Full Guides: How to Set up Security Cameras

Security cameras help us to monitor our property and our surroundings of any potential danger. The majority of people who install surveillance cameras do it to monitor their property from thieves. If you can watch over your garage or any other belonging at night using the cameras, then you can always prevent any theft from occurring. The most crucial thing to note is how to set up security cameras for maximum surveillance.

There are ways you can mount a security camera and make a big mistake. A security camera should be able to cover mainly the intended area. Adjusting the cameras to cover the maximum area is also crucial if you want to benefit from the devices. Again, quality cameras should be your priority. You will be able to get clear images so that it becomes easy to identify the people involved in any incident.

Security cameras can keep bad people away. That is one significant advantage of installing the devices on your premises. With this in mind, some people have gone ahead and installed fake cameras that resemble the real ones. The fake cameras cannot capture any image since they do not have lenses. However, it can be a dangerous trick to use since some thieves will always force their way in to steal, and therefore you will not be able to identify them.

How do you set up security cameras?

Setting up surveillance cameras can be challenging if you have never done it before. However, it does not need to be that way. Some security cameras are simple and are easy to mount by yourself. They are usually the DIYs, while others require professional installation.

i) Do-it-yourself (DIY) camera installation

DIYs cameras are mostly wire-free because you do not need to connect cables here and there. You need to locate a suitable place that should be flat and then screw in the camera mount into the position. Furthermore, you only need simple tools such as screws and a screwdriver.

ii) Professional installation

If you find it difficult to install a security system, you should get a professional’s help. These are people who have the necessary qualifications to install complex surveillance systems on a premise.

Wired security cameras mostly require you to look for help if you are not aware of how to go about it. Companies that sell security cameras have a certified crew that offers installation services upon request.
Steps to install a camera are;

• Find a flat surface with a broad view. You need a flat surface to ensure that the camera lies appropriately on the surface.
• Drill holes to fix the screws. When setting on a wall, you have to drill where you will drive in the screws.
• Get the camera mount, screws, and a screwdriver and fix the camera mount tightly.
• For the wired camera system, thread the wire from the camera mount to the monitoring room.
• Fix your camera in the mount and ensure that it clicks into position.

How much does a professional security camera installation cost?

The installation cost varies depending on the company installing, the number of cameras to install, and the premise’s size. Systems such as the outdoor security camera system with DVR may not cost you anything above $100.

For instance, Vivint’s system installation charges can go up to $49. A big company like ADT can charge around $199 for the pro installation. Professionals can also help you install video doorbells and help you integrate various security systems.

Another cost may come about when you subscribe to professional services with security companies. You will have to pay some fees each month to ensure that you enjoy the benefits.

What factors should you consider when buying security cameras?

It is essential to understand which security cameras you need. I have highlighted the following factors that can help you to decide the best cameras to install in your place.

1) Outdoor or indoor

Outdoor cameras need to be resistant to weather conditions such as rainfall and temperatures. Indoor security cameras do not need to be resistant to weather elements since they are mainly indoors. You, therefore, need to buy the right devices for the right environment. Security Camera For Outdoor,

2) Wired, wireless or wire-free

If you have electricity in your compound, you may get wired cameras. These cameras require you to connect to a power source as well as a wired WiFi. Wireless cameras do not need to connect to a power code but connect to wired internet. Wire-free use battery and connect to wireless WiFi. You thus need to decide the best for you.

Battery-powered is better since it can continue working even when there is no electricity. The best battery operated security camera for outdoors may have a solar panel so that you do not need to recharge now and then.

3) Hidden or visible

When cameras are visible, they may deter criminals out of your home. Their presence contributes a lot to the surrounding security. Hidden cameras are useful if you want to monitor employees in your company.

4) Quality

There are various brands of security cameras. Some have a good reputation while others do not. You need to get cameras that will give you quality images.

5) Ease of installation

You may need DIYs or the ones for professional installation. It depends on the complexity of the surveillance.

6) Storage

Some systems come with storage memories so that you can view the videos later. You need to consider the storage size that you require. You can also choose between cloud storage and local disk storage.

Where do I install security cameras?

Placing your cameras in the right position is very important. Some areas do not need surveillance at all. The same way you would fix a solar-powered motion security light in an open place to receive maximum radiations from the sun is the same way you should place a security camera to capture the most critical area. The following are the most important areas to place your cameras.

1) Ground-floor doors and windows

If thieves visit your home or any other place with valuable goods, they will likely use the lower floor doors or windows to enter. They have no wings to fly up there. It means that you should concentrate on mounting your cameras in such areas.

2) Yard

That piece of land behind your premises needs continuous monitoring to see who is walking around. Thieves will mostly hide around the area if there are big flower bushes everywhere. Ensure that you cover various corners of your compound to note any suspicious activity.

3) Second Floor

If you have a house with another floor over there, do not forget to install indoor cameras to monitor the corridors. In case thieves break into the house and make their way into those rooms, you can easily monitor their actions. Furthermore, most people keep their valuables up there, and there is a need to secure the area.

4) Basement

Here is where you pack your car. There might be no other valuables, but you have to install cameras since your vehicle is also vulnerable to theft.

5) Main stairs or hallway

Very important. Thieves will walk along hallways and stairs as they look for items to steal. Put cameras in these areas as well.

6) Common areas

Common areas include the dining rooms, seating rooms, and the kitchen. You also need to monitor these areas. If you have a house manager, you may need to watch how they go about their house duties.

7) Garages or detached buildings

A garage has expensive things such as vehicles and vehicle spare parts. It can be a place of interest for thieves. Install cameras that use WiFi to monitor the area if you are not around.

8) At the main entrance to your home

You need to know who exactly is at the gate before letting them in. It is crucial to mount a security camera for outdoor, around the main entrance.

Where to avoid when installing security cameras

There are places you should avoid installing cameras. You should not have surveillance cameras in the bedrooms. That is a secretive area where there is no need for monitoring. Also, do not install surveillance cameras in the bathrooms. It is disrespectful to monitor people bathing.

When installing security cameras, you also need to know what the law says about your neighbor’s property. It may be illegal to capture your neighbor’s property in your surveillance system. Again, it may not be unlawful, but you do not have to interfere with their privacy.

How can you remotely access live footage from a security camera?

WiFi-enabled security cameras can send you alerts on any happenings around them. During installation, you need to download the relevant application in your smartphone to connect your phone with the surveillance cameras. You will need the internet to connect your smartphone to the cameras. The security cameras also have to connect to a network.

Some security cameras have a two-way communication system whereby you can talk to people near the cameras.

Bottom line

Setting up a security camera should not be a big issue. However, if you cannot do it by yourself, you should get help from professionals. It helps to ensure that you do not make any mistakes. Consider installing security cameras at appropriate places such as around the yard, around the entrance, within living areas, and the corridors, among other sites. WiFi-enabled security cameras help you to monitor your home remotely.