Avigilon Wiring Problems? A Pro's Troubleshooting Guide

A Professional Guide to Troubleshooting Avigilon Wiring Problems

Proper wiring is the foundation of a stable and reliable Avigilon security system. Wiring issues can manifest in various ways, from a camera not powering on to intermittent video loss or failing alarm inputs. This guide provides a systematic and professional approach to diagnosing and resolving common wiring problems with Avigilon cameras and hardware.

Core Areas of Wiring Failure

Most problems can be traced back to one of three areas: power delivery, network connectivity, or input/output connections.

1. Power over Ethernet (PoE) Issues

Modern Avigilon IP cameras are typically powered via the same Ethernet cable that carries data, using the Power over Ethernet (PoE) standard.

• Insufficient Power: Different cameras have different power requirements. A standard PoE switch port (802.3af) provides up to 15.4W, but a high-performance PTZ or multi-imager camera might require PoE+ (802.3at, 30W) or even PoE++ (802.3bt, 60W+). Connecting a high-power camera to a low-power port will result in it not turning on or malfunctioning.
• Cable Length: The maximum length for a reliable Ethernet cable run is 100 metres (328 feet). Exceeding this distance can lead to both power drop and data loss.
• Cable Quality: Using low-quality, non-certified cable (like Copper Clad Aluminium or CCA) or poorly terminated connectors can prevent proper power delivery and data transmission.

2. Network Data Connectivity Problems

These issues cause a camera to appear as 'Offline' or to disconnect intermittently in the Avigilon Control Center (ACC).

• Faulty Terminations: A poorly crimped RJ45 connector is a very common point of failure. If not all 8 wires have a solid connection, the link may be unstable or slow.
• Cable Damage: The Ethernet cable could be pinched, kinked, stretched, or have its jacket compromised, allowing for moisture ingress. This physical damage will degrade the signal.
• Network Port Issues: The port on the network switch or the camera itself could be faulty.

3. Alarm and I/O Wiring

Many Avigilon cameras have digital input/output ports for connecting external devices like door contacts, PIR sensors, or gate controls.

• Incorrect Terminal Block Wiring: The small wires can easily become loose or be inserted into the wrong terminal on the I/O block.
• Incorrect Circuit Logic: The device (e.g., a door contact) and the camera's software configuration must match. A 'Normally Open' (NO) device needs to be configured as such in the software, and the same for 'Normally Closed' (NC). A mismatch will cause the alarm to function incorrectly.

Systematic Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Steps

Approach the problem methodically to isolate the cause.

Step 1: Diagnose the Camera Status

• No Power/No Link Light: If the camera shows no signs of life and the link light on the switch is off, the problem is almost certainly related to power or a completely failed cable.
• Power, but Disconnecting: If the camera powers on but frequently goes offline in ACC, the issue is likely data-related – a bad connector, damaged cable, or a faulty network port.
• Online, but I/O Fails: If the camera video is stable but an external alarm is not working, the problem is isolated to the I/O block wiring and software configuration.

Step 2: Isolate the Cable and Connectors

This is the most crucial test.

1. Obtain a short, pre-made, and tested Ethernet patch cable.
2. If possible, take the problematic camera down and connect it directly to the same port on the PoE switch using the short test cable.
3. Result A: If the camera powers on and works perfectly, you have proven that the camera and the switch port are functioning correctly. The fault lies with the long, installed cable run in the field. You must inspect, re-terminate, or replace this cable.
4. Result B: If the camera still does not work, the issue is likely with the camera itself or the switch port.

Step 3: Isolate the Switch Port

• If the camera didn't work with the short test cable, try plugging it into a different, known-good port on the same switch.
• If the camera now works, the original switch port is faulty.
• If it still doesn't work, this points strongly towards a hardware fault in the camera itself.

Step 4: Verify I/O Wiring and Configuration

1. Double-check that the wires are securely seated in the correct terminals on the camera's I/O block. Give them a gentle tug to ensure they are firm.
2. Use a multimeter to test the external device. For example, check for continuity on a door contact to see if it opens and closes the circuit correctly.
3. Log into ACC and go to the camera's setup page. Under Digital Inputs or Digital Outputs, verify that the configuration (Normally Open / Normally Closed) matches the specifications of your external hardware.

By following this logical process of elimination, you can efficiently diagnose and resolve even complex Avigilon wiring problems, ensuring a stable and reliable system.