People can often be put off from buying security camera systems because of concerns about the complexities of security camera system installation. Even though installing security camera systems can have its hassles, you can avoid most of them by the adequate planning described in this installation checklist.



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.

Check your Power Source

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.

Know where your outlets are before you buy. If you know potential power problems up front, you can get good advice from sales representatives or even CCTV installers before you buy. Their expert suggestions may take you in an entirely different direction than you might have gone without it.

If access to a power source is a challenge to your CCTV installation, you have several options. You can have power outlets installed near where you plan to install your cameras. Alternately, you can run hidden wiring into an outlet inside your garage. Or you can opt for a camera that draws power from a plug-in battery pack.

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 weather proof protective casing is an essential option for any outside security camera system installation.

Depending on the climate in your location, you may need to consider the temperature ranges your system will need to endure. Not many CCTV cameras can work in extreme temperatures in hot climates, or very low temperatures in cold climates. Make sure the system you choose to install will work all year round in your climate.

Cables or Wireless?

The final factor to preplan in any security camera installation is cables. Running cables from your camera to your control point can be the most time-consuming task for CCTV installers.

With the ever improving reliability of wireless camera systems, wiring may not be required. However, if you are planning to install wireless CCTV cameras, you still need to plan your installation beforehand.

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.

Ultimately, installing security cameras is well within the ability of a competent do-it-yourselfer. Complications arise mainly when a buyer brings home a system that doesn't fit their situation and then struggles to make it fit. If you determine your needs ahead of time and get competent advice, your CCTV installation should be manageable, whether you do it yourself, or use professional CCTV installers.