What this tool does
Estimate how much network cable to buy and spot runs that may be too long. Use it before ordering cable for a camera installation, allowing for spare length at connections and cutting waste.
How to use it
- Measure each actual cable route, including vertical sections, and list the lengths in metres.
- Add spare cable per run and a purchase allowance for waste. Enter short patch leads separately; these are the ready-made cables used at connections.
- Enter your complete connection’s length limit and the metres supplied per cable roll.
Reading your result
The purchase target is the bulk cable to allow for, including waste. The longest connection includes spare cable and patch leads, and is checked against your entered limit.
Example: routes of 20, 35 and 50 m, with 3 m spare per run, need 114 m of installed cable. A 10% waste allowance raises the purchase target to 125.4 m.
Keep in mind
Patch leads count towards the connection length but are not included in bulk cable purchases. The roll count is a minimum; continuous cuts and leftover pieces may require more rolls.
Check the permitted length for your actual cable and equipment. Staying below the entered limit does not by itself guarantee reliable data or power delivery.
Use Download results or Print to keep your inputs and estimate. The tool uses the values you enter; it does not read your equipment’s settings.