CCTV cameras typically operate on which voltage?

CCTV cameras are commonly designed to operate on 12 VDC (volts of direct current) or 24 VAC (volts of alternating current) because these voltage levels provide the necessary power for the various components within the cameras, including the image sensors, video processing units, and other electronic components.

The choice of 12 VDC is particularly popular as it balances the need for efficient power use while still providing adequate performance for most standard surveillance applications. There are also variants that use 24 VAC, as this higher voltage can be beneficial for installations over longer distances to mitigate voltage drop concerns.

Using these standard voltages allows for compatibility with a wide range of hardware and makes it easier to find compatible power supplies or converters. Therefore, the most common operating voltages for CCTV cameras are typically either 12 VDC or 24 VAC, making this choice the correct one.

Other voltage options listed, such as 5 VDC and 48 VDC, are generally not standard for CCTV cameras. While some specific low-power devices might use 5 VDC, it is too low for most standard camera functions. Similarly, 48 VDC is typically used in telecommunications and other industrial applications rather than for general CCTV camera operation.