When you aren't around, security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on things.You might think you wouldn't know the first thing about installing security cameras if you've never done it before.Installation of security cameras is easy once you know the basics of selecting the right equipment, choosing the best location, and mounting them.
Step 1: It is easy to install wireless cameras.
Since there is less equipment and wiring to deal with, battery-powered cameras that use the internet to transmit their footage are the easiest to install.If you only need 1 or 2 cameras, this is the best option.The footage from the cameras is usually stored in a cloud.You don't have to worry about setting up a DVR.The downside of wireless cameras is that they need strong internet in order to work.The batteries need to be replaced from time to time.
Step 2: Reliable connections and power can be found in wired cameras.
The cameras that use wiring to attach to a power source and to their storage device are more reliable than the wireless cameras.The best place to build a security camera system is a home or office building.Given the extra equipment, wired cameras are more expensive than wireless cameras.You can avoid any subscription fees that may be required for storing footage in a cloud with DVR storage.Wireless cameras are more versatile than wired cameras when it comes to where they can be installed.
Step 3: You can get a camera system that will alert you if there is an issue.
If you don't plan to have someone constantly monitoring the video feed from your cameras, receiving notifications when the camera moves is the only way to know about security events as they happen.These are usually sent to a professional monitoring service.If there is a security event, this service will alert law enforcement.You can use a phone app to monitor the video feed from anywhere if you have a camera system that includes notifications.
Step 4: If they will be used in the dark, be sure to use night-vision cameras.
If the camera is pointed toward a location with no lighting, it won't be able to pick up any activity.If you plan to install your security cameras outdoors, this is important.Don't install cameras near a street lamp or other source of light because they may be rendered useless by bright lights.
Step 5: Choose cameras with wide fields of view.
The bigger the field of view, the easier it will be for your camera to pick up.If you want to get the best results, go with a camera with either a 180-degree lens or pan and tilt function.
Step 6: Online reviews and recommendations can be used to judge camera quality.
There are a lot of websites dedicated to comparing and reviewing different security cameras that you can use to determine which is the best.You can find these sites by searching for security camera review.If you have a specific camera model in mind, it's a good idea to search for the name and review of that camera in order to find more relevant results.If a particular camera model is consistently rated well, it's time to read a few different review sites.It is likely a consistently high-quality camera if its ratings are the same across multiple sites.Ask anyone you know who has bought a security camera for their recommendation.
Step 7: The cheapest camera is just to save money.
The quality of a security camera is reflected in its price.If it is a relatively inexpensive model, it means that it isn't as effective as other security cameras.Don't buy the most expensive camera you can find.You should base your judgement on the features of the camera and how others have reviewed it.
Step 8: If your main concern is security, put cameras by doors.
The front door and side entrance are the best places to put cameras to catch and deter potential home invaders.If you want to see the faces of would-be burglars, place the cameras high above the doors.If you only have one camera, the best place to put it is at the main entrance of the house.
Step 9: If you want to watch your car, place cameras above the garage or driveway.
If you keep your car in the garage or driveway, have the camera look at it.If you put a camera in your garage, you will be able to see another potential entrance to the inside of your house.Even if you don't keep your car in the garage, you should still place a camera inside it to see what's going on.
Step 10: There are cameras in the common gathering areas.
People tend to congregate in the living room, kitchen, dining room and anywhere else that cameras are placed over.It is useful for keeping an eye on children while you are away.If you have large windows that face outside, be sure to prioritize them since they may be used to break into your home.
Step 11: Keep an eye on your pet by installing a camera near their sleeping area.
If you have a pet that spends a lot of time somewhere other than in your home, then this is only necessary.If you don't have a pet, skip this step.
Step 12: Don't put cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms.
The best way to keep your children safe is to be able to watch them in their rooms, but areas like bedrooms and bathrooms have a justified expectation of privacy that security cameras would undermine.Baby monitors and glass break sensors are alternatives to security cameras if you are concerned about your children's safety.If you are concerned about the health of a senior, consider investing in a personal medical alert system.The senior will be able to contact emergency services if they are needed.
Step 13: Wherever possible, use a high vantage point to protect the camera.
The camera should be placed about 9 to 10 feet off the ground to prevent people from tampering with it.If you put the camera too high, you may not be able to see people with it.Wherever you mount the camera, make sure you have a place where you can access it to make repairs later on.
Step 14: If it's wired, make sure your camera location is near an outlet.
You will need to be able to run the power cable from the camera to a nearby outlet.Measure the power cable that comes with the camera to make sure it's not too close to an outlet.If the power cable is less than 6 feet, the camera will need to be mounted close to a power outlet.You may not know that there are outlets in other places.If you want to install a camera in the garage, there may be an accessible power outlet on the ceiling.
Step 15: Attach the camera to the wall with screws or a pad.
Attach the camera mount to the wall with the screws that came with it using a screwdriver or drill.Remove the plastic covering from the adhesive pad and place the camera on the wall.Before you remove your hand, hold it there for at least 30 seconds.If you use screws to attach the mount to the wall, screw them into the stud behind the drywall for the best results.If you install a small hidden camera somewhere other than on the wall, you can skip this step.
Step 16: Attach your camera to a power source.
The power cable needs to be run from the video camera to the outlet.The power cable should be hidden if you plan to keep your camera hidden.If you install your camera indoors, make sure to run the cable behind a tall bookshelf or poster.If it is outside, you can drill a hole into the wall and run your power cable through it.
Step 17: Video cables can be run from the camera to the storage device.
If you bought a wired camera, it should come with cables labeled "To Camera" and " To DVR" on either side.Place the opposite ends of the cables into the devices indicated by their respective labels.
Step 18: If you plan to install other cameras, repeat this process.
If you are installing multiple cameras, be sure to angle them so that they all cover different areas of your home or business.This will make your home or business as safe as possible by reducing the amount of overlap between different camera feeds.