CCTV Balun Application Guide

CCTV Balun

500009

500000

500031

500022
500023

500024

Application Guide
Version 1.30

Oct 2010t

MuxLab Inc. 2003-2010

CCTV Balun Application Guide

Purpose
The purpose of this document is to explain how to apply the CCTV Balun under different
operating conditions and to discuss issues that are not necessarily covered in the product
Datasheet or Installation Guide.

Function of the CCTV Balun

The function of the CCTV Balun is to allow the traditional 75-ohm coaxial video cable to
be replaced by Category 5E/6 (or better) twisted pair in the CCTV security and
surveillance environment, thereby allowing CCTV camera and monitoring equipment to
be deployed more cost-effectively using structured cabling techniques. The CCTV
Balun finds applications in the following areas:

Industrial and Corporate Security

Banks and Schools
Prison and Correctional Institutions
CCTV Security Systems
Traffic Monitoring Systems
Government
and
Educational

MuxLab Inc. 2003-2010

Institution CCTV Monitoring

Commercial and Retail CCTV
Security Systems
Casinos and parking lots
Underwater camera systems

CCTV Balun Application Guide

Compatible Equipment with the CCTV Balun

The CCTV Balun works with any analog baseband video equipment that supports NTSC,
PAL or SECAM systems; CCTV cameras, video multiplexers, video switchers, monitors,
scan converters, signal boosters.

Reverse Polarity Sensitive

The CCTV Baluns work in pairs. Furthermore, the 500009, 500000, 500022 and 500023
may be used interchangeable with one another on the same CCTV cable run. It is
important to note that the CCTV Baluns are reverse polarity sensitive. Therefore is
important to ensure that the Pin marked Ring on the 500009 be connected to Pin 7
(Ring) of the 500000 at the other end. If the wires are reversed, then either no image or a
partial image will appear.

Compatibility With Third Party Balun Vendors

The CCTV Balun will work in conjunction with other third party video baluns. MuxLab
has tested several brands in its lab and obtained satisfactory performance results. In
order to function correctly it is necessary to ensure that the signal polarity of other
vendors video balun matches up with the MuxLab CCTV Balun. When installing a
MuxLab CCTV Balun on one end and a third party balun on the other, verify that the
signal polarity is straight-through and not reversed.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Cameras With Built-In CCTV Baluns

MuxLabs CCTV Balun works in conjunction with CCTV cameras with built-in twisted
pair video baluns. In order ensure proper operation when using MuxLab CCTV baluns
with these cameras, it is important to verify that the signal polarity is straight-through and
not reversed.

The following vendors are known to offer CCTV cameras with standard built-in video
baluns or optional plug-in twisted pair modules:
Ademco Video
Aegis Mechtronics
Bosch
CBC

Honeywell/Silent
Witness
Extreme CCTV
GE Interlogix/ Kalatel

Sony
Ultrak
Videoalarm
Vicon

Picture Problems
During the installation of the CCTV Balun various picture problems may result.
important to know what is causing these problems and how to correct them.

It is

Total Absence of Signal

This problem is almost always due a discontinuity in the connection between the camera
and the mux. Check the continuity of the twisted pair link.
Presence of Signal But No Image
This problem is most likely due to a reversal of the polarity of the wires between the two
CCTV Baluns at either end. The CCTV Balun is reverse polarity sensitive. The pin
designated as Ring must be connected to the pin designated as Ring at the other end.
If two 500009 are being used, then Ring goes to Ring and Tip goes to Tip. If two
500000 are being used then Pin 7 goes to Pin 7 and Pin 8 goes to Pin 8. If a 500009 is
used at one end and a 500000 is used at the other end.
Smearing
Smearing occurs when the edge of an image leaves trail traces similar to smudging a line
of ink on a piece of paper. This may occur as the length of twisted pair cable increases.
As the maximum distance specification is neared, the physical properties of the cable and
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CCTV Balun Application Guide

