Haydon HD Ground Loop Isolator UTC, Passive Coax GLI BNC Inline, 75Ω, 4K, HAY-HDGLIUTC

Introduction: Haydon HD Ground Loop Isolator UTC — what it does and why it matters

The Haydon HAY-HDGLI-UTC (marketed as the Haydon HD Coax Ground Loop Isolator, 4K) is a compact, passive inline device designed to remove video distortion caused by ground loops on analogue and HD-analogue CCTV coax runs. Fitted between the camera coax and a DVR (BNC male to BNC female), it requires no external power and is intended as a quick, plug-and-play remedy for problems such as tearing, rolling and cross-talk on HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and CVBS feeds. Lightweight and rugged in a small ABS housing, the unit preserves high-resolution video up to 4K/8MP (as listed by some resellers) while offering surge and ESD protection to improve system resilience.

Key features at a glance

• Passive, no power required— simple inline installation, BNC male to BNC female.
• Format compatibility— HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and CVBS; supports up to 4K/8MP per distributor listings.
• Low insertion loss— ≤ 0.5 dB to maintain signal integrity over the coax run.
• Surge & ESD protection— 4 kV surge (IEC61000-4-5); ESD contact 6 kV / air 8 kV (IEC61000-4-2).
• Compact and durable— small form factor (41.5 × 22.5 × 16.5 mm) suitable for inline mounting at the DVR end.

Detailed specifications and benefits

Understanding the technical details helps clarify why a dedicated ground loop isolator like the HAY-HDGLI-UTC is often the most effective fix for video artefacts caused by grounding differences.

• Model:HAY-HDGLI-UTC
• Supported formats:HD-TVI / HD-CVI / AHD / CVBS
• Supported resolutions:Up to 4K (8MP listed on some reseller pages)
• Insertion loss:≤ 0.5 dB — minimal signal attenuation to preserve picture quality
• Frequency response:0 Hz – 75 MHz — adequate for HD video baseband signals
• Impedance:75 Ω — matches common CCTV coax systems
• Surge protection:4 kV (10/700 µs), IEC61000-4-5
• ESD protection:Contact 6 kV / Air 8 kV, IEC61000-4-2
• Dimensions & weight:41.5 × 22.5 × 16.5 mm (BNC included); ~38 g
• Operating conditions:−20 °C to +55 °C; storage −40 °C to +70 °C; 0–95% non-condensing RH
• Connectors & housing:BNC male to BNC female pigtails; ABS housing
• Installation note:Fit at the DVR end of the camera cable (manufacturer requirement)
• Power:Passive — no power required

• Restores clear video without re-wiring:Ground loops arise when different pieces of equipment share different earth potentials. They often create tearing, rolling or vertical bands in analogue and HD-analogue CCTV images. The Haydon isolator blocks the troublesome DC/low-frequency loop currents while allowing the AC video signal to pass, restoring stable images without the need for costly re-grounding work.
• Preserves HD performance:With a low insertion loss (≤ 0.5 dB) and a frequency response up to 75 MHz, the device preserves image detail for HD formats up to 4K/8MP where supported by the system.
• Improved system protection:Built-in surge and ESD protection adds a layer of defence for sensitive DVR input stages, potentially reducing failure rates from transients and static discharge events.
• Simplicity and speed:No configuration, no power and a simple BNC inline install mean technicians can test and remedy ground-loop issues quickly on site.

Use cases and scenarios where the HAY-HDGLI-UTC excels

Ground loop problems can occur in a wide range of CCTV installations, particularly where camera systems span multiple buildings, use separate power sources, or have poorly bonded earthing. The Haydon HAY-HDGLI-UTC is particularly useful in these situations:

• Multi-building sites:Campuses, warehouses and factory sites where cameras and DVRs are powered from separate distribution boards often show ground-induced video artefacts — fitting an inline isolator at the DVR input is an immediate remedial step.
• Retrofitted systems:When upgrading analogue systems to HD-analogue formats, existing coax and earthing arrangements can introduce new loop issues. An inline isolator avoids the need for full reinstallation.
• Short-term diagnostics:Field engineers can use the HAY-HDGLI-UTC as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether an observed fault is ground-loop related before committing to larger electrical fixes.
• Resilient outdoor installations:Although the unit itself should be placed in protected environments (fitted at the DVR end), the added surge/ESD protection helps systems exposed to lightning-prone or static-prone environments.
• Cost-sensitive projects:When budget or access prevents immediate earthing upgrades, a low-cost inline isolator often restores acceptable performance at a fraction of the cost of mains/earthing works.

How it compares with similar products on the market

Ground loop isolators and video isolation techniques come in several forms: passive transformer-based inline products, active DC-blocking units, video baluns and galvanic isolation devices. The Haydon HDGLI-UTC fits into the passive inline category with these distinguishing points:

• Passive vs active:Being passive, the Haydon unit needs no power and has fewer failure modes than active isolators, at the cost of lacking any signal amplification. For most CCTV coax distances and signal levels, the low insertion loss makes passive isolation preferable for simplicity and reliability.
• Compared with inexpensive audio/video-splitter style isolators:The HAY-HDGLI-UTC is purpose-built for CCTV baseband HD signals with appropriate frequency response and impedance matching (75 Ω), while generic AV isolators or cheap transformer-based parts may not preserve high-frequency detail required by 4K/8MP signals.
• Compared with video baluns:Video baluns convert between balanced/unbalanced signals over UTP cable and can provide isolation; however, they change the cabling topology. The Haydon isolator is ideal when you intend to keep coax and only need to solve a ground-loop issue at the DVR end.
• Price-to-performance:At a suggested street price of approximately £17.99 (cost price example £14.34), the unit is an economical option compared with more elaborate surge protection and isolation systems. For many installers, the low cost combined with plug-and-play convenience makes it a first-line remedy.

Customer testimonials and installer feedback

Direct consumer reviews for this exact model may be limited on mainstream retail sites. However, installer feedback for similar passive coax ground-loop isolators typically highlights a few recurrent themes:

• "Quick fix for tearing and rolling" — technicians report that fitting an inline isolator at the DVR often immediately removes visible tearing or rolling caused by ground loops.
• "No configuration, just plug and test" — the simplicity of the inline BNC connection makes it a practical troubleshooting tool on service visits.
• "Cost effective" — compared with full earthing remediation or replacing long cable runs, an inline isolator is a cost-efficient first step.

If you plan to purchase for a critical installation, check reseller pages and manufacturer datasheets for real-world feedback and, where possible, request sample testing on a troubled channel before bulk deployment.

Conclusion: Why the Haydon HAY-HDGLI-UTC is a practical choice

The Haydon HAY-HDGLI-UTC ground loop isolator addresses a common and frustrating CCTV problem — ground-loop induced video distortion — with a compact, passive, and cost-effective device. Its compatibility with HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and CVBS formats, low insertion loss, and up to 4K capability make it suitable for modern HD-analogue systems. Built-in surge and ESD protection add value by helping to protect DVR inputs from transients. For installers and service engineers seeking a fast, low-risk diagnostic tool or a permanent fix at the DVR end, the HAY-HDGLI-UTC offers a convenient balance of performance and price.

Note: the manufacturer recommends fitting the unit at the DVR end of the camera cable and provides additional installation details in the datasheet. Warranty and regulatory compliance declarations should be confirmed with the supplier if required for your project specifications.