What Power Supply Do I Need for a CCTV Camera?

CCTV cameras are often powered by a standard 12V DC supply, rising to 24V AC for more powerful surveillance units – but there are also wireless, battery-powered, and solar-panel CCTV cameras ideal for sites without mains electricity.

The right power supply will depend on whether you’re operating an analogue or IP system, with simpler cameras having less intensive energy requirements. In contrast, advanced units may require Power over Ethernet (PoE) cabling that delivers higher voltage over a single connection.

Although power requirements vary by CCTV camera type, it is always advisable to speak with a professional to ensure you have the correct setup that will keep your cameras running reliably and prevent your security equipment from being damaged.

Why Does My Power Supply Affect How My CCTV Camera Will Function?

There are three primary ways to deliver power to CCTV cameras. If you don’t have the right infrastructure, your cameras might overload your system, fail to record, or experience outages that put your site security at risk.

In the UK, there are three main options, including plug-in 12V DC units, PoE cameras, and higher-voltage pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, each with different power supply requirements.

What Is the Best Way to Calculate Power Requirements for Multiple CCTV Cameras?

If, like many organisations, you need more than one camera, you’ll need to multiply the power requirements of all units by roughly 1.3 – rather than just adding together the power ratings of each camera.

That’s because power usage changes based on what the camera is doing, and each device might need more power when they’re starting up or transmitting data to site managers or security teams. As a guide:

• Premises with, for example, 16 separate cameras, each rated to 0.35A, might assume they’ll need a 5.6A supply to keep all those cameras operating, based on 16 x 0.35.
• That isn’t correct, because if each camera operates at a maximum of 80%, the actual power supply would be 7A based on 5.6A/0.8.
• Sites with several cameras might benefit from power distribution boxes because they simplify the number of cables required and ensure energy is shared equally among cameras, rather than being separated between each unit.

In situations where you have both long-distance and nearby CCTV cameras, you may also want to avoid dependency on the same power supply.

A single-voltage supply might overload nearby cameras while sending insufficient voltage to cameras further away, illustrating the importance of having your cameras professionally installed, configured, and tested.

How Can Businesses Pick the Correct Voltage and Current for CCTV Cameras?

The best way forward is to check the voltage requirements for the camera you want to install – this will normally be either a 12V DC plug-in power source or 24V AC.

Commercial organisations can also verify whether their power supplies deliver sufficient current, measured in amperes (A).

Daniel Meeajane

Business Development Director, Clearway

Daniel Meeajane

The right power supply is critical for CCTV system reliability, as mismatched voltage can compromise camera performance and damage equipment. Matching specifications to your specific camera type ensures consistent operation and protects your security investment.

If you’re fitting a camera with a 0.5A requirement, you’ll also need a power adaptor rated to at least 0.5A, because although it’s fine to exceed the minimum current, if you’re below that level, the camera may not work at all.

Clearway’s technical security specialist says, ‘Ensuring your CCTV cameras receive stable and correct power is critical. Even small fluctuations can lead to recording failures or reduce camera lifespan – which is why it’s far better to speak to an expert before you go ahead with installation if you have any doubts about whether your existing power supply is compatible.’

In reality, almost 60% of CCTV failures or malfunctions are associated with unstable or inadequate power supplies, hence the need to ensure you don’t try to connect a PTZ camera with a 24V input requirement into a basic 12V plug. [1]

When Is it Better to Consider Autonomous CCTV Cameras?

Businesses with limited power supply options, or in remote areas without mains electricity, are often advised to consider wireless and battery or solar-powered cameras as alternatives to fixed industrial CCTV.

Talking with an independent adviser will ensure you know which cameras you can use immediately on your site, and when it might be more cost-effective to compare CCTV hire services that operate without mains power.

Back-up power sources, such as batteries, may also be recommended for sites with a higher risk or where outages are more common. This is especially relevant following a recent study that found that 34% of overhead power lines could fail during extreme weather. [2]

Ultimately, the right CCTV system for your business or site will depend on several variables, from the power supply you have to the types of surveillance cameras you want to install, and how easy it would be to fit the infrastructure to support more advanced CCTV solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Plug Any CCTV Camera Into My Existing Power Supply?

Possibly, but that depends on the camera’s voltage and current requirements. If you plug in a high-performance camera that requires a more advanced power source, you may overload your system, or the camera may not work.

Is it Possible to Install an IP Camera Without a PoE Setup?

In some cases, IP cameras can be supplied with separate DC adapters, making them compatible, but it’s often better to use one-cable PoE connections for cost-efficiency and simplicity.

Written by Daniel Meeajane

Business Development Director, Clearway Fire and Security

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Daniel Meeajane is Business Development Director at Clearway Fire and Security, bringing strong commercial expertise alongside a detailed understanding of fire protection systems and industry standards.

Having contributed to a number of major projects and delivered successful outcomes, Daniel uses his knowledge and experience to drive awareness of effective fire protection solutions across a wide range of environments. His approach combines relationship-led business development with a clear understanding of technical compliance, operational requirements, and customer risk.

Daniel has a strong understanding of BS 5839-1, recognising the importance of compliant fire detection and alarm system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. He also keeps pace with the latest developments in fire technology, ensuring clients benefit from informed guidance, up-to-date solutions, and best practice across every stage of delivery.