baluns begin to show this effect. This is due to the effects of propagation delay and
attenuation. Aside from using an active device with a built-in amplifier to correct the
problem, the other possible solutions are; a) to shorten the length of cable or b) adjust the
contrast and brightness of the monitor.
Flutter
Flutter occurs when the background fluctuates between light and dark. This symptom
may be due to problems with the grounding between the CCTV equipment or the
connection may be picking up some external interference from a nearby power
transformer. A solution to minimize this effect is to adjust the monitors contrast and
brightness
Ghosting
Ghosting is characterized by a second video image being received after the main image,
resulting in a double image that is skewed in relation to the first. This is usually due to a
problem with the UTP cable connection itself. Poor crimping, untwisted pairs, some of
the twisted pairs may be longer than others, poor quality cable, exceptionally high
crosstalk between the camera and the monitor are all some of the causes. In these cases it
is best to replace the existing cable with a new one.
Loss of Color and Image Detail
Loss of color or image detail may occur if twisted pair cable length exceeds the distance
specifications. As the maximum distance specification is neared, the physical properties
of the cable and baluns will begin to show this effect. This is due to the effects of
propagation delay and attenuation. Other than using an active device, one can improve
the image by shortening the length of twisted pair or by eliminating other contributing
signal losses such as splices, cross-connects, low-grade patch cables, etc. The CCTV
Balun is specified to support color composite video up to 2200 ft via Cat 5 cable. When
the cable distance is exceeded the first effect on picture is loss of color.

Cabling Guidelines External EMI and RFI

The installation of the CCTV Balun should follow the cabling guidelines outlined in the
TIA-568 standard for structured cabling. In regard to external EMI and RFI, it is
recommended to keep the CCTV cabling away from strong sources of radio frequency or
electromagnetic radiation:
a)
b)
c)
d)

5" from power lines of 2 kVA or less.

12" from fluorescent lighting & power lines between 2 & 5 kVA.
36" from power lines greater than 5 kVA.
40" from transformers & motors.

Flat untwisted cable is not recommended, even for patching with short runs since it acts
as an antenna and will pick up nearby radio-frequency or electromagnetic radiation noise
interference.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Ground Loop Problems

Due to the fact that the CCTV Balun features DC-continuity, one must be careful about
ground loop problems. If there is a serious ground loop problem, then higher than normal
current may flow between the CCTV camera and mux. This could cause the coil inside
the CCTV Balun to overheat and fail. This problem can be spotted by the appearance of
a pin-hole burn in the side of the balun. The balun will no longer operate after this

One remedy is to correct the ground loop problem or replace the cable by coax, although
the ground loop problem will continue to exist. Another solution is to install a groundloop blocker on the line. FM Systems Inc offers one. Information about FMs GB-60
ground-loop blocker can be found at http://www.fmsystems-inc.com/. Other vendors
include; http://www.elect-spec.com/video.htm
(Video Guard Hub Buck) and
http://www.jensen-transformers.com/iso_vid.html (Jensen). An article about video
ground loop problems and how to correct them may be found at the following link:
http://www.epanorama.net/documents/groundloop/video_isolation.html.
MuxLabs
LongReach Active CCTV Balun (500015), CCTV Pass-Thru/GLI Balun (500132) and
Passive CCTV/GLI Hub (500133) also provides ground loop blocking,

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Transmitting 24VAC and/or Audio In The Same Cable

24VAC and/or audio may be passed on separate twisted pairs under the same Cat 5 cable
jacket as the CCTV video signal without affecting picture quality.
In regard to
transmitting 24VAC over adjacent twisted pairs, the voltage level will drop in strength as
the cable length increases. If the voltage drops too low, the camera may not operate.
Based on lab tests performed at MuxLab using a Sanyo CCD color camera, the following
results were obtained:
Cable
Length
100 ft
500ft
750 ft
1000 ft

Voltage
level
26.70 VAC
24.10 VAC
21.79 VAC
20.50 VAC

Results
Video image unaffected
Video image unaffected
Video image unaffected
Insufficient voltage to power camera

In order to ensure proper results, the installer should check with the CCTV equipment
vendor to determine what the minimum voltage and power requirements are for the
camera.

