Checklist for a Successful Security Camera System Installation

The biggest drawback stopping many people from buying CCTV cameras is concerns about the actual security camera installation. Installing CCTV cameras can have its problems, but these can be avoided with some good planning.

What to do before buying a Security Camera System

The most important factor is that you make sure you are buying the right system for your situation. A professional survey can help you identify both your needs and potential problems.

Ensuring there is adequate power outlets

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 power connectivity is a challenge before your security camera system installation, you have several options to resolve it. You can have new power connections installed at the location of your cameras, or you can run wiring from your garage. Alternatively, you can go for a system that draws power from a battery. There are even solar security cameras available for locations with lots of light.

Security Lighting

With any outdoor security camera system installation lighting is another important consideration. If you want to monitor an area at night, you must ensure the area has enough lighting for the camera to display images clearly. You can either do this by installing some outdoor floodlights, or you can choose a camera with low light ratings (known as lux), or even a camera with infrared capability.

Weather and Climate factors

With any outdoor security camera installation, a strong and durable case is essential.

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.

Cabled or Wireless Cameras?

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 signal range of wireless cameras is normally adequate for most installations. Ranges do vary though and can be reduced by walls and obstacles between the receiver and the camera. Don't be put off by the presence of walls or objects, just bear in mind the more objects there are, the shorter the distance can be between the receiver and the camera. You therefore need to plan beforehand what distances and what obstacles are in the path of the signal. If you are worried, go for wireless security systems with stronger signal strengths.

Ultimately, installing security cameras is well within the ability of a competent do-it-yourselfer. Complications arise mainly when a buyer brings home a system that doesn't fit their situation and then struggles to make it fit. If you determine your needs ahead of time and get competent advice, your CCTV installation should be manageable, whether you do it yourself, or use professional CCTV installers.