Key Considerations of Security Camera Installation
If you are considering security camera installation for the first time, you may be wondering whether it’s worth the investment and where to start. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are many reasons to install security cameras at your home or business. Security cameras are beneficial to residential and commercial properties as they provide peace of mind by deterring crime and monitoring your property. Businesses can improve efficiency by monitoring multiple areas at once. Cameras protect your employees from theft and harassment, protect your customers from bad service, and protect you from liability.
What to Consider Before Security Camera Installation
Before you get started with your security camera installation, consider the ones that will work best to serve your needs. The following factors will help make the process proceed smoothly.
Usage
Before installing security cameras, you need to decide what you want them to do. Do you want it as a deterrent for crime? Do you want it to capture evidence in case of an incident or monitor your home? After a break-in, many people feel the need to install security cameras as soon as possible to prevent crime and identify those involved in any crimes and do it quickly. However, you must take the time to consider whether or not your home is a good fit for security camera installation
Location
You can install cameras indoors or outdoors, or both. It’s paramount to install your security camera system in the right spots to get the most protection. Most experts recommend security camera installation at all entry and exit points, including doors and windows. If you’re installing a camera outside, ensure it is weatherproof.
Budget
You need to know what you can afford when it comes to both the cameras themselves and the installation and maintenance of those cameras. You may narrow down which options will be right for you and your particular needs.
Areas of Coverage
Before proceeding with security camera installation, it’s crucial to think about the size of the area you want to have camera coverage. A wide-area camera system will be very different from a small indoor one, and the installer will need to know which one is right for you. The area of coverage also determines the number of cameras you need.
Number of Cameras
It’s essential to decide the number of cameras you want depending on your budget and how much coverage you want for your property. For example, if you only have one window in your house, one camera may be enough; however, multiple cameras may be required if there are multiple windows.
Features
Some cameras come with night vision capability and are ideal if parts of your home or business aren’t well lit. Night vision can also help deter burglars and vandals who work under cover of darkness. Others come with motion sensors and smart lights.
DIY or Professional Security Camera Installation
Decide whether you want to install the cameras yourself or hire someone else to do it. Is this something that you can do yourself? Unless you have experience with security camera installation, it’s probably best to hire a professional, especially if installing the camera outdoors. Even if the installation seems simple, an expert will know the ins and outs of what’s required to keep your camera running optimally and in compliance with any local laws. If you hire, ensure they’re licensed and insured.
Mounting the Camera
Now that you have the camera, it’s time to get to work. Be sure to follow the instructions for mounting the device and positioning it to capture the footage you need. The type of camera you’re installing will make a difference.
Once the camera is set up and ready to go, ensure to place your cameras in locations where they will capture as much detail as possible within their field of view. You want them mounted on a wall or ceiling high enough off the ground that intruders won’t disable them.
Security Camera Installation Tips
The installation of security cameras is a tricky process. Before you arrange for security camera installation, here are some recommended tips:
- Ensure the camera has a wide field of vision
- Get weatherproof one
- Use infrared lighting for nights
- Pick high-resolution cameras for better accuracy when identifying faces or objects in the footage
- Have different models so you can test them out before committing yourself to one brand or type.
Conclusion
Security camera installation is not a decision to be made haphazardly. You need to think of where you want to install the cameras and what type of cameras you want to use, whether you will use them inside or outside and how they’ll be powered. Consider where you would want to install them so that they’ll capture the best views of your property and what they’re intended to protect.