Up-The-Coax Systems
The CCTV Balun is designed for use with point-to-point video-only connections and not
for PTZ up-the-coax systems such as Pelcos Coaxitron. If it is important to replace an
up-the-coax connection by twisted pair, then MuxLabs PTZ Balun (500007) must be
used instead. Used in pairs, the PTZ Balun is designed to support up-the-coax PTZ
signals. For more information about the PTZ Balun please contact MuxLab Inside Sales
or go directly to www.muxlab.com and consult the Video Product section.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Measuring Effective Cable Length

The maximum distance supported by the CCTV Balun is 2,200 feet in a point-to-point
connection. Based on a typical DC loop resistance of 19.2 /100m (58.5 /1000ft), this
translates into a DC loop resistance of 128 . To determine whether the link is within
specification, short the twisted pair at one end of the link and measure the DC loop
resistance with an ohmmeter. The following table provides some data.
Cable Length (ft)
500 ft
1000 ft
1500 ft
2000 ft
2200 ft
2500 ft

Cable Length (m)

152m
305m
457m
610m
670m
762m

DC Loop Resistance ()
29.2
58.6
87.7
117.1
128.6
146.3

If additional coaxial cable is connected between the CCTV equipment and the balun, it is
considered part of the total distance specification. Furthermore, there is no maximum
cable length for the amount of coaxial cable that may be added, as long as the total
distance between the CCTV camera and the CCTV receiver (DVR) is within the
maximum specified distance on the MuxLab datasheet.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Extending Distance via Parallel Twisted Pairs

The CCTV Balun is specified to support up to 2200 feet in color via a single Cat 5
twisted pair.
If the distance required exceeds 2200 feet, it is possible to extend the
distance further by paralleling additional twisted pairs, provided spare pairs are available
and provided the additional pairs are the same length as the original pair.

The effect of this is to lower the overall signal loss due to the cable. In order to avoid
image ghosting, it is important to make sure that all twisted pairs that are paralleled are
exactly the same length. Otherwise any propagation delays introduced by unequal pair
lengths may show up as multiple images on the monitor. Based on calculations done in
MuxLabs lab, the distance performance that one can expect is shown in the following
table.
Number Pairs Used to
Transmit CCTV Signal
1
2
3
4

Maximum Distance
via Cat 5 UTP
2200 ft.
2684 ft.
2904 ft.
3432 ft.

Cable on the Reel

Frequently it may be necessary to pre-test a CCTV Balun installation with some spare
twisted pair cable. It is important to note that when the cable is on the reel, the picture
will be inferior. This is due to the increased magnetic induction created by the spool of
cable. In order to properly pre-test a configuration, it is recommended to un-coil the
cable and lay it out flat on the floor or in a cable farm structure.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Wiring the CCTV Screw Terminal Balun (500009)

This section describes how to connect the wiring to the VideoEase CCTV Screw
Terminal Balun (500009).

Step 1. Slide balun cover off the product. See photos A & B.

Photo A.

Photo B.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Step 2. Select a twisted pair and untwist about . Remove about 3/16 of insulation
from the two wires. See photo C.

Photo C.
Step 3. Insert the wires into the screw terminals. See photo D.

Photo D
Step 4. While holding the wires inside the terminals use a small flat-head screwdriver to
tighten the terminals securely. See photo E.

Photo E
Step 5. Guide the wires over the back of the balun and prepare to replace the balun
cover. Align the balun cover with the guide rails in the side of the balun and slide the
balun cover slowly over the base. Make sure that the wires are set in the guide holes
located in the balun cover. See photo F.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Photo F
Step 6. Firmly slide the balun cover closed until the edge is flush with the base. See
photo G. Please note that the CCTV Balun is reverse polarity sensitive. The wires must
be connected straight-through between the baluns at each end.

