Power splitter cables (1 to 4 way, 1 to 6 way, or 1 to 8 way) are commonly seen in CCTV applications used with power adapters and cameras. Different cable sizes can be found on the market, 18AWG, 20AWG, 22AWG, 24AWG, etc. Sometimes our customers might wonder: with all the different specifications, how to pick the AWG size we actually need and how to connect the splitters correctly and safely with cameras? Here are a few tips we`d like to share in the case of use with 12V5A and 12V3A power adapters.
1. The AWG size of output DC cords of the adapters on the market are generally as below:
12V5A ---18AWG or 20AWG output dc cord
12V3A ----22AWG output dc cord
Therefore, if used with a 12V5A adapter, it's more recommended to use 20AWG main cable or cable with bigger size. If used with 12V3A adapters, 22AWG is also ok to use.
2. How to determine the maximum Watt the main cable can withstand and the maximum Watt each splitter cable can withstand? We will answer the question with the example of the splitter (main cable 22awg+splitter cable24AWG):
---If used with 12V5A power adapter, for 4 way splitter:
Main 22AWG: allow current 0~3A; power 0~36W.
Spliitter 24AWG: each allows current 0~2A, power 0~24W, four splitter cables together: 0~3A, 0~36W.
For instance, if power of channel 1 is 5W, power of channel 2 is 6W, power of channel 3 is 12W, power of channel 4 is 12W, total power required is 35W, it will be ok.
---If used with 12V5A power adapter, for 8 way splitter:
Main 22AWG: allow current 0~3A, 0~36W
Splitter 24AWG: each allows current 0~2A, 0~24W, eight splitter cables together: 0~3A, 0~36W.
For instance, if power of channel 1 to 7 is 4W individually, power of channel 8 is 5W, altogether the power is 33W, it will be ok.
---In conclusion: If a 4 way splitter ( main 22AWG + splitter 24AWG ) is connected with 4 cameras, it will require: the total power of the 4 cameras required should be less than 36W, each less than 24W. The power provided by the adapter should be more than the total power required by 4 cameras.
If a 8 way splitter (main 22AWG + splitter 24AWG ) is connected with 8 cameras, it will require: the total power of the 8 cameras required should be less than 36W, each less than 24W. The power provide by the adapter should be more than the total power required by 8 cameras.
----If used with 12V5A adapter, in the case of main 20AWG ( allows current 0~5A, power 0~60W ) and splitter 22AWG ( allow current 0~3A, power 0~36W), it's the same rule as above.
20AWG Cable: Max current 5A
22AWG Cable: Max current 3A
24AWG Cable: Max current 2A
Note: The above results are all theoretical data. In real application, the actual power and current value might be a little less, about 80%~90% of the stated theoretical value. The use of different cables and power adapters are likely to cause power loss to different extent.
