Check List for a Successful Security Camera System Installation

CCTV Installation: What to do before you buy your Security Camera

Ensure you are buying the right security system for your property. If you are unsure then a paid professional can do a survey and advise you of the best suited equipment and solve any potential problems you may have.

Ensuring there is adequate power outlets

One of the most common problems with security cameras is the lack of an appropriate power source. This problem is especially common in an outdoor security camera installation. It's no very encouraging to walk outside to install your CCTV to then realize you can't plug it in.

If you know of any potential power source problems before installation, get some good advice from a security system installer or a sales representative. Their expert advice may open up different options that you didn't think of.

If access to a power source is a challenge to your security camera system installation, consider the following options. You can have power installed near where you plan to install your CCTV cameras. Alternately, you can run cables into an existing power outlet inside your garage. Or you can chose a CCTV camera that draws its power from a plug-in battery unit.

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

A sturdy, durable protective cover is essential for an outdoor security camera installation.

Make sure, though, that you also consider the temperature range your camera will face throughout the year. Few cameras can withstand extremes of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in hot climates as well as temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit in cold ones. Make sure your camera is right for your climate before you begin your CCTV installation.

Cables or Wireless?

Another major planning factor in any CCTV camera installation is cabling. Running cables from your camera to your viewing point can be a messy and time-consuming task.

With the good reliability of today's wireless camera systems, extensive and unsightly cabling may be unnecessary. If you are installing wireless security systems, you must still 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.

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.