Photo G

Cabling Splicing Techniques

When connecting more than one segment of twisted pair cable together to achieve a
longer distance it is important to ensure straight-through polarity and that the wires are
not crossed. Furthermore, when the wires are spliced back it is important to maintain the
twists as close to the connection point as possible. Not more than 0.5 should be
untwisted.
Max 0.5" untwisted

White/Blue

Blue/White
In terms of insertion loss, the effective loss of distance due to the splice is negligent. As
a rule of thumb one could assume an effective distance loss of 10 to 15 feet for
calculation purposes. However since the CCTV Balun supports distances of up to 2,200
feet under ideal conditions, the effective distance loss due to the splice is almost

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

negligible.
For more information please refer to the TIA-568 Structured Cabling
Standard published by the Telecommunications Industry Association.

Camera Clustering
In applications where several cameras are relatively close together, it may be more costeffective to consolidate the CCTV signals coming from each camera over one home run
Cat5E/6 cable. This may be achieved by connecting a CCTV Balun to each camera and
then connecting a 2-pair Cat 3 or Cat5E/6 cable to a central connection point. The
interconnect hardware may be a punchdown block, (BIX, 110, Krone). From the
punchdown block, a four pair Cat5E/6 may be used to bring the four (4) camera signals
back to the central monitoring equipment where they are re-distributed to individual
video input ports. The following diagram illustrates.

Balun Access on Matrix Panels

On some CCTV matrix switches and DVRs, insertion and removal of the individual
CCTV Baluns (500009) may be more difficult due to the spacing and layout of the BNC
connectors. In order to alleviate this problem, MuxLab offers a solution using its
Component Video Balun (500021). The BNC connectors on the DVR must first be
converted to RCA/F connectors using standard BNC/M-to-RCA/F adapters. Then, the
Component Video Balun is connected to each ports instead of the CCTV Balun (500009).
The Component Video Balun is fully compatible with the CCTV Balun and may be used
interchangeably with the 500009, 500000 and 500023. The following photos show the
Component Video Balun along with a typical BNC/M-to-RCA/F adapter available from
Ultralink (http://www.ultralinkcables.com/products/productsList.php?category=be00).

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

The following diagram illustrates how the 500021 is used in conjunction with the
BNC/RCA adapter on the back of a DVR or matrix switch.
MuxLab Discreet Balun

RCA-F to BNC-M adapter

BNC-F

Once all DVR ports are converted to RCA connectors, the baluns may be inserted and
removed more easily. This solution allows DVRs with high density connector spacing to
be converted to twisted pair as shown in the next diagram.
.625"
1.59 cm

.594"
1.51 cm

Mounting Multiple Baluns in a 19 Relay Rack

In some applications, it may be more convenient to mount multiple CCTV baluns in a
19 relay rack and bring coaxial cable leads up to the rack. BNC bulkhead panels are one
possible solution to this problem. A number of vendors supply bulkhead BNC panels.
The product shown in the following photo is from AVP Manufacturing Supply
(http://www.avpmfg.com/bulkhead/insul_bulkhead.htm. The part is PP-16BNC-1-L)

The CCTV Screw Terminal Balun (500009) may be mounted on the front or rear of the
panel. Coax cable leads are connected to the unused BNC connector.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Multiple CCTV Signals Under One Cable Jacket

Multiple CCTV camera signals may be transmitted under a single Category 5E/6 cable
jacket. As long as the cable is rated Category 5E/6 or better, the number of pairs may be
4, 25, 50, 100 or 200 pairs). The rating of Category 5E/6 ensures that performance is
adequate enough to prevent CCTV signals from interfering with each other under the
same cable jacket. To locate sources for multipair Cat 5 cable, please contact your local
cable and connector vendor.

