Security Camera Installation 101

There are a number of reasons why installing security cameras around your home is a good idea. Maybe, you want to monitor package deliveries or just boost your home’s security. Whatever the reason may be, having some security cameras for your home can only be a good thing. Especially, if there is no one at home most of the time. Keep reading this blog for some home security and security camera tips:

Security Camera Installation Preparations

If you have opted against a handyman and decided to install the camera system by yourself, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind:

1. Know the kinds of home CCTV you want to set up

There are a variety of security cameras for your home, and it’s up to you to make a choice depending on your security needs. Do you want a wired or wireless security camera system? If you’re after stable network signals, you can opt for a wired PoE IP system. Or install Wi-Fi security cameras for better flexibility and ease of installation.

2. Identify the installation points

You should place the security cameras where it’s possible to maximise their effectiveness. Some of the best points to install the cameras, as recommended by experts, are an off-street window, front door, and back door.

3. Get the tools and materials required

The hand tools needed to carry out a CCTV system installation are generally the same, with only a few exceptions. The main hand tools needed for installation include but are not limited to the following:

•   Screws
•   Ethernet Cables 
•   Power drill with spade bits and drive bits (you should also include some regular bits)
•   Masking tape (any kind of tape should also be fine)
•   Steel fish tape
•   A friend to assist (highly recommended)

You may need a few other hand tools depending on the situation, but the above are the most commonly required. You can acquire these items from any good electrical wholesalers or electrical shop. 

3. Mount the cameras

Since you’ve already identified the points of the installation, the next thing you want to do is prepare the spots for the installation of the cameras. This preparation involves drilling holes for the screws.

Once everything is ready, it’s time to mount the cameras. And be sure to point the camera in the right direction.

 

4. Run the cables to the camera locations

The next step is to get the cables to each camera’s location. Depending on your setup, you may be required to drill holes through walls and ceilings to run the cables to the different spots.

You can use fish tape to pull the cable from the outside, if you want to run the cable through a cramped space, such as in your attic.

Once you get hold of the cable from outside, you can now fix the end to the camera port or end of the cable that comes from the camera. If the cable does not have a connector installed, you will have to crimp your own connector.

5. Run the cables to the DVR

After fixing the cables to the cameras, it’s time for the cables to find their way to the DVR. To get them there, you most likely will need fish tape, a power drill, and your friend to assist. You should figure out the easiest path to the DVR to avoid overcomplicating things.

6. Connect everything together 

Once all the cables are routed through the house, it’s time to connect them to the DVR. These connections should be quite easy, as all you have to do is connect every cable to a different port, and then connect the mouse, monitor, and keyboard to the DVR box. You can even plug in a USB drive and leave it on the DVR box. For when you may need to export footage. 

7. Set up the user interface

Setting up a user interface should not be a complicated step either. For the majority of security camera systems, all that you are required to do is create a password, set the time and date, and then study a quick tutorial on how everything is supposed to work. 

From there, you can customise the settings where needed, and also have a look at the video feeds to determine whether any of the cameras should be adjusted. 

Thank you for reading this month’s blog. Above is what you need to know about installing a security camera system in your home. If you don’t have enough confidence in your DIY skills, why not consider hiring a professional for assistance installing the system? 

If you would like to speak to a professional about the options when it comes to security cameras, get in touch today on 01604 981252 or pop into our store!