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BNC Connectors

Use the best BNC connectors to ensure your video systems perform at the highest level. At Cabling Plus we offer the BNC connectors that are trusted by business owners, do-it-yourselfers, and professional installers all over the world!

We offer a huge selection of professional grade BNC connectors in both compression and crimp styles that will support any coaxial cable terminations. We offer the connectors that can be used to terminate RG6 and RG59 coaxial cables. We even offer those hard to find connectors needed to terminate plenum rated coaxial cables! Choose the BNC connectors you need to make your installation a success!

Use the right BNC connectors for the job!

BNC connectors are used to terminate coaxial cables used in everyday low power video applications. They are designed to fit on numerous RG59 coaxial cable types to support all applications with devices that offer BNC inputs and outputs. Some popular coaxial cable types terminated with BNC connectors include RG59, RG6, and RG59 Mini coaxial cables in plenum and non-plenum forms. BNC connectors are simple to install and are best known for their locking mechanism that makes them the most durable long lasting video connector available.

BNC connectors are the most popular connector types used to terminate coaxial cables for CCTV camera installations. Since most CCTV cameras and Security DVRs feature BNC inputs the common application is to simply run RG59 coaxial cable between the camera and DVR while attaching them via BNC connectors. The RG59 is basically the pipe that delivers the video that the camera is seeing back to the DVR so it can be viewed, recorded, and even downloaded. Most quality connectors offer a precision termination that will withstand any indoor or outdoor environmental conditions. This means you can install BNC connectors almost anywhere and be confident your connections are protected and perform.

No matter what coaxial cable type you are using you can rest assure that Cabling Plus has the BNC connectors you need for a successful video installation. The most important decision you can make for the success of your project is to use the connectors that are designed for the type of coaxial cable you are installing. So identify the cable you are using and then pick the right connector for the job. If you are having a tough time figuring out which connectors you need for your installation give us a call today! We have wire and connector experts ready to assist you!

Frequently Asked Questions About BNC Connectors - FAQ’s

Is a compression BNC connector better than a crimp type?

The compression BNC connector is much better in the areas of performance, durability, and look! Crimp style BNC connectors are really “old school” style connectors, and although they are still often used they are not the best solution. Since most surveillance system issues are connector related it really makes much more sense to use the best connectors possible. Compression style connectors are easier to install and last much longer than the crimp types. They also have a much stronger pull force and provide much better protection for your terminations. If you are doing outdoor camera installations than there is no doubt that you will want to use compression BNC connectors. They provide much better protection in tough environments.

Will all BNC connectors fit all cable types?

No. It is important to use the BNC connectors that are designed for the coaxial cable type you are using. There are BNC connectors specially made to fit RG6 and RG59 coaxial cables in both plenum and non-plenum types. There are also BNC connectors designed to fit mini-coaxial cables. Each coaxial cable type has a different diameter size, so it is important to match the connector with the cable type you are using.

Do I need a special tool to install a BNC connector?

Depending on the BNC connector types you are using you will need either a standard crimp tool or a compression crimp tool. Unfortunately not all BNC connectors work with every tool. This is mostly in the case with compression style BNC connectors. Although many tools will work with the majority of the connectors on the market it is always best to buy the connectors that are made by the same manufacture of the tool choose. This will ensure that they will work perfectly together. Besides the crimp tool you will also need a good coaxial cable cutter, and a coaxial cable stripper. Most cable strippers are designed for use with both RG6 and RG59 coaxial cable, which means you can use the same tool all your CCTV and cable TV installations.

How does a compression BNC connector attach to the cable?

The compression BNC connector has an internal sleeve that once compressed it clamps the entire connector onto the cable. Since it is creating a 360 degree clamp it leaves no room for dust or moisture to enter the termination. Not only will the compression style connectors offer the best protection, but it will also offer the strongest pull out force. There is no doubt that compression BNC connectors are the best for all coaxial cable terminations.

What are the biggest mistakes people make when installing BNC connectors?

Most people fail to prepare the cable properly. Using a quality coaxial cable stripper is vital to a successful installation. If you do not properly prepare your cable prior to putting a connector on it your connectors will simply fail, and you will not get a video signal. Here is a great video that will show you step by step how to properly prepare your cable and install a BNC connector. The 2nd biggest mistake made when installing BNC connectors is that people buy the wrong connectors. Not all BNC connectors will fit every cable type. Take a good look at the characteristics of the cable you are using and match those specifications with the right BNC connector type.

Are BNC connectors reusable?

