A Guide to Solving Uniview (UNV) Wiring Problems
Uniview is a leading brand in professional IP surveillance, known for its robust and reliable hardware. However, even the best cameras are only as good as their wiring. A significant portion of IP camera issues, from intermittent dropouts to complete failure, can be traced back to the network cable.
This guide is for installers and end-users in the UK dealing with wiring problems for their Uniview PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras. We will cover the most common symptoms, causes, and solutions to ensure a stable and reliable installation.
Symptoms of Poor Camera Wiring
A wiring problem can manifest in several ways. If you are experiencing any of the following, it's time to inspect your cables and connections.
- Camera is Offline or Has No Power: The camera does not show up on the NVR, and the infrared (IR) LEDs do not glow red in the dark.
- Intermittent Connection: The camera frequently disconnects and reconnects, resulting in gaps in your recorded footage and a "Video Loss" error on the NVR.
- Poor Image Quality: The video stream shows signs of pixelation, artefacts, 'ghosting', or colour problems that are not present on other cameras.
- NVR Cannot Detect the Camera: During setup, the NVR's Plug-and-Play feature fails to find the camera automatically.
- IR Lights Don't Work Properly: The camera works during the day but goes offline at night. This happens because the IR LEDs require more power than the faulty cable can deliver.
- Water Damage: The camera fails after a period of rain, indicating water has penetrated the cable connection.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Uniview Wiring Issues
Follow these best-practice steps to ensure your cabling is not the weak link in your security system.
1. Use the Right Type of Cable
The choice of Ethernet cable is critical for PoE camera systems.
- Use Solid Copper Cable: Always choose solid copper Cat5e or, preferably, Cat6 cable. Do not use cheap Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) cable. CCA has higher electrical resistance, leading to 'voltage drop' over distance, which can starve the camera of power. It's also more brittle and fails more easily.
- Choose External Grade for Outdoors: If any part of the cable run is outside, you must use external-grade Ethernet cable with a UV-resistant and waterproof PE (Polyethylene) sheath to prevent degradation from sunlight and moisture.
2. Check Your RJ45 Terminations
A poorly crimped RJ45 plug is one of the most common points of failure.
- Follow the T568B Standard: Both ends of the cable must be terminated using the same wiring standard. The T568B standard is the most common and recommended for CCTV installations.
- Ensure a Good Crimp: Use a quality crimping tool. When you crimp the plug, the gold pins must pierce the insulation and make solid contact with each of the 8 copper wires. All 8 wires are essential for reliable PoE and data transmission.
- Inspect the Connection: Look at the end of the plug. The copper wires should be pushed all the way to the end, and the plastic sheath of the main cable should be secured by the plug's strain relief clip.
3. Respect the Maximum Cable Length
PoE performance degrades over distance.
- Keep it Under 100 Metres: The official maximum length for a PoE connection is 100 metres (328 feet).
- Aim for Less: For best practice, try to keep cable runs below 90 metres. This provides a buffer and ensures the camera receives sufficient, stable power, especially high-power PTZ or IR-heavy cameras.
- Use a PoE Extender for Longer Runs: If you must go beyond 100 metres, you will need to install a PoE extender at the 100-metre mark to regenerate the signal and power.
4. Weatherproof All Outdoor Connections
Water and electricity do not mix. Moisture getting into the RJ45 connection will cause corrosion and rapid failure.
- Use the Supplied Gland: Your Uniview camera will have come with a waterproof gland for the Ethernet connection. Use it. Slide the components onto the cable before you crimp the RJ45 plug on the end.
- Consider a Junction Box: For the most robust solution, mount the camera on an official Uniview junction box. This allows you to house the cable connection safely inside a weatherproof enclosure.
By adhering to these professional wiring standards, you can prevent and resolve the vast majority of issues that affect Uniview camera installations.