Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security cameras are suitable for protecting commercial buildings and residential homes. They allow property owners or security personnel to view a live video feed of what is happening in different areas around their property.
The feed from the video can be streamed to a private network of televisions inside the building or your smart device via a Wi-Fi connection. Nowadays, property owners choose the smart video streaming option because they can view the video from any location with a Wi-Fi hotspot. That is great for people who go on vacation and want to make sure their property is secure while they are so far away.
A CCTV camera installation should always be performed by a trained professional. Even though self-installation kits are available for some CCTV video surveillance cameras, they are usually of mediocre quality and prone to coming loose. A professional installation is better because it ensures your video surveillance cameras are installed correctly and securely on your property.
Choosing the right locations for your CCTV camera installations is vital. To help you out with this, below are five tips on the best practises for installing CCTV security cameras.
Install Security Cameras High Above the Ground
Video surveillance cameras are installed in the most sensitive areas on the exterior of a property, such as above the entrance doors, exit doors, and windows. It is better to keep the video cameras higher above the ground so that potential intruders cannot reach them.
Whoever installs the cameras, they should have training working with heights because the video cameras may need to be mounted as high up as the roof itself. This is simply one more reason to hire a professional installer versus doing the installation yourself. You do not want to risk falling off a ladder because you suddenly discover a fear of heights.
Avoid Direct Sources of Light
Video camera lenses cannot be exposed to direct sources of light, such as sunlight or outdoor light fixtures. If the lenses are exposed directly to light, the video quality will be jeopardized. You will see whiteness and bright spots in the picture, which will make it difficult to conduct proper surveillance of your property.
You must see your video feeds clearly. To make this happen, position your video cameras at a downward angle to avoid the surrounding light. It is okay if there are artificial sources of light nearby, but do not have them shining directly at the lenses.
Make Sure the Wi-Fi Connection is Strong
All modern CCTV camera systems have smart technology integrated into them. This means they use a Wi-Fi internet connection to transmit the video signal to your router, which then sends the message to your smartphone. That is how you are able to see the video feed from any location with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Because of this, you need to ensure that your Wi-Fi connection is strong. Keep the router within a close range to your video surveillance cameras. If the router is too far away, then it will not pick up the video signal.
Keep the Cameras Protected
You must be prepared for adverse weather conditions. If your video cameras are mounted on top of your roof or somewhere that gives them direct exposure to rain and wind, then your cameras are at risk of getting damaged.
Try to have your video cameras mounted underneath the edging or trim of your roof. At least this will give them protection against lousy weather elements from up above. But if this is not possible, then think about installing some type of cover or casing around your cameras for added protection.
Install Multiple Cameras in Each Location
Most video surveillance cameras are used to monitor the front and back entrances of a property. But do not just use one camera per location because there are blind spots that you cannot see. It is better to install multiple cameras in each location to view the blind spots and other hidden areas around your entrance and exit points.