Cable Types Supported

The CCTV Baluns will work with lower grades of cable such as Category 3 or Category
2. The maximum specified distance will be shorter than with Category 5E/6. Please
consult the CCTV Balun product data sheet for maximum distance specifications.
In outdoor applications, outdoor Cat 5 cable is recommended. Cable vendors typically
sell different types of outdoor cable. For example information about Mohawk/CDT
outside Cat 5 cable may be found at http://www.mohawk-cdt.com/prod/lan-10.html

Strong EMI/RFI Environment

Due to the excellent noise rejection performance of UTP (common mode rejection), UTP
may be use in most applications. However, in extremely noisy environments such as
next to radar transmitters or very high voltage power lines, shielded twisted pair cable
(STP) may help to eliminate severe noise problems. If STP is used, please ensure that
shield is properly grounded at least on one end. If STP is not grounded, it may act as an
antenna and induce additional noise interference into the link. Due to the increased
capacitance in the cable up to 10% less distance may result versus UTP.

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) Distance Performance

Some digital video recorders (DVR) have video receiver interfaces that are more
sensitive to drops in video input signal level than analog CCTV multiplexers.
Consequently, the maximum achievable distance between the camera and the multiplexer
is shorter than with other multiplexers or DVRs. Based on actual results in the field, a
maximum of 800-1000 feet seems to be achievable when used with these muxes, versus
2200 feet with analog muxes. In order to extend the distance beyond 800 feet, an active
balun transmitter or receiver is needed. The actual performance of each DVR actually
depends on the quality of the video capture card used in the DVR. Higher quality capture
cards may have auto gain compensation which allow greater distance to be supported. In
order to determine distance performance for each DVR it would be necessary to examine
the capture cards used.
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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Nighttime Operation
When the CCTV Baluns are used in nighttime conditions it is found that the image
luminosity may not be as good as when coax cable is used. This is because the pair of
baluns introduce approximately 3dB of signal loss, resulting in a loss of picture
luminosity under very dark conditions. If this occurs, the solution is either to replace the
passive CCTV Balun at the receiver end by an active CCTV balun or to replace the cable
by coax.

Outdoor Conditions
In regard to the use of the CCTV Balun in unprotected outdoor conditions, the following
guidelines have been provided by MuxLabs R&D department:
1. Short Term Use: The balun transformer will operate at up to minus 25 degrees C.
This covers the ferrite, pcb and wiring.
2. Long Term Use: At extremely low temperatures, the plastic may freeze and
become brittle. Moisture crystallization may occur on the inside and outside
metal surfaces.
The recommendation for outdoor use is to install the balun in an environmentally
protected enclosure.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Voltage Surge/Lightning Protection

In regard to the issue of voltage surge protection, the CCTV Balun does not incorporate
any specific circuitry for this purpose. The reason is because there are different levels of
protection and the correct device must be selected and installed in the proper location in a
system. Therefore if surge protection is required, it is recommended to insert special inline surge protectors between the CCTV Balun and the CCTV equipment and consult an
expert in surge/lightning protection. The following is a partial list of vendors who offer
CCTV surge protection devices.
Vendor
Ditek (USA)
Emerson (USA)
Keison (UK)
Comm-Omni (USA)
Rabun Labs
Transtector
Citel America

Website
http://www.ditekcorp.com/
http://www.edcosurge.com/products/alarm/cxAlarm.asp
http://www.keison.co.uk/furse/furse13.htm
http://www.comm-omni.com/polyweb/50bb.htm
http://www.rabunlabs.com/
http://www.transtector.com
http://www.citelprotection.com/

CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500022) Compatibility

The video signal portion of the CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500022) is reverse polarity
compared to the 500000. That is on the 500000, pin 7 is Ring and pin 8 is Tip. On the
500022, pin 7 is Tip and pin 8 is Ring. The reason for this deviation from the 500000
was in response to the demand to make have the Ring-Tip designation of the RJ45
connector match the Ring-Tip designation of the TIA-568 standard. The change does not
affect the performance of the product. Therefore when connecting a pre-terminated
Cat5E/6 cable between the 500000 and the 500022, a crossover cable will be needed.

