Tips on How to Install A Security Camera

Installing a surveillance camera at your home, school, or workplace is essential for improving the security system of these areas. It is vital to know and apply the proper ways of mounting a security camera to maximize its use. When the camera is installed appropriately, it can help you record quality footage and images which can be useful if an incident or an unlawful act happens.

Plan Before You Buy

Before installing a camera in your preferred location, it is important to identify what type of surveillance camera fits your property's security needs. The first thing to do is to assess your current security status to determine its vulnerabilities. Based on your assessment, you can identify the type of security system that can solve your safety issues. It is essential to consider several factors, from wired and wireless to indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras.

For wiring considerations, you have to choose what type of cabling is necessary for your security system. You may select between DVR and NVR systems. DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder while NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. The DVR system processes the video data at the recorder. On the other hand, NVR encodes the video data at the camera.

Thus, the main difference between these two cabling systems is how they process the video data. It is recommended to use NVR systems that require Ethernet cables. These cables are more flexible because they can be utilized to extend the cable length without affecting the image quality. If you are using larger cables, then you may opt for DVR systems. Keep in mind that installing the wires for the DVR systems take more time.

Security Camera Installation Tips

If you have already purchased a surveillance camera based on your security needs, then it is time to install it in your preferred location. In doing this, you can ask for professional help if you want to ensure that you have installed it correctly. However, you may still do it yourself since many security systems have instructional guides that allow you to mount the camera on your own. Although security camera installation might be challenging, the following tips may help you simplify the process:

1. Try to check access to power outlets. This tip is only accessible to security cameras that use a cabling system. Make sure that the cable length can adequately reach the power source.

2. Check that the location you’ve picked for your camera is adequate and that everything works perfectly. Check twice if everything works correctly by connecting the camera to the recorder. Also, see if the camera can record footage in your desired angles. Ensure that your chosen areas do not carry water pipes and electrical wires that can cause damage to your surveillance cams.

3. Consider mounting security cameras to all entry points. From doors to windows, burglars can use these areas to come inside your home. Installing surveillance cameras in said locations can help you get close-up views to all the entry points.

4. Opt for a surveillance camera with night vision. Since crimes can happen during day or night, it is vital to secure your properties at any time of the day. Since it would be harder to see all the essential details at night, having a camera with night vision can help you see better in the dark. Make sure that you are aware of how far your camera can see at night.

5. Look for other useful features. Some surveillance cameras offer two-way voice communication that can help you hear whatever is happening at your home. It also allows you to communicate with the people who are inside your home. This is made possible by the security device's built-in speaker and microphone. There are also additional features that you may look for. There are security cams that have zooming and panning capabilities. These can be done through the security system's app or web browser.

6. If the cameras are already mounted, it is time to check the security system every now and then. It is now easier to do since remote viewing is available through tablet, webpage, and even to your smartphone. Also, make sure to turn on your notifications for activity alerts. Many security camera systems provide real-time updates to the homeowner through texts, phone calls, and emails. You can use these alerts to monitor any suspicious activity.

Installation Tips for Outdoor Security Cameras

There are additional things to keep in mind when mounting a surveillance camera outdoors. Here are some of the most significant ones: 

1. Keep the security camera away from direct sunlight to prevent lens flare and backlighting. If not followed, bright light can affect the quality of the footage recorded in the camera. You may observe almost white image circles and dots on the footage. Know that backlighting is not only created by direct sunlight but through security light or street light as well.

2. Keep the surveillance camera out of burglar's reach. Since you will be placing cameras outdoors, it is essential to mount them high enough where no one can reach or tamper with them. Easy-to-tampered security cameras are one of the vulnerabilities that should be avoided. Be reminded not to place the security cameras too high because you may not identify the activity in the footage.

3. Check the signal strength. There are security cameras that make use of the Wi-Fi connection. If you are using Wi-Fi connected cameras, regularly check the signal strength since it could be affected if the router is placed in a far distance.

4. Respect your neighbours' privacy. Make sure to mount the cameras that will not invade the confidentiality of your neighbours. Try not to install the cameras in areas where they can view your neighbours’ locations.

The right knowledge is needed when installing security cameras. The tips above can help you if you are mounting the cameras by yourself. Although there are DIY surveillance cameras available, it is always recommended, if needed, to ask for professional assistance to guarantee safety and reliability with your security system.