The construction of each camera varies greatly. Some can use batteries, while others will only function when connected to an electrical outlet. Some of them use Wi-Fi, but others require an Ethernet connection or even a SIM card to function properly. Some are immediately usable, while others require a hub or DVR to function properly.
Over the course of our research, we have developed some expertise in the field of camera installation, and we have examined hundreds of different models of home security cameras. As a direct result of this need, we have produced this guide on the proper positioning of security cameras.
So, let’s not waste any more time and get right to the point.
Installing CCTV cameras in your home
Choosing a suitable area to place your cameras is the first step in setting up a surveillance system. In fact, we do this before making any purchases in order to determine exactly how many cameras we need to purchase and whether we need to purchase any extra-long power cords. If you’re having trouble getting started, here’s a quick summary of our article discussing the best locations for security cameras.
Relate the cameras to the nodes
In order to maintain a reliable wireless connection, the cameras that need to be connected to the hub should be positioned as close to the hub as possible. Your Blink XT2s must be located more than 100 feet from the sync module in order for the Blink Home app to successfully connect to them.
If the camera does not come with its own hub, you should place it in a place where you can get a strong signal from your network or range extender.
If all other options have been exhausted, consider purchasing a Wi-Fi range extender.
Install security cameras on the premises
It is recommended that you install indoor security cameras on the first floor of your residence.
If the building has more than one floor, it is highly recommended to place security cameras in high-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms. In this case, it is more likely to capture the face of the criminal, which will make it easier to bring them to justice in the future.
Install a camera outside the master bedroom, as this is the most common place where people hide their valuables.
Install the camera at a height out of reach of intruders or naughty teenagers who may try to deactivate or tamper with it. This is especially important for cameras that may record video to a memory card located inside the device. Simply put, you need to secure every area that has a door or window that a burglar might use to enter the building.
To provide the widest coverage, install cameras in all four corners of the room.
Install cameras on the stairs so that you can be aware of any possible intruders.
However, since doing so can constitute a major invasion of personal space and is even illegal in some countries, we do not recommend placing security cameras in private spaces such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Keep in mind that glass will inhibit most interior cameras from detecting motion due to the heat generated. There is a simple solution to the difficulty of monitoring the world beyond the front door, which brings us to our next point: there are a variety of exterior cameras that can stand up to the weather.
Place CCTV cameras in outdoor areas
Install cameras around the perimeter of your home to monitor the main doors in and out. Both your front and back doors need to have some weatherproofing.
Because burglars are more likely to enter a home through a side or back window than through the front door, it is prudent to install security cameras in these locations on the exterior of the building.
Install security cameras around your property to keep an eye on it.
To respect the privacy of others, you should avoid filming anyone’s property other than your own. Keeping an eye on your neighbors is a good idea, but there is no need to be so “nosy” as to covertly record the activities they engage in on a daily basis. This is also unconstitutional because it violates their personal freedoms under the Fourth Amendment.
Locating an outdoor camera is potentially more difficult than locating an indoor camera, especially if the outdoor camera needs to be connected to an electrical outlet. You’ll likely need to bring an extension cord or come up with some other strategy for mounting it indoors. You can also try to install the camera at home using permanent wiring.
Wireless camera installation, whether for indoor or outdoor use, is usually not difficult. If you are using batteries, you should certainly keep track of how long you have them and when they were last required to be replaced if you want to get the most out of them. However, if you have a camera that is powered by batteries, the picture will not go completely black even if the power goes out.
When researching the purchase of an outdoor camera, it is important to keep in mind that there are many mounting options on the market.
Many people are skeptical about the effectiveness of security cameras in reducing the incidence of criminal activity. Within the scope of a research project1 conducted by the University of North Carolina, more than 400 convicted burglars were interviewed to investigate factors that would deter them from burglarizing homes in the future. It was widely believed that installing security cameras in a place of business would deter potential burglars from targeting that location. For this reason, some industry experts recommend installing not just one overt camera, but a number of hidden cameras in addition to an overt one.
The following criteria are also taken into account when choosing where to place external cameras:
If possible, install some light shields. When taking pictures with a camera outside, diffused light is better than direct light, which can cause glare and color distortion. To prevent this from happening, you should evaluate the lighting conditions in the area where you want to deploy the camera at several times of the day. Be aware of the sun, lamp posts and any other direct light sources that may cause glare in the video you are recording. If you find that direct light is a problem, you just need to move the camera slightly to find a better angle.
Think about things that may have been missed. When it comes to the security systems in your home, blind spots can be just as dangerous as when you’re driving a vehicle. If we lived in an ideal world, each of our homes would be equipped with security cameras that have a wide field of view and can see far away. Consider the area that each camera’s lens will record and then do the math to determine how many cameras you need to ensure that your entire property is covered and that there are no blind spots.
Think about buildings that are freestanding. When creating security videos for houses, it’s easy to forget to record footage of outbuildings such as garages, greenhouses and sheds. These buildings must be equipped with cameras both inside and outside.
Instructions for installing security cameras
Now that you have a strategy for locating security cameras, it’s time to install them. Since the process of configuring the cameras varies from model to model, we recommend doing it slowly and carefully to avoid making any mistakes. You don’t want to rush through it and then have to start over because you skipped a necessary step because you were in too much of a hurry.
On the other hand, this is the typical way we approach the installation process:
After you buy and get your brand new security camera, it’s important to have a plan that pinpoints exactly where you want the camera to be inside and outside of your home.
Take the cameras to the area you want to monitor, temporarily secure them with nails or some tape, turn them on, and do a short test run. If your plan indicates that the cameras are operational, you are free to install them in a permanent capacity. Even if they don’t work, you don’t have to waste time installing worthless software, because they don’t need it.
Once the cameras are installed, you can watch the live stream on your own computer or mobile device.
Adjust the motion detection sensitivity and the amount of light captured.
Check to see if everything is working properly with your system.
The following sections detail the installation of various different types of security cameras.
Installation of surveillance cameras using wireless technology
You can use a bracket to fix the camera to a surface, or you can place it directly on a table. In order to mount the camera, holes need to be drilled (most camera mounts have them).
Bring the camera online by using a Wi-Fi connection.
There are many different types of connected devices that are compatible with each other. Some examples are smart sensors and video doorbells.
These days, the vast majority of do-it-yourself installation techniques are available in the form of mobile apps with step-by-step instructions that must be followed exactly.
Wiring Security Cameras
Wired security cameras offer a more secure connection, but fewer options for installation. Wired security cameras are more common. However, there is a possibility that setting up connected cameras may be more difficult.
Install a separate circuit in your home specifically for this purpose. Prepare the installation by drilling holes and laying cables in the area where the camera is to be installed.
If you want to place the camera on a wall or ceiling, you will need to look for studs or use drywall screws to secure the connection.
Before starting any drilling operation, it is important to check if there are any existing wires in the area. This will help you avoid any electrical problems.
Create a marker for the drill bit as well as a marker for the cable hole.
Have a certain order in the wiring.
Prepare the camera for use.
You can also try to install the camera and connect it in as an additional option.
Some cameras are equipped with a built-in DVR that includes an Ethernet port that can beconnected to a computer or power supply.