Power Over Ethernet (PoE) has been popular on the voice/data side of our industry for many years. This popularity has recently transitioned to security applications as well, with IP camera systems popping up in greater numbers than ever before. This creates new challenges to security installers who are more accustom to working with analog and coax. The introduction of PoE brings copper limitation into the mix. The 100m limitation of copper is a fairly new concept to many long-time security installers. For those unfamiliar, copper runs can be no longer than 100m from their power source. This presents certain challenges when installing IP cameras in 'remote' locations or locations far removed from the central power source. To address the 100m copper rule, a security contractor must install a power source to each remote IP camera location. This increases the time spent on the job, as well as the cost associated with the security system.

A past solution to this problem was to set up a mixed security system: one running both IP (short distances) and analog (long distance) with a local coax power source. While technically this set up works, it's not ideal. Many would rather have a consistent system and simply go with analog. It's an all or nothing approach.

Berk-Tek has developed a solution to this problem, which they featured at Winter BICSI 2010. Their CL3R-OF composite cables utilize fiber for PoE rather than copper. This extends the length of your cable run from 328ft to 3850 ft, with proper conductor size selection, and eliminates the need for an additional power source to run the application locally. Berk-Tek's CL3R-OF is ideal for applications and hardware far removed from centralized power. While this cable has almost limitless applications, the best example is Power over Ethernet length extension (think IP cameras in remote corners of your parking lot). Also, consider using this cable when setting up wireless access points at the gate of your building or "other building automation devices located in an area where an electrical outlet is not readily available." Anything that runs off PoE can utilized this new type of cable without needing an additional power source at the site. In essence, Berk-Tek's new composite cable is DISTANCE + PoE.

Eliminating the need for a local power source has many benefits: lower costs, decreased install time, and a more stable security system. By backing up all of your applications on the same UPS, both in-building as well as remote hardware (ex: IP camera) continue to run properly in times of power outages.

Berk-Tek's cable CL3R-OF Composite Fiber Cable is classified as a

copper cable with fiber. According to the Berk-Tek website, this cable "incorporate(s) high bandwidth optical fibers with insulated stranded copper THWN conductors. A wide variety of design options are available including; up to 7 conductors ranging from #12 AWG to #18 AWG, up to 12 tight buffered fibers or 24 loose tube fibers, and interlock armoring. These cables are listed as CL3R-OF/PLTC-OF."

I have barely scratched the surface of what this cable can do. For greater detail, I've included a few links and an FAQ to better explain the technical aspects of this cable.

Composite Cable FAQs

Composite Cable Data Sheet

Berk-Tek's One Pathway. One Pull. One Solution.

Also, Berk-Tek will be showing off this new cable at ISC West in Las Vegas, March 24th-26h. Be sure to visit their booth: #23134. While you're at it, stop by the Accu-Tech booth (4141) and say hello.

What applications do you think will benefit most from utilizing Berk-Tek's CL3R-OF Composite Fiber Cable? Let us know in the comments section below!

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