At My Handyman Services, we know that to improve the safety and security of your home or business, security cameras and surveillance are a must.
Whether your primary aim is to monitor a property, straightforward deter criminals, or keep a close eye on your loved ones, installing security cameras provides a high level of protection and peace of mind, so long as the gear is installed correctly.
In recent years, national security concerns and a spike in UK crime rates have driven increased demand for security system installations. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average loss resulting from a residential burglary in the UK is grouped by quite a few categories, but the one sure conclusion is that it makes good sense to protect your property and loved ones with a quality security system.
Can You Install The Security Cameras Yourself?
Whether you decide to install your own security cameras or rely on experts, depends largely on the scale you envision for your surveillance system.
If you need to install security cameras for a larger-scale business, it may be necessary to consider bringing in a professional, as large networks require integration, fine-tuning, security system integrator. These security professionals specialise in designing, installing, and managing customised security solutions, primarily for businesses. By utilising a variety of security technologies, such as keyless door entry solutions and CCTV cameras, security system integrators can create a comprehensive security plan tailored to your business’s security needs.
That said, if your goal is to install security cameras in your home or small business, it may be sufficient to carry out the installation yourself. With the right preparation and consideration, you can successfully install your own security cameras without compromising how efficiently they will run.
And if you ever require help from a professional electrician, do not hesitate to request a handyman with My Handyman Services.
Tips for successfully installing security cameras for maximum effect:
Thoroughly Plan The Scale & Scope For Your System
Before you begin installing your security tech, it’s vital to take the time ans source know-how to plan system design.
- Determine the best locations for your cameras.
- Determine the type of camera that will work best for each position.
- Consider the areas of your property that might be the most vulnerable to criminal activity, such as entry points or areas where valuable items are kept.
- Consider factors such as lighting and visibility, as well as the range and field of view the cameras need to capture.
Choose The Right Camera
Choosing the right camera for your needs is essential to getting the most out of any security installation.
There are several types of cameras on the market, including dome cameras, bullet cameras, and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras.
- Dome cameras are designed to be discreet and are often used in indoor settings.
- Bullet cameras are more visible and are more commonly used in outdoor settings.
- PTZ cameras are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, allowing you to zoom in and track activity in real time.
Taking a facilities management course can provide valuable knowledge and skills for identifying and selecting optimal locations for CCTV cameras, which can enhance the security and safety of a facility.
When picking the best camera for your security needs, here are the factors to consider:
- Resolution;
- Field of view;
- Recording capabilities.
Resolution
A camera with a higher resolution will provide better image quality, allowing you to capture more detail and identify potential threats more easily. That said, higher-resolution cameras also require more storage space and will often be more expensive upfront.
Field of View
A wider field of view will allow you to monitor a larger area with fewer cameras, but the downside is that it may result in a loss of detail. Narrower fields of view tend to provide greater detail, but you might need more cameras to cover the same area.
Recording Capabilities
Some cameras are equipped with motion detection technology, which will only record when motion is detected, while others are designed to record 24/7 continuously. Cameras with motion detection technology require less storage space, making it easier to review footage, but they might increase the risk of missing events that occur outside of the camera’s field of view.
Visibility
Visible cameras can serve as an effective deterrent to potential threats, as opportunistic intruders are less likely to strike a property that is visibly monitored by cameras. Conversely, hidden cameras can capture footage of suspicious activity without being detected. Whether you decide to install visible or hidden cameras depends on your specific security priorities.
Connectivity
Some cameras are designed to connect to a local network, while others can be accessed remotely over the internet. Remote access can be particularly useful if you need to monitor your property while you’re away.
Night vision capabilities and weather resistance features are also important considerations.
Install Cameras At The Right Height
The height that you mount your cameras at can have a significant impact on effectiveness.
- For outdoor cameras, for example, it’s critical to install them at a height out of reach, so nobody can damage or tamper with units.
- Indoor cameras should be installed at a height that provides a clear view of the area you want to monitor. Just make sure that its range of view is not obstructed by furniture or other objects.
Use quality Cabling & Connections
The quality of the cables and connections you use can make all the difference to the effectiveness of a security system. Poor-quality cabling or connections might lead to video loss or poor-quality, which can compromise security.
When installing your security system, use high-quality cabling and connections to ensure reliable and clear video capture and transmission. It’s also a good idea to test your connections and cables before installing your cameras to ensure that they work properly; it’s far easier to correct any issues before the cameras have been installed at height.
Set-up Remote Viewing
A valuable feature of many modern security systems is remote viewing. Remote viewing allows you to view footage from your cameras from anywhere, so long as you can connect to the web. To set up remote viewing, you will need to connect your cameras to a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder (DVR).
Once your cameras are connected to your NVR or DVR, you can set up remote viewing online or via a smartphone app. Remote viewing allows live footage, recorded footage and a range of settings.
Choose The Right Storage Option
The amount of storage you need for your security system depends on factors:
- number of cameras
- resolution of your video footage
You can choose between on-site storage, such as a hard drive, or cloud-based storage.
On-site storage can provide more control and security over your footage, but its workability will depend on the amount of storage available. Cloud-based storage is more flexible and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, but it may be more vulnerable to security breaches.
Therefore, if you opt for cloud-based storage, it’s important to have sufficient cybersecurity measures in place for added protection.
Test Your System
Security cameras serve little-to-no purpose unless they are functioning properly.
So, once you have successfully installed your security cameras, it’s time to test the system to ensure that everything is functioning as it should. Tests should include checking for video quality, testing connections, ensuring that all cameras are pointed in the right direction, and checking that the storage is working correctly.
Running system tests can help identify any issues or vulnerabilities and allow you to address them before any issues arise. It’s therefore essential to run regular checks and perform routine system maintenance, such as cleaning your cameras and replacing any faulty equipment.
Consider Bringing In The Professionals
While DIY installation is a sound option for many security systems, professional installation may be a better choice for larger or more complex systems. Professional security system installers have the expertise to help you plan your system, choose the right equipment, and ensure that everything is correctly installed and functioning properly.
Professional installation can also help to reduce the risk of errors that can compromise the effectiveness of your security system. It’s also handy to be able to call on them if you come across any issues soon after the system is up and running. Troubleshooting a security system error can take up a lot of time that you might not have to spare, while a professional is likely to solve the issue promptly.
Final Thoughts
Security cameras are a valuable tool for improving the safety and security of your property. Still, security systems are only as effective as they are well-considered in terms of the camera type, location, angle, connectivity, storage, and maintenance.
Taking the time to ensure that your security camera system is optimally effective for the areas you are looking to protect is vital for maximum protection and peace of mind.