CCTV Cable 3+1 vs 4+1: Which One Do You Need?
In a CCTV cable, “3+1” and “4+1” describe its make-up: a single coaxial conductor for the video signal, plus 3 or 4 thin copper conductors for power (and sometimes audio). The practical difference is the extra copper core in 4+1 — useful for longer power runs and higher-draw cameras.
- 3+1 = 1 coaxial (video) + 3 copper cores (power/audio) — the standard for most fixed analog cameras at moderate distance.
- 4+1 = 1 coaxial + 4 copper cores — the extra conductor helps with longer power runs, PTZ/higher-current cameras, or a spare/audio line.
- For a typical home or shop with fixed cameras, 3+1 is enough; choose 4+1 for long runs, motorised cameras or future-proofing.
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What 3+1 and 4+1 actually mean
Analog CCTV cameras need two things down one cable: the video signal and power. The video travels on a coaxial conductor (a copper core with shielding), and power travels on separate copper wires. So a “3+1” cable bundles one coaxial with three copper cores; a “4+1” bundles one coaxial with four. The copper is usually used for DC power, with a spare core available for audio or a second supply.
3+1 vs 4+1 — the difference
| Feature | 3+1 cable | 4+1 cable |
|---|---|---|
| Make-up | 1 coax + 3 copper cores | 1 coax + 4 copper cores |
| Power capacity | Standard | Higher — extra core for current / longer runs |
| Best for | Fixed cameras, moderate distance | PTZ / higher-power cameras, long runs, spare/audio |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
Which one do you need?
Pick 3+1 for a standard home or small-shop setup with fixed cameras over short-to-moderate runs. Pick 4+1 when you have motorised (PTZ) or higher-draw cameras, long cable runs where voltage drop is a concern, or you want a spare conductor for audio or future expansion. Whichever you choose, insist on bare (pure) copper conductors rather than copper-clad aluminium (CCA) for reliable signal and power. See our Tarang Shakti CCTV cable, and for long runs read choosing CCTV cable for long distances.
FAQs
What does the “+1” mean in CCTV cable?
The “+1” is the single coaxial conductor that carries the video signal; the number before it is the count of copper conductors used for power and audio.
Is 4+1 better than 3+1?
Not universally — 4+1 just adds a copper core for more power capacity. It’s better for long runs and power-hungry cameras; 3+1 is fine for standard fixed cameras.
Can I use 3+1 for a PTZ camera?
PTZ cameras draw more current, so 4+1 (or a dedicated power supply at the camera) is the safer choice to avoid voltage drop.
Does conductor material matter?
Yes — use bare copper, not copper-clad aluminium (CCA), for lower loss and dependable power over distance.
