Every cable ends in a connector, and every connector is a potential fault: BNC connectors terminate coax on analog systems, RJ45 plugs terminate Ethernet on IP systems, and DC barrel connectors carry low-voltage power. An experienced technician can diagnose a surprising share of CCTV faults by inspecting terminations alone.
Good terminations are crimped with the correct tool, strain-relieved, and sealed when outdoors. Bad ones — twist-on BNCs installed hastily, RJ45s punched without following the wiring standard, DC jacks left hanging by their own weight — work perfectly on handover day and start their slow failure with the first temperature cycle.
On IP runs the standard matters: T568B on both ends, all four pairs, verified with a cable tester. "It links up" is not the same as "it carries PoE and 4K video reliably for years".
Brands we fit and service
The connectors market splits into hardware built for South African conditions and lookalikes that fail at the first hard season. These are the manufacturers we trust on our installations:
- Amphenol
- Platinum Tools
- generic pro-grade
See our brand guides for how these manufacturers compare.
When the connectors goes wrong
These are the failures we're called to most often — each with its symptoms, causes and our fix on the dedicated problems page:
- Corroded BNC connector — Analog picture degrading over months — contrast fading, noise creeping in, then video loss in damp weather.
- Loose or badly made RJ45 — An IP camera that drops when its cable is touched, negotiates at low speed, or loses PoE intermittently.
- DC power jack failure — A camera that reboots when wind moves its cable, or a connector warm to the touch.
Need this fixed or installed?
Our CCTV Repairs service covers connectors work — quoted upfront and backed by our 12-month workmanship warranty.