CCTV Pass-Thru Balun and RS232

The CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500022) supports the transmission of video and 2-wire PTZ
control under the same Cat5E/6 cable. However, when connecting using the CCTV PassThru Balun with RS232 control there may be some crosstalk interference due to the high
voltage swings of RS232. The interference will be more pronounced at longer distances.
In order to avoid this problem, it is recommended to use RS422, RS-485 or bi-phase
protocol instead of RS232.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Low Voltage Power Supply Requirements

When using the CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500022) or Power-Thru Balun (500024) to
transmit remote low voltage power over two (2) or three (3) twisted pairs respectively,
precautions should be taken to protect the twisted pairs from short circuits. It is
recommended to use a Class II power supply. In this way, if there is a short circuit, the
power supplys fuse/circuit protection will protect the cabling. The following photo and
link shows an example.

Altronix 16-Port Rackmount Class II 24VAC Power Supply

Use of 500022 and 500024 with Dome Cameras

The Pass-Thru and Power-Thru Baluns are designed to install neatly with dome cameras.
The built-in cable leads connect directly to the circuit board of the camera and the RJ45
connector of the balun is accessible from outside the assembly. The following photo
illustrates a typical installation (photo courtesy Advanced Audio Concepts).

Remote Power Maximum Distances

The following tables specify the maximum distances for remote power when using the
Pass-Thru Balun (500022) and Power-Thru Balun (500024). Distances are based on
testing and calculations at MuxLabs R&D facilities.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Power Distances for CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500022)

Voltage Pcam (W) Vcam1
(V)
12 VDC/ 5
10.80
AC
12VDC/
AC
camera

min Dist Spec2 Dist Spec2 Vcam3 max Dist Spec2 Dist
Spec2
max (Feet) max (m)
(V)
min (Feet)
min (m)
86
28

10

10.80

43

14

20
30
40
50
24 VAC 5
24VAC
10

10.80
10.80
10.80
10.80
21.60
21.60

22
14
11
9
346
173

7
5
4
3
113
57

20
30
40
50
28 VAC 5
24VAC
10

21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60

86
58
43
35
922
461

28
19
14
11
302
151

20
30
40
50
36 VAC 5
36VAC
10

21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
32.40
32.40

230
154
115
92
778
389

76
50
38
30
255
128

20
30
40
50
48 VAC 5
48VAC
10

32.40
32.40
32.40
32.40
43.20
43.20

194
130
97
78
1382
691

64
43
32
26
454
227

20
30
40
50

43.20
43.20
43.20
43.20

346
230
173
138

113
76
57
45

camera

camera

camera

camera

26.4
26.4

230
115

76
38

26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

58
38
29
23

19
13
9
8

1. Distances are specified for temperature around 20 to 30oC

2. Maximum distances allowing for 10% loss of Power Supply voltage. For 28VAC, a
24VAC camera was used.
3. Distances specified are 90% of distances calculated.
4. Minimum distances allowing for 10% overload of Power Supply voltage. (26.4VAC)
5. If 22AWG gage wire is used, there would be an increase in distance of approximately
56% proportional to the increase in cross-sectional area of the wire.

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Power Distances for CCTV Power-Thru Balun (500024)

Voltage Pcam (W) Vcam1
(V)
12 VDC/ 5
10.80
AC
12VDC
AC
camera

min Dist Spec2 Dist Spec2 Vcam3 max Dist Spec2 Dist
Spec2
max (Feet) max (m)
(V)
min (Feet)
min (m)
130
43

