PoE Camera and Access Point Cables

Power over Ethernet puts current through the data cable, so the copper matters: every cable here is 100% pure copper, never copper-clad aluminum, in 23 to 24 AWG solid conductors that carry PoE and PoE+ without the heat and voltage drop cheap cable suffers. Choose CMR or CMP bulk for ceilings and risers, outdoor UV-rated or direct-burial cable for eaves and yard runs, and armored cable where rodents share the route.

Matching cable to the install

Indoor cameras and ceiling access points: solid Cat6 or Cat6A bulk in the right jacket rating. Outdoor cameras: outdoor-rated or direct-burial Cat5e; gigabit is far more bandwidth than any camera needs. Long runs stay within the 100 m channel. Our PoE cable requirements guide covers wattage classes and bundling.

Start here: our guides to best Ethernet cable for security cameras and outdoor vs direct burial Ethernet cable.

Common questions

Can I use Cat5e for PoE cameras? Yes for 802.3af and 802.3at cameras on runs under 100 m, as long as it is solid pure copper. For PoE++ access points or future-proofing, choose Cat6 or Cat6A.

Do I need shielded cable for cameras? Usually not. Shielded cable helps only in electrically noisy spaces and only with shielded, grounded jacks at both ends. Outdoor rating and copper quality matter far more.