper-clad aluminium has higher resistance and is a poor choice for dependable PoE CCTV runs. Use solid copper from a traceable supplier.
Why does a PoE camera keep disconnecting?
Common causes include excessive run length, damaged pairs, weak terminations, voltage drop, water ingress and an undersized PoE budget.