You cannot reuse BNC connectors unless you buy the screw-on type. But we do not recommend them because they are really made for quick temporary installations. Once you terminate a compression BNC that connector is done. So if you do not install it correctly you cannot reuse it. Once the sleeve is compressed there is no way to get it back out. Crimp style BNC connectors are also not reusable. Once you crush the metal sleeve onto the cable you cannot re-crimp the connector or go backwards. Using the right tools and the right connectors will ensure each termination is done correctly and your installation is fast and easy. We recommend always buying a few extra connectors just in case you have some unsuccessful terminations. You might need a few practice connectors that you can burn while you learn how to properly install them.

Do I need a special connector type for plenum rated RG59 coaxial cable?

Yes you do. Most quality connector manufacturers will offer a few variation of BNC’s to support different cable types. If you are using plenum rated RG59 coaxial cable then you will need plenum rated BNC connectors. The BNC’s for plenum cables are sized differently to correctly fit on the plenum jacket. The jacket on a plenum RG59 cable is actually thinner and much stiffer than the jacket found on non-plenum rated cable. It is important to buy BNC connectors that are specifically made for the plenum rated cables.

How do I attach the BNC connector to my security DVR?

Most security DVR's have female BNC connectors on the back of them that allow you to easily attach your CCTV cables to them. This is done after you terminate a male BNC connector on the ends of the coaxial cables you are using to transmit your video signals. To attach these BNC connectors together you are just pushing the male BNC onto the female BNC, and then turning the male connector until is locks onto the female. This is very simple to do, and the end result is one of the strongest connections available in the entire low voltage industry. It is almost impossible to separate a male and female BNC connector from each other by just pulling them apart. The security DVR or the cables will break before the connection does! The locking mechanism of a BNC connector will ensure your cables have a long lasting connection to your DVR.

How can I use BNC connectors to extend a current security camera cable?

It is not uncommon for someone to move a security camera, or have to extend a cable run because they are moving the location of the equipment. Splicing a coaxial cable is very common and easy. If you are just extending a current line then you can simply terminate a BNC connector on the end of your new cable and use a BNC coupler to join the two cables together. You would do the same if you are splicing and inserting new cable from the middle of a coaxial cable run. Using BNC couplers to extend cables will not hinder the performance of your video signals. It is simple a female to female coupler that supports a plug and play installation.

When I insert the cable into a BNC connector how far should it go?

When you properly prepare a coaxial cable using a cable stripper you will see that there are (2) ¼ cuts. When you insert the cable into the BNC connector you will want to push it until the center pin is even with the top of the connector. Once the pin rises you can use your finger to brush it over the connector to feel that the center pin is flush with the top of the connector. Don’t be afraid to use some strength and force to push the cable into the connector. If the pin is not in the right place then your connection will either fail or under-perform.

Is there a way to test my terminations?

You can test your BNC terminations with a volt meter. You can send a current through cable and test the center pin and the braid separately. You can also buy an inexpensive coaxial cable tester that will give you a complete reading of the signals traveling over the cable. If you are not interested in buying a cable tester than you can simply plug the cable in the security DVR and the security camera and evaluate the video. If you see a good quality clear video than you know your terminations are done properly.

Will BNC connectors fail over time?

In the past before the invention of compression BNC connectors there was a high failure rate with BNC’s. This was not due to the connector failing, it was because of the crimping termination method failing. Since crimping is really about crushing metal, over time the crimp would loosen which would cause the connection between the connector and the cable to fail. Failures would be even more common with cables that were installed outdoors where the cable would age and change form because of the weather. With today’s compression style terminations the failure rate of terminations has been extremely lowered. The clamping technology of a compression connector ensures a stronger pull force and a stronger connection to the cable. If you are concerned about connector failures than there is no doubt the compression style BNC connectors are the best option for you.

When would I use Mini RG59 BNC connectors?

Mini coax is used in all types of video applications. Mini coax uses a smaller gauged center conductor so it is more commonly used in short video cable run installations. Often mini coax is used in rack environments or in other areas where space is limited. Most mini coaxial cables have a center conductor that is between 23 and 26 gauge, which means you will need the mini BNC connectors to properly terminate the smaller cable type. For success it is important to match the gauge of the wire you are using with the gauge supported by the BNC connector. The wire gauge will be printed right on the jacket of all coaxial cables. Look at the specifications of the BNC connectors you are using and it should tell you the gauge of wire they will also support.

Is there any soldering required when installing BNC connectors?

No the soldering days are over. BNC Connectors crimp or compressed onto the cable. The center conductor is put into a center pin which ensures connectivity. There is no need for soldering.