We installed several cameras at one of our customer's mining operations a few months ago. One of the cameras was a PTZ on top of one of their buildings on the campus. They're asking us to relocate the camera about 160 feet up to the top of one of their silos. Cable needs to be able to handle its weight, and be outdoor rated. We don't have too much experience with going straight up like this. Looking for some recommendations.
Recommendation For Outdoor Cable Straight Up 160 Feet To PTZ Camera
Just to confirm exposed to the elements, no conduit/raceway?
Can you attach standoffs to the silo to bear cable weight at intervals as you go up?
I would span a galvanised steel cable and tie the camera cable to that. Outdoor rated cable for the camera off course. It's a big distance so the steel cable will need to be strong enough
By the way, if your going straight up, as in 90 degrees towards the earth surface, make a loop every 9 meters. If you use decent outdoor cable, it will probably have gel inside. The loops prevent that from dripping out at the bottom and they provide strain relief
Thanks for the advice, this is what we will try. We couldn't run pipe up there if we wanted too so it's all exposed. I have explained to the client that even with outdoor rated cable he should plan to replace the cable run in a few years.
An OSP rated cable should last many years in outdoor rated environment. We have used the Superior Essex BBDGe cable on towers (which is basically what you would have if you strap to a cable) and have them last many years without decaying. The BBDGe cable has a decent heavy duty shield that you can use bonding kits to ground the shield with for lighting protection.
Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.