Introduction to the RG59+2 Shotgun CCTV Cable and its key features
The SFX/59+2C-0.5-PVC-BLK-100, marketed as RG59+2 Shotgun CCTV Cable (100 m), is a purpose-built composite cable for CCTV and security camera installations. Each 100 m roll combines a 75 Ω RG59 coaxial conductor for video with two parallel low-voltage power cores in a shotgun (side-by-side) format. This combination lets installers carry both video and DC power on a single cable run, reducing the number of cables required, simplifying routing and trunking, and speeding up installation on domestic and small commercial projects.
Key features at a glance:
- Combined video + power:RG59 coax + 2 power cores in a single composite cable.
- Length:Trade-standard 100 m roll — convenient for many CCTV runs.
- Conductor options:Typically available with CCA/CCS (budget) or solid copper for the coax core; power cores usually stranded copper or copper-clad variants.
- Shielding:Aluminium foil plus braided screen to protect video integrity.
- Jacket:PVC outer jacket (black). PE or LSZH/LSF options are often available on request.
- Compliance:Vendors commonly supply CE and RoHS compliance; PVC versions often meet CPR Euroclass Eca.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RG59+2 Shotgun cable is engineered around the needs of CCTV systems that use BNC/RF video connections and require local DC power for cameras. Below is a concise rundown of the technical specifications and what they mean in real-world installations.
- Roll length:100 m — typical trade reel size for CCTV installers.
- Impedance:75 Ω ±3 Ω — compatible with BNC/DVR/BNC video equipment.
- Coax conductor:Typical options include CCA/CCS (copper-clad aluminium/steel) for budget packs, or solid copper for premium performance.
- Coax conductor diameter:Approx. 0.58–0.71 mm depending on vendor and conductor type.
- Power cores:2 x ~0.5 mm stranded insulated cores (red/black). Some variants use 0.75 mm cores for lower voltage drop.
- Shielding:Aluminium foil + braided screen to maintain video signal integrity in environments with electrical interference.
- Dielectric:Foam PE for stable characteristic impedance.
- Jacket material:PVC standard (black), with PE or LSZH variants available on request.
- Typical diameters:Coax Ø ≈ 6.10 mm; power core group Ø ≈ 4.10 mm (vendor dependent).
- Connector compatibility:Standard BNC / CCTV connectors for video conductor.
- Compliance:CE, RoHS; PVC versions commonly CPR Euroclass Eca.
- Simplicity and speed:With video and power combined, installation labor and material costs drop — fewer cables to run, fewer conduits and trunking required.
- Cost-effective:The suggested retail price of 54.99 (cost price 44.21) positions the RG59+2 as an economical option for residential and light-commercial projects, especially when using CCA/CCS conductor variants.
- Signal protection:Dual shielding helps minimize EMI and maintain video clarity over the run lengths typical for DVR systems.
- Versatility:Works with most analogue and HD-over-coax camera types that accept a 75 Ω feed and need local DC power.
- Availability:The 100 m roll is a common industry length, making it easy to stock and deploy across multiple sites.
Use cases and scenarios where this cable excels
The RG59+2 shotgun cable is particularly suited to scenarios where you want to minimize cabling complexity while reliably delivering both video and power. Typical use cases include:
- Home security systems:Single-run feeds from an outdoor camera back to a home DVR and a central 12 V power supply.
- Small retail outlets and offices:Multi-camera installs where multiple runs are needed but trunking is limited — combining power and video reduces congestion.
- Temporary or semi-permanent setups:Events, pop-up shops, or renovation sites where quick deployment and removal are priorities.
- Retrofit projects:Replacing older coax systems with a single, tidy composite cable avoids ripping out existing conduits while adding new cameras.
- Indoor and protected outdoor installations:PVC-jacketed variants perform well in sheltered locations; request PE/LSZH or weather-rated jackets for exposed or outdoor-exposed runs.
Notes on camera power: This cable is best for cameras with modest power demands (typical fixed dome or bullet cameras). PTZ cameras or heaters/IR arrays with higher current draw may require thicker power conductors or a separate power feed to avoid voltage drop over long runs.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Choosing the right cable means weighing cost, signal performance and installation constraints. Here are common alternatives and how RG59+2 compares:
- Both solutions combine video and power, but shotgun format integrates them into a single, neater assembly for tight conduits and trunking.
- Siamese cables sometimes offer separate jacket options and thicker power conductors; they can be preferable when power needs are higher.
- RG6 has lower attenuation at higher frequencies and is typically used for longer-distance video runs or satellite/CATV signals. For most typical CCTV runs (up to tens of meters), RG59 remains adequate and more flexible.
- If you plan long runs or very high-resolution HD signals, consider RG6 variants or using a video balun to maintain quality.
- IP cameras with PoE use structured cabling and offer advanced features (power over Ethernet, remote power management, higher resolutions). Cat5e/Cat6 is ideal for new network-centric deployments.
- RG59+2 is often more cost-effective for analogue/HD-over-coax systems and in situations where coax infrastructure is already present or where PoE switches arent available.
- CCA/CCS (budget):Lower cost and lighter, but higher resistance and slightly increased attenuation. Suitable for short-to-medium runs and cost-sensitive projects.
- Solid copper (premium):Better conductivity, lower attenuation and more reliable connector performance — recommended where signal quality over longer runs matters.
Customer feedback and reviews
Formal third-party reviews for this specific catalogue model may not be widely published. However, based on installer and integrator feedback for shotgun-style RG59+2 cables, common themes include:
- Positive:"Easy to route and terminate — saves us time and trunking space compared to running separate cables."
- Practical:"Good affordable option for many residential jobs. Works well with BNC connectors and typical DVRs."
- Caveat:"If were doing long runs or PTZ cameras, we often upgrade to thicker power conductors or choose solid copper coax to reduce voltage drop and attenuation."
If you require verified user reviews for procurement, consider requesting sample reels or checking installer forums where specific vendor part numbers (for example SFX/59+2C-0.5-PVC-BLK-100) are discussed.
Installation tips and practical considerations
- Match connectors to conductor type:CCA coax requires careful connector selection and crimping technique; solid copper is more forgiving.
- Mind voltage drop:For runs approaching or exceeding 50–70 m, calculate voltage drop for your cameras current draw. Consider 0.75 mm power cores or a separate power feed for high-current devices.
- Avoid tight bends:Keep bend radii gentle around corners to preserve coax impedance and shielding integrity.
- Environmental selection:Use PVC for indoor/sheltered runs; request PE or LSZH jackets for outdoor-exposed, high-temperature or low-smoke requirements.
- Grounding and surge protection:Protect exterior camera runs with surge protectors and follow grounding best practices to prevent ground-loop interference.
Conclusion: Why choose the RG59+2 Shotgun CCTV Cable?
The RG59+2 Shotgun CCTV Cable (100 m) is a practical, cost-effective solution for installers and DIYers deploying analogue and many HD-over-coax camera systems. Its combined video and power format simplifies routing, reduces material costs and speeds installation — especially in residential and small commercial settings where runs are moderate and camera power needs are modest. With options for CCA or solid copper conductors and jacket material choices (PVC standard, PE/LSZH on request), the product is adaptable to a wide range of projects.
Choose this cable if you want an economical, tidy and dependable way to deliver 75 Ω video and DC power on a single run. For longer distances, high-power cameras, or harsher environments, consider stepping up to thicker power conductors, solid copper coax, or alternative jacket ratings to match the specific demands of your installation.
