Long-Range CCTV Power: PS-DC5A4PE vs PS-DC8A8PE

Long cable runs can cause voltage drop between a power supply and a security device. The result may be unstable cameras, weak IR illumination, intermittent reboots or unreliable access-control equipment. The UltraPoE PS-DC5A4PE and PS-DC8A8PE provide selectable 12V, 13.8V or 15V DC output so qualified installers can match compatible equipment and compensate for verified cable loss.

Why Voltage Drop Matters in Long-Range Security Installations

Every cable has resistance. As cable length and load current increase, voltage available at the remote device decreases. A 12V camera that receives substantially less voltage under load may become unstable—especially when its infrared LEDs, heater or motor starts.

A practical design process is:

1. Confirm the device’s permitted input-voltage range and maximum current.
2. Calculate expected cable loss using conductor size, one-way distance and load current.
3. Choose a supply and channel capacity with operating margin.
4. Select 12V, 13.8V or 15V only when compatible with the connected equipment.
5. Measure voltage at the device while it is operating at its highest expected load.

Important: Do not select a higher voltage by cable length alone. Always verify the load’s voltage rating and measure the actual voltage at the remote device.

PS-DC5A4PE vs PS-DC8A8PE

Which Model Should You Choose?

Choose PS-DC5A4PE when:

• You need up to four protected outputs.
• Your connected load remains within 5A / 60W total.
• You are powering a small group of cameras or accessories near one field location.
• A compact, economical distribution point is preferred.

Choose PS-DC8A8PE when:

• You need five to eight protected outputs.
• Your connected load requires more than 5A but no more than 8A / 96W total.
• You are consolidating a larger camera, access-control or IR-illuminator zone.
• You want additional expansion capacity while keeping each branch individually protected.

How Selectable Voltage Supports Long Cable Runs

Both models provide three installer-selectable output levels. The 12V setting is appropriate when cable loss is minimal and the load expects nominal 12V DC. The 13.8V and 15V settings can provide additional headroom for compatible devices on longer cable runs. This is not a substitute for correct wire sizing: undersized conductors create heat, waste power and reduce reliability.

For best results, use appropriately sized copper conductors, keep branch current below 1.35A, allow reserve capacity for startup and night-mode loads, and install suitable grounding, weather sealing and upstream surge protection.

Example Long-Range Power Design

For four cameras drawing 0.7A each at maximum load, the expected total is 2.8A before design margin. The PS-DC5A4PE provides sufficient channel count and total capacity. For six cameras at the same maximum load, the expected total is 4.2A; the PS-DC8A8PE provides the required six outputs plus capacity for expansion. In both cases, verify each device’s voltage at the far end while IR illumination or other peak-load functions are active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 15V with every 12V camera?

No. Use 13.8V or 15V only when the device manufacturer permits that input voltage. Confirm compatibility before connection.

Does each output provide the full 5A or 8A rating?

No. Those ratings are the total capacity shared across all channels. Each output is limited to 1.35A maximum.

Can different channels use different voltages?

No. The selected output voltage applies to all channels on the power supply.

How do I measure voltage drop?

Measure DC voltage at the remote device while it is connected and operating at its highest expected load. Compare that reading with the supply output and the device’s permitted input range.

Are these enclosures waterproof?

They are rainproof, outdoor-oriented enclosures. Mount them correctly, protect and seal cable entries, and follow local electrical codes. No IP rating is claimed.

What happens if one output is shorted?

Each channel has resettable PTC protection. Remove the fault and allow the protection to recover before recommissioning the circuit.

Product and Specification Downloads

• View PS-DC5A4PE — 4 channels, 5A / 60W
• Download PS-DC5A4PE specification sheet (PDF)
• View PS-DC8A8PE — 8 channels, 8A / 96W
• Download PS-DC8A8PE specification sheet (PDF)

Need help planning a long-range CCTV or access-control power system? Contact UltraPoE or request dealer pricing.