A few questions about powering new CCTV system (ZXTECH)

[buzzwhite7 0]

Hi,

 

I've just installed a new CCTV system using some ZXTECH cameras. I have powered the cameras using a Mini TP-Link POE switch and two power adapters. The cameras are as follows;

 

2x dome POE cameras

http://domarsolutions.co.uk/all-in-onec-zxtech-2-megapixel-2mp-20m-nightvision-varifocal-lens-ip66-cctv-dome-poe-ip-p2p-camera-mci28y9.html

 

1x IP camera, not POE

http://domarsolutions.co.uk/nightlifec-zxtech-1-3-megapixel-1-3mp-40m-nightvision-3-6mm-broad-lens-cctv-dome-ip-camera-mci281e6.html

 

2x small IP Cameras, not POE

http://domarsolutions.co.uk/megavaluec-zxtech-1-3-megapixel-1-3mp-20m-nightvision-3-6mm-broad-lens-cctv-dome-ip-camera-mci281d6.html

 

The cable run to each camera is around 25 meters to 50 meters. The mini switch powers the two dome POE cameras fine. I have used a TP-Link power splitter to power one of the small none POE cameras (http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/cat-4794_TL-POE10R.html). And then two cheap passive power splitters from ebay with two power adapters to power the remaining two non POE cameras. This has all been connected using Philix CAT5e UTP cable from screw fix.

 

The problems/questions I have are:-

 

The two POE cameras work fine, but all the others flicker badly at night, Why is this?

 

Is it safe to power a non POE IP camera using the TP-Link power splitter?

 

Is it also safe using passive power splitters with the PSU adapters and then powering cameras outside the house, at the end of the garden on the garage wall. If a shortcut in the cable happened could this cause a fire or will the power adapters just blow.

The two adapters I brought are;

 

Power the none POE camera (40) meters night range

http://domarsolutions.co.uk/2a-plug-top-power-adapter.html

 

Power the small POE camera (20) meters night range

http://domarsolutions.co.uk/1a-plug-top-power-adapter.html

 

And finally, my last question - Is the cable I have used OK for use as POE cable or should I have used Plenum cable?

 

Any help or advise would be much appreciated.

 

Thanks in adavance

[jazzar 0]

Hi - Don't have all the answers but the cable outer core should be suitable for its environment ie if outside it should be an external grade, if in a duct it should be duct grade quality if exposed to the elements it should be ultra violet resistant etc. I found this reference your cat5 cable:-

http://www.twistedpairtech.co.uk/caution-using-cooper-clad-aluminium-cat5-cable/

which indicates the cable you have used is not 100% copper- it may still be fine for your application but wouldn't be recommended in a professional installation and would not conform to standards.

regarding the psu shorting- you could fit an in line fuse similar to a car type on the positive wire as close as possible to the psu- so if you do get a short you will simply replace the fuse once the short is rectified, the psu may have inbuilt protection but if your not sure fitting an inline fuse means you are definitely protected.

Not sure about the splitter question- but I would think if it has separated the power / voltage wires then providing the voltages and current rating is ok for the camera then you should be ok to use it.