Blog

**Introduction to Different Power Supply Methods for Surveillance Cameras**

In video surveillance projects, selecting the appropriate power supply method for cameras is crucial to achieving optimal monitoring results while also minimizing project costs. Let's explore several common power supply methods for cameras in video surveillance projects.

**1. Centralized Power Supply**

Centralized power supply involves installing power sources in electrical and battery rooms, which then distribute power to various communication devices after undergoing unified transformation.

The advantages of a centralized power supply include centralized control and management of the power supply scheme, reduced use of engineering cables, and improved aesthetics of wiring routes. However, it's important to ensure that the total capacity of the centralized power supply equipment exceeds the combined capacity of all downstream loads. Additionally, consider that the cable diameter of the upstream cables should meet the current diameter requirements of all downstream loads.

**2. Point-to-Point Power Supply**

Point-to-point power supply involves directly routing 220V AC power from the control room to cameras, installing separate DC12V power supplies next to cameras, and connecting them to the surveillance cameras via brackets.

The advantages of point-to-point power supply include low voltage loss during 220V AC power transmission and strong resistance to interference. However, the downside is that a separate power supply needs to be installed for each camera, which can be labor-intensive.

**3. PoE (Power over Ethernet) Power Supply**

PoE power supply refers to providing DC power to devices over the existing Ethernet Cat.5 cabling infrastructure without making any modifications. This method is mainly used in high-definition network digital surveillance systems.

The advantages of PoE power supply include cost reduction, flexible deployment, and a maximum single-port power of up to 30W. However, it requires higher-quality Ethernet cables and has limited transmission distances.

**Considerations**

When using infrared cameras, centralized power supply may not be recommended. This is because infrared cameras draw higher current when the infrared function is active, which can lead to difficulties in ensuring effective infrared illumination for all cameras.

Point-to-point power supply, while cost-effective in terms of cable usage, can pose challenges in terms of after-sales maintenance and repairs due to the need for individual power supplies for each camera.

Centralized power supply offers the advantage of easy maintenance and reduced chances of encountering issues in the future. However, it may not be as efficient in terms of saving cable material.

For scenarios with numerous cameras and power supply distances not exceeding 100 meters, PoE power supply is recommended. It's a convenient and quick solution that doesn't require extensive construction work. However, careful consideration should be given to the selection of PoE power supply devices.

In the context of surveillance technology, OOSSXX offers a range of products, including gigabit PoE switches, to facilitate efficient and reliable power supply solutions. These products are designed to address the diverse power supply needs of surveillance cameras while maintaining high performance standards.