Home & Family Facts and Notes

People can often be put off from buying security camera systems because of concerns about the complexities of a CCTV installation. Even though installing security camera systems can have its hassles, you can avoid most of them by the adequate planning described in this installation checklist.

Before you buy your Security Camera

First you must do some research to ensure that you are buying the right security camera system for your situation. If you are not that confident about this, then for peace of mind I would recommend getting a professional security camera installer to do you a survey. This can often be a no charge installation quote where you can get some free advice and identify any potential problems.

Dealing with power source problems

A common problem with security cameras is the lack of a nearby power source, especially for outdoor CCTV installations. It’s not very wise to step outside with your security camera system in hand only to discover that there’s no power source.

Know where your outlets are before you buy. If you know potential power problems up front, you can get good advice from sales representatives or even CCTV installers before you buy. Their expert suggestions may take you in an entirely different direction than you might have gone without it.

If access to a power source is a challenge to your CCTV installation, you have several options. You can have power outlets installed near where you plan to install your cameras. Alternately, you can run hidden wiring into an outlet inside your garage. Or you can opt for a camera that draws power from a plug-in battery pack.

Security Lighting

Another problem with an outdoor CCTV installation is lighting. If you want to monitor an area at night, you need to make sure the area has enough light for the camera. You can do this by adding extra lighting, or you can choose a camera with low lux ratings or even infrared capability, depending on how low the light level.

Weather factors

A sturdy weather proof protective casing is an essential option for any outside security camera system installation.

Depending on the climate in your location, you may need to consider the temperature ranges your system will need to endure. Not many CCTV cameras can work in extreme temperatures in hot climates, or very low temperatures in cold climates. Make sure the system you choose to install will work all year round in your climate.

Cables or Wireless?

The final factor to preplan in any security camera installation is cables. Running cables from your camera to your control point can be the most time-consuming task for CCTV installers.

With the reliability of wireless systems, extensive cabling may be unnecessary. If you are installing wireless security cameras, though, you still need to preplan your installation to ensure success.

The range of a wireless system is adequate for most installations. It is finite, though, and its range can be reduced by obstacles between the camera and the receiver. The presence of walls or other obstacles need not eliminate wireless from consideration for your CCTV installation. You need to know ahead of time, though, what distances and what obstacles in the path of the signal you will have to deal with so you choose the right system.

Finally, installing security cameras is well within the ability of a competent do-it-yourself enthusiast. Complications arise mainly when a buyer brings home a system that doesn’t fit their situation and then can’t get an adequate picture. If you take an hour to plan your needs ahead of buying and try and get some quality advice, your security camera system installation should be straight-forward.

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