10

10.80

65

21

20
30
40
50
24 VAC 5
24VAC
10

10.80
10.80
10.80
10.80
21.60
21.60

32
22
16
13
518
259

11
7
5
4
170
85

20
30
40
50
28 VAC 5
24VAC
10

21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60

130
86
65
52
1382
691

43
28
21
17
454
227

20
30
40
50
36 VAC 5
36VAC
10

21.60
21.60
21.60
21.60
32.40
32.40

346
230
173
138
1166
583

113
76
57
45
383
191

20
30
40
50
48 VAC 5
48VAC
10

32.40
32.40
32.40
32.40
43.20
43.20

292
194
146
117
2074
1037

96
64
48
38
680
340

20
30
40
50

43.20
43.20
43.20
43.20

518
346
259
207

170
113
85
68

camera

camera

camera

camera

26.4
26.4

346
173

113
57

26.4
26.4
26.4
26.4

86
58
43
35

28
19
14
11

1. Distances are specified for temperature around 20 to 30oC

2. Maximum distances allowing for 10% loss of Power Supply voltage. For 28VAC, a
24VAC camera was used.
3. Distances specified are 90% of distances calculated.
4. Minimum distances allowing for 10% overload of Power Supply voltage. (26.4VAC)
5. If 22AWG gage wire is used, there would be an increase in distance of
approximately 56%, proportional to the increase in cross-sectional area of the wire.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Distance Calculator
In order to determine the feasibility of inserting remote power over Cat5E/6 in a given
installation, MuxLab provides a Distance Calculator that is available in the Support
Section of its website. The Distance Calculator computes maximum distance based on a
number of factors such as; power supply voltage, camera voltage, voltage drop, camera
power consumption and number of twisted pairs. In order to obtain your free copy of the
software, please go to http://www.muxlab.com/support/application_notes.html and
follow the instructions to download the program.

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Harsh Electrical Environments

In harsh electrical environments it is possible that under certain conditions, electrical
noise may be injected into the Cat5E/6 connection and interfere with the video signal. In
these cases, even shielded Cat5E/6 cable will not help. However, it is possible that
coaxial cable will work. According to MuxLab, the reasons that coaxial cable sometimes
works where Cat5E/6 STP does not may be due to the following:
1. Electrical noise: With Cat5E/6 (UTP or STP), the baluns use a common mode choke.
Therefore if there is strong electrical interference on the ground line, it will be
coupled to the signal line through the common mode choke of the balun. Therefore,
even if Cat5E/6 STP is used, it will not block the noise. Coaxial cable helps because
there is no coupling between the ground wire and the signal wire. The electrical
noise is shunted away and does not reach the signal wire.
2. EMI induced noise: In a harsh industrial environment there may also be strong EMI
from high voltage motors and generators. If the EMI is strong enough, the induced
noise may be greater than the common mode rejection of the baluns and Cat5E/6.
Therefore before deploying CCTV over Cat5E/6 in a harsh electrical environment, it is
suggested to verify the noisiness of the electrical power grid in the building and if
possible to conduct a small pilot test using Cat5E/6 and CCTV baluns.

Support for Dry Contact Closure Pass-Thru

The CCTV Pass-Thru Balun (500024) supports dry contact closure pass-through via the
unused twisted pairs. Instead of remote power, the 2-wire leads may be used for dry
contact closure. However, maximum distance for dry contact depends on voltage and
power consumption (mA).

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CCTV Balun Application Guide

Inside the CCTV Balun

The CCTV Balun is the essential link between the CCTV equipment and the structured
cabling system. Used in pairs, the CCTV balun allows CCTV video to be transmitted via
UTP without visible picture interference or distortion. The word balun is short for
BALanced to UNbalanced.
The balun converts an unbalanced signal (coax) to a
balanced one (UTP) as illustrated in the diagram below.

The unbalanced signal is protected by an outer shield. The shield stops any outside
interference that hits the cable. UTP, on the other hand, does not have a shield to protect
against interference. Therefore, the signal must be converted to a balanced one. The
balun, used in pairs, performs this function. In essence the baluns function as noise
eliminators so that any interference that impinges on the individual twisted pair wires is
cancelled out by the baluns. The result is that the UTP link is more immune to
interference and the CCTV picture quality is transmitted reliably over extended distances.
The CCTV Balun functions as a common mode choke to help eliminate low frequency
hum.

Conclusion
The CCTV Balun is ideally suited for many applications. It is important to verify the
type of equipment being used, the type of cable, and the distance required and the picture
resolution needed before proceeding with an installation. If in doubt, please contact
MuxLab Inside Sales or Customer Technical Support for assistance.
Telephone : ..................................514-905-0588
Toll-free (North America) : ..... 1-877-689-5228
Fax : .............................................514-905-0589
E-mail:
[email protected]
URL:
www.muxlab.com

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