rickm15752 0 Posted March 13, 2011 Hello all, I have a 500' box of 16/2 stranded cable and want to know if that would be ok to run along with my Cat 5e to each camera location. I'm going to do IP cameras around my home. I also have 18/2 stranded cable and can run that wire instead. I know the heavier gauge wire would be better for less voltage drop. These are not very long runs anyway, just around my modest home. I would prefer to run the heavier wire for future proofing my installation. Would there be any disadvantage to running the 16/2? Other than cost? Thanks. Rick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3RDIGLBL 0 Posted March 13, 2011 In short. No problem there. Can't see any real disadvantage other than what you mentioned. Good choice to run a separate power cable along with cat 5e for future purposes. Won't hurt that's for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Birdman Adam 0 Posted March 13, 2011 Could be a bit harder to run, but other than that its better in every way! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Soundy 1 Posted March 14, 2011 Of course, you could always power your cameras with PoE... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3RDIGLBL 0 Posted March 14, 2011 Of course, you could always power your cameras with PoE... Not sure where he is from but if he decides to use an outdoor enclosure with heater then POE may not be right for him unless he gets a High POE enclosure or one of a few no name brand POE enclosures. A separate power cable will allow him the most flexibility in my opinion. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
