Cabling & Power
CCTV Power Supply — Central PSU vs individual adapters
A central 12V SMPS powers all cameras from one box — easier to protect, easier to service. Individual adapters are only fine for 1–2 cameras.
What it is
A regulated 12V DC power box with 4, 8, 16, or 32 fused outputs. Each output feeds one camera.
Built-in fuses stop one bad camera from taking down others.
How it works
- 1Single AC mains line → SMPS → 12V rail → fused outputs → cameras.
- 2One UPS at the SMPS input keeps every camera up during load-shedding.
Best fit for
4+ analog HD cameras
One tidy box, one UPS point, per-camera fuse protection.
Rack rooms and shops with a wiring cabinet
Metal enclosure fits neatly; safer for technicians.
Key specs to check
- Sized to load × 1.5 (e.g. 8 cameras × 500 mA = 4 A → buy a 6 A unit).
- Individually fused outputs.
- Metal enclosure with mains switch.
- Overload and short-circuit protection.
When you can skip it
- PoE NVR setup — the switch already powers the cameras over CAT6.
- Single-camera install right next to a power outlet.
Common mistakes
- Under-sizing the PSU — cameras reboot when IR turns on at night.
- Skipping a UPS — first load-shedding wipes 4–6 hours of coverage.
Want help picking the right one?
Our 2-minute builder recommends the right kit for your environment — or chat with us on WhatsApp.