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Tips for a successful Security Camera Installation

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by Steve Dale

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.

What to do before buying a Security Camera System

First you must do some research to ensure that you are buying the right security camera system for your situation. If you are not that confident about this, then for peace of mind I would recommend getting a professional security camera installer to do you a survey. This can often be a no charge installation quote where you can get some free advice and identify any potential problems.

Ensuring there is adequate power outlets

A common problem with security cameras is the lack of a nearby power source, especially for outdoor CCTV installations. It’s not very wise to step outside with your security camera system in hand only to discover that there’s no power source.

If you know of any potential power source problems before installation, get some good advice from a security system installer or a sales representative. Their expert advice may open up different options that you didn’t think of.

If access to a power source is a challenge to your security camera system installation, consider the following options. You can have power installed near where you plan to install your CCTV cameras. Alternately, you can run cables into an existing power outlet inside your garage. Or you can chose a CCTV camera that draws its power from a plug-in battery unit.

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

With any outdoor security camera installation, a strong and durable case is essential.


Make sure, though, that you also consider the temperature range your camera will face throughout the year. Few cameras can withstand extremes of 120 degrees Fahrenheit in hot climates as well as temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit in cold ones. Make sure your camera is right for your climate before you begin your CCTV installation.

Cables or Wireless?

The final thing to consider in any security camera system installation is cabling. Running cables around your home or business from the control unit to the cameras can be the most time-consuming task for camera installations.

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 CCTV cameras is well within the capabilities of someone who is reasonably competent at DIY. Complications normally arise when someone buys a camera system that doesn’t suit their needs or situation. If you have assessed your requirements before your purchase and obtained competent advice, your security camera installation should go without problems, whether you DIY it, or use professional security camera installer.

About the Author:
For complete security camera advice, including the Ultimate Guide to Home Security, network security cameras and spy cameras, visit Security Camera Reviews.