A Guide to Troubleshooting Hanwha Vision (Wisenet) Wiring Problems
Wiring issues are the root cause of many common problems encountered with Hanwha Vision (formerly Samsung Wisenet) security camera systems. Whether you are dealing with a camera that will not power on, intermittent video loss, or poor image quality, a methodical approach to checking the wiring can save you significant time and frustration. This guide covers the most frequent wiring problems for Hanwha's IP cameras and how to solve them.
Step 1: No Power or Intermittent Power
A camera that is offline or cycles on and off is often not receiving stable power.
### For PoE (Power over Ethernet) Cameras
This is the most common method for powering Hanwha IP cameras.
- Check the NVR/Switch Port: Ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged into a port that is PoE-enabled. Not all ports on a switch may provide power. Look for a 'PoE' indicator light for that specific port to be illuminated.
- Verify Cable Integrity: A poorly crimped RJ45 connector or a break in the Ethernet cable can prevent power delivery. The best way to check this is with a network cable tester, which can verify that all 8 wires have continuity. A simpler method is to test the camera with a short, pre-made patch cable that you know is good.
- Check Power Budget: If you have multiple PoE cameras connected to a single switch or NVR, you may have exceeded its total power budget. Check the specifications for your switch/NVR and the power consumption of your cameras (measured in watts). If the total camera consumption exceeds the switch's budget, some cameras may not receive power.
- Cable Length: Standard Ethernet has a maximum length of 100 meters (328 feet). Exceeding this distance can result in power and data loss.
### For 12V DC / 24V AC Powered Cameras
Some models use a separate power adapter.
- Test the Power Adapter: Use a multimeter to check the output voltage of the power adapter. Ensure it matches the camera's requirements (e.g., 12V DC). A failing adapter can provide insufficient voltage.
- Inspect the Power Jack: Check the connection at the camera's power input. Ensure the plug is fully seated and that the centre pin is not bent or broken.
- Voltage Drop: For long cable runs, the voltage can drop significantly by the time it reaches the camera. Use a thicker gauge of wire for longer distances and check the voltage with a multimeter at the camera end of the cable, not at the power supply.
Step 2: Video Loss or "No Video" Error
If the camera appears to be powered on (e.g., you can see the infrared LEDs glowing faintly in the dark) but you have no image, the issue is with the data connection.
- RJ45 Connector Termination: This is a very common failure point. The eight small wires inside an Ethernet cable must be arranged in the correct order (T568A or T568B standard) and fully seated in the RJ45 connector. A single wire out of place can cause a total loss of data transmission. Re-terminating both ends of the cable with new connectors often solves the problem.
- Network Configuration: Ensure the camera has a valid IP address on the same subnet as your NVR. While not strictly a 'wiring' problem, it is a crucial part of the data connection.
- Bent or Damaged Pins: Check the pins inside the camera's Ethernet port and on the NVR/switch. A bent pin can prevent a proper connection.
Step 3: Poor Image Quality, Artefacts, or Lines
If you have an image but it is of poor quality, this can also be a result of faulty wiring.
- Crosstalk/Interference: This occurs when the Ethernet cable is run parallel to high-voltage AC power cables. The electromagnetic field from the power cables can induce interference in the data signal. Whenever possible, maintain at least 12 inches of separation between network and power cables.
- Low-Quality Cable: Using CCA (Copper Clad Aluminium) cable instead of solid copper can lead to poor performance, especially on longer runs or with PoE. Always use solid copper Cat5e or Cat6 cable for reliable results.
- Ground Loops (Analogue Systems): While less common with IP systems, if you are using Hanwha analogue cameras over coaxial cable, rolling bars on the screen are a classic sign of a ground loop. This requires a ground loop isolator to fix.
By systematically checking these power, data, and interference points, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the vast majority of wiring-related issues with your Hanwha Vision security system. Always start with the simplest solution, like testing with a known-good patch cable, before re-running or re-terminating long cables.