Security cameras provide the ideal way to deter criminals, capture evidence that will bring them to justice post-crime and create peace in a neighborhood. From installing single front door security cameras to networked systems of cameras with synced surveillance systems – there’s important work ahead when installing or setting up security systems with cameras.
Residents should first sketch out where they would like to install their camera, taking into account distances to power sources and any possible obstacles. This will enable them to plan where and when the installation will take place.
Camera etiquette
Cameras come with some etiquette considerations that you should bear in mind. According to experts, avoid placing cameras where they could capture people living or working at your home or business, as well as private spaces like bathrooms and bedrooms.
Limit your camera’s blind spots when installing them outside, such as by closing closet doors, straightening bookshelves or clearing away clothing and boxes from its path.
When installing wired security cameras, be sure to switch off power at any outlets you will require during the project. Also, if a permit is required for your wiring work, leave plenty of time for that application and acceptance before beginning installation. Finally, if your camera connects directly to cellular network service provider’s site for information on obtaining a data plan compatible with its needs.
Where to install home security cameras
Modern security cameras are designed to be simple for residents to set up on their own. They may be wired or wireless (connecting directly to your internet without cords) and powered by batteries (usually rechargeable ones).
When installing home security cameras indoors, make sure the camera is placed above light fixtures to reduce any glare that could reduce the quality of recordings.
Before mounting exterior cameras, it is essential to carefully consider where you want them installed and keep privacy in mind, particularly where valuables may be kept such as bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition, residents should assess how close the camera will be located to a Wi-Fi router or range extender as this signal will allow it to work effectively; adding a hub that works with the brand of camera can increase range and connectivity further if required.
How to Install Security Cameras in Your Home
Residents can utilize surveillance cameras to deter crime and provide peace of mind, but they must be placed strategically around their properties.
If a resident feels uncomfortable drilling holes and running wires themselves, it may be best to hire a professional or purchase a package with all necessary components included.
1. Decide Where You Want to Place the Cameras
Installing security cameras may not be an especially complex project, but it does require comfort with visualizing angles, climbing ladders and managing wires and cables. If it’s something the home’s residents don’t feel confident doing themselves there are numerous professional installers ready to handle the whole process for an affordable fee.
Before beginning to lay cables in their home, its residents must decide where they wish to position their cameras. Ideally, these should be situated in high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms where most people spend their time; as these locations typically contain plenty of decor and furniture that allows cameras to blend in effortlessly.
Sensitive areas like bedrooms and bathrooms should remain off-limits to protect privacy. Residents should also decide whether they’d prefer wired or wireless cameras; wired cameras use cables to connect power and the internet while wireless ones run off a battery that doesn’t require cords. If using wired cameras in their home, residents will be required to purchase a power supply box with multiple ports in order to power all their cameras simultaneously.
2. Find a Power Source
Before beginning use of your security camera, it must first be powered. While wireless models typically run off batteries, for optimal functionality, the camera should preferably be kept close enough to a hub that receives feedback from it (such as your home router or Wi-Fi network or a compatible smart TV or speaker device) in order to connect and receive information back from it.
If you opt for a wired camera, finding the appropriate power source is vital in order to prevent voltage drops from damaging or disrupting the functioning of your device. Installing a power distribution box could save time by eliminating multiple wall outlets throughout your home and save on costs as well.
Solar power can provide security cameras with the energy they require while also helping protect the environment. Although initial costs may be higher, using this alternative power source will decrease electricity bills while helping protect the planet at once. Speak with your installer about which option best fits your system – they will be able to guide you through all available solutions and recommend which will best serve your needs.
3. Connect the Cameras to the DVR
Residents looking to install either one or multiple cameras must connect them all to the DVR in order to use them effectively. Wireless cameras make this simple: simply launch their app and enter their Wi-Fi details (username/password).
Wired systems will require residents to run cables between their cameras and hub. Interior wiring requires drilling holes through walls in order to route cables behind walls and secure them to baseboards or studs; exterior cabling may include running it through open spaces such as an attic. If residents feel uneasy drilling into their structure themselves, professional wiring services may provide this service for them.
Keep in mind that any glare from light fixtures or bright windows could compromise your footage, so position a camera below them or point it toward indirect light sources to reduce this problem. If you need to mount it in a window, other ways include angling its lens toward the sun or using motion detector lights for direct illumination sources – especially useful if monitoring high traffic areas like hallways and living rooms where valuable paintings or furniture may hang from walls or hangings.
4. Connect the DVR to the Internet
Once installed, it is crucial to verify all components are working as intended. For wireless systems this requires double-checking battery power and making sure there is an excellent Wi-Fi signal; with wired systems, it means making sure all cables have been securely connected without being tangled up.
As soon as your DVR is set up, it must be connected to the internet. To do this, plug an Ethernet cable from its back to a free port on the router – then make sure that a strong password and two-factor authentication are set up on both ends for extra security.
An additional way of using local storage can be achieved by adding a microSD card into the camera, giving residents access to footage even if their home wifi goes down. Most cameras automatically connect with wifi networks automatically; otherwise users should follow instructions in their app to connect it with their network.
5. Set Up the Cameras
Residents should secure the cameras into their mounts, taking care to adjust each camera’s angle for optimum viewing coverage and checking if cars or large objects block views at certain times of day. A quick glance might reveal any obstructions such as large objects blocking views when viewing certain images.
Residents will then need to connect the camera to a power source – usually an adapter plugged into a wall socket – as well as create a password specific for this camera connection that differs from their home network password.
Residents installing wired cameras should remember that in addition to installing their specific brand of camera, if necessary a hub must also be installed that supports its signal boosting needs – whether that means wireless or wired options depending on needs or even including DVR/monitor sets which simplify set-up for first time users.
