So you decided that it is time to get a security camera system added to your property. You may even have purchased a setup with several cameras and a DVR or NVR. All that is left is to put up the cameras and get them connected to the recording device. That should be a snap. Well, not so fast. Unless you’ve installed security cameras before, there are aspects to the installation that you might not have considered. Lighting can affect the clarity of the video that gets recorded. If one or more cameras are positioned outdoors, you will want to take into account the possibility of inclement weather, as well as plants and trees that might interfere with a clear picture. Instead, it will be worth the investment to have a professional install your cameras and ensure that any wires are not out in the open (unless you went with a wireless system).
Why Correct Security Camera Installation Is Important
Security Camera Placement
The placement of your security cameras is not something to take lightly. Field of view, obstructions, weather, and a host of other considerations are needed for proper placement.
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Environmental obstructions
When you are looking at sites to place security cameras outdoors, you need to consider where trees and other tall plants are located. The security camera does no good if it is shooting through a tree. You want to ensure that the camera has an unobstructed view of the area and that nearby plants and trees won’t obscure the camera during high winds and storms. Remember that environmental conditions can change daily, and while the leaves are gone in the fall and winter, by late spring, that tree will be covered with leaves providing cover for a would-be thief.
Potential vandalism
Since you have invested good money into your security cameras, you don’t want them to be vandalized. It is costly and doesn’t help with the security that you seek for your property. The more difficult it is to put up the security camera, the more difficult it will be for a vandal to tamper with it. Having a security professional with experience in security camera locations installing your cameras will ensure that your security cameras aren’t vandalized and provide you with the visual surveillance you desire as part of your security measures.
Light sources
Another critical factor to remember when deciding on the security camera’s position is to consider various light sources around the security camera’s position. The most significant light source to deal with is the sun itself, and it can cause a lot of issues if it is not taken into account during the placement of the security camera. The earth’s location concerning the sun throughout the year can cause some periods of the year to be more affected by the sun than other periods. Other local light sources for security can also cause issues with security cameras.
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Cabling protection
When installing security cameras, unless they are of the wireless sort (which have their problems), they will have at least one cable running from the camera to a centralized location somewhere else on the property. When these cables are exposed, they can be damaged by the weather and the environment. Additionally, having wires running all over doesn’t look professional as a properly installed system. And of course, a would-be thief could easily cut the cable, making the camera virtually useless for security purposes. Running cables so that they are hidden is the professional way to install your security camera system.
Theft-deterrent
There is a fine line between putting the cameras out of reach of would-be vandals and thieves and having the cameras conspicuous enough to deter people from attempting any criminal activity. You want to have your security cameras, both inside and outside of your buildings, prominent and easily seen. You want people to know that you will have them on camera if they elect to steal something from you. And because so much of the smaller crimes are crimes of opportunity, ensuring that your cameras are well-seen helps deter would-be thieves.
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POE Security System
POE, or power over ethernet, systems mean that your cameras are connected via ethernet cable to an NVR, or network video recorder; this provides better clarity and camera resolution. Ideally, you would pair the POE cameras with an NVR that has ethernet ports on it to support direct connections. The benefit is that it keeps the video data off of your network so that IoT devices connected to the system don’t get bogged down with the video data. If you need to use your current network, you should make sure your network switch can handle the POE cameras’ bandwidth.
Analog Security System
Analog security systems have been around for decades and are a proven technology. The cameras for these systems require both a cable to provide power and another line for the video signal. The video signal cable will need to be routed to get to the DVR location, often centralized. Finding a power source to tap into for the cameras could be more difficult for exterior installations.
Wireless Security System
Wireless security systems are the latest option and are mid-range in terms of expense. The cameras for a wireless network have the advantage of being able to be positioned in places that might be difficult or impossible for wired cameras. Wireless cameras typically have cloud-based options for video storage, and the apps that control a wireless system tend to be well-designed and easy to use. One downside to a wireless camera is that they typically aren’t running 24/7 because they use batteries. Instead, they have a motion sensor in them and start recording when motion happens in their field of view. Suppose you have a wireless camera pointed toward an area that happens to get a lot of movement unrelated to nefarious activity. In that case, the batteries will need to be replaced quite frequently.
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When installing your security system and cameras, it is best to have a professional with years of experience install your cameras and provide suggestions for placement. There are various things to consider when positioning cameras, from sunlight and other lights to thinking about possible vandalization to the cameras and even replacing the batteries in some types of wireless cameras. The professional installation experience will pay off with better recording angles and a more robust system that even acts as a deterrent for potential thieves.
Looking to upgrade your security system? Contact Tristar Security Services to bring your security cameras and system up to speed!