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What is a BNC Connector and How Does It Work With Video Surveillance?

February 24, 2022

When it comes to CCTV and surveillance systems, there are dozens—nay, hundreds—of components that you can use to build your system. Some components are tiny and seemingly inconsequential, while others are large and seem to make up the entire system (think cameras and DVRs); however, no matter the size of the component, each one serves a big purpose. Connectors may seem small, but they are mighty.

BNC connectors—or Bayonet Neill-Concelman—are a common type of RF connector that utilizes BNC cables. Typically, these types of connectors are used with aviation electronics, test equipment, amateur radio antennas and military equipment, but more recently, they have been used in surveillance systems.

Instead of using a RCA connector for composite video, consumers can use a BNC connector. If the RCA jack doesn’t have the right equipment for a BNC connector, all a user has to do is install an adapter and voila! The device is BNC ready.

BNC connections are often found in recording studios, as these types of connectors allow for easy synchronization of various components. Additionally, they have become a popular option for video surveillance, especially where analog cameras are present.

If a consumer wants to build up and update his or her older system, the BNC connector makes this feasible. A BNC connector connects the analog video components from the camera to a TV monitor or DVR. It snaps firmly into place, providing for a quality and secure connection.

Types of BNC Connectors

There are four main types of BNC connectors:

  • Twist-On
  • F-Compression Connector
  • F-Crimp Connector
  • Crimp-On

Twist-On BNC

This type of connector is simple to use and does not require any tools to use, as you simply attach the connector by twisting it onto the coax cable, as its name implies. Of course, tools may be necessary if the cable is not stripped beforehand. Some people believe that twist-on BNCs are unreliable because they do not attach as securely as crimp-on connectors or compression ones, they can get the job done when the cable is properly prepped.

F-Compression Connector

BNC compression connectors can be installed in one of two ways: 1) use a one-piece BNC compression connector and call it a day, or 2) attached a compression F connector to the coax cable, and then screw on the BNC connector. Many installers prefer the second method as there is no need to guess about the length of the coax core; in the second method, the core is visible, leaving very little room for error. Additionally, many installers prefer method two as F-connectors can be used in most TV installations as well as in surveillance system installation (Middletown, CT Mammoth Security office will help you). Not only does this mean that they can eliminate at least one more material on the average run, but also, it means that they are exceptionally good at their job as they do it all the time.

F-Crimp Connector

The F-Crimp connector method is similar to the F-compression connector one except that a crimp-on connector is used instead of a compression one. Like with the above method (number 2), a F connector is attached to the cable first, and then a screw-on BNC connector.

Crimp-On Connector

The crimp-on BNC connector is also available in two styles: 2-piece and 3-piece. 3-piece is rarely used, so for the sake of this article, we’ll just discuss the 2-piece method. Installing cables using the 2-piece BNC crimp-on connectors requires two tools: a crimping tool and a cable stripper. Though this process takes slightly longer than any of the others, the end result is a secure connection and cables that are not bound to come lose any time after installation.

Mammoth Security Wants to Ensure a Secure Connection for All of Your CCTV Needs

At Mammoth Security, we want to make sure that your CCTV surveillance system has a secure connection and that all your cables stay where they need to be. For this reason, we use only the most durable components when building your systems, such as BNC connectors. If you want to build a strong and long-lasting surveillance system, reach out to Mammoth Security today. We are ready to help you protect what matters most to you: your property, your business and your loved ones.

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