Installing CCTV cameras may prove to be complicated and time-consuming on certain occasions. If you want to stay at a safe distance from this complication then there is the option of hiring professionals to do the job for you. But if you are a DIY enthusiast or love mastering newer skill sets then you can try the task yourself. You need a few kits and equipment to make the task easier. Those equipments are readily available online. So now let us start our journey of installing CCTV cameras in your home. But please remember that this is only a basic guide. It is aimed to help you get along the confusing steps in the procedure smoothly.
Let us start with a foreword; In case your IP address has power over Ethernet or POE, in that case there is no need to supply power to the surveillance cameras. But if you have an analogue or HD – SDO system then all your cameras must have a power supply.
The procedure to install a CCTV surveillance system can be broadly broken down into a set of six steps. The steps involve the following.
Install your CCTV – the six basic steps
- Step 1 – Select the appropriate location for the cameras
At the very beginning, you must consider the required field of view. But at the same time, you should not point your surveillance cameras directly at light sources like bright doorways, windows, and lighting. To maintain the sound quality of images your CCTV cameras obviously require sufficient lighting. But excessive light affects the quality of the image making the captured streams degraded. Professionals trained in CCTV security camera installation have something to say in this context. According to them one of the most significant aspects in installing a CCTV camera system is identifying the perfect spots for the cameras and the DVR. When you select the appropriate spots for the cameras you get the maximum coverage. In other words, it gives you better surveillance. Moreover, you also need minimum cabling when the cameras are positioned in appropriate spots.
How to Rewire a House Drywall Without Taking it Down?
A few words of advice
- The most suitable place for CCTV installation indoors is a corner of the room from where the maximum entry and exit points into the room are visible.
- When your CCTV cameras are being installed outdoors it is more sensible to select higher spots from where approaches to the doors and windows get covered.
- It is important to ensure that the power sockets are placed close to the cameras.
- If you install cameras at least at a height of 10 feet from the ground then it is not easy to tamper or knock it down easily.
- Step 2 – Running the cable
One of the pre-terminated cables that come with the kit must run up to the location of each camera at one end, while at the other it must connect to the DVR.
A few words of advice
- At the camera side, insert the male power plug.
- When the power socket is concerned, it must be placed on the side of the control equipment.
- As far as each camera’s “video out” socket is concerned, connect it to a video input socket of the DVR. Make this connection through the black BNC lead that is supplied with the cable.
Managing the cables efficiently
- You need to prepare a pathway for every cable that transmits data or feed from the camera to the DVR unit.
- Wire moldings are your best option to keep the wire or cables safe and in sound condition. This molding also helps manage the cables better.
- Professionals experienced in security camera system installation suggest nailing the moldings just along the path. It is also a good idea to place the Siamese surveillance wire inside. This makes managing the cables easier.
- Step 3 – time to power the cameras
As far as CCTV surveillance systems are concerned, the DVR as well as the cameras are all powered by a single and common power supply. You have to connect each camera’s power input to the 4, 5, or 8 power supply splitter lead on the power supply. You have to use the same cable for this.
Certain things to keep in your mind
- A camera unit must be mounted on an identified spot.
- While mounting the cameras a guide mark on each desired location can make the task of drilling easier and more accurate.
- It is important to place the cameras firmly on the spots. Considering that you should drill holes as well as a hammer in screw moldings too to make the task foolproof.
- Power each camera by inserting the power cable of the device into an electric socket.
- Step 4 – Power your DVR
You have to connect the DVR to the power supply input. This you will find on the DVR itself. Once this is done it is time to connect the power supply for the monitor, DVR, and camera to the main power supply. This brings all the devices to life.
Few important you should keep in mind
- A DVR must be placed safely inside a locked compartment so that even if an intruder can spot it does not get to damage or destroy it. It is the DVR that stores all the recordings done by your CCTV cameras.
- According to a security camera installation professional, this is one of the most crucial steps in the entire CCTV installation procedure.
- The surveillance hard disk of your digital surveillance system is stored in the DVR. Therefore safeguarding the DVR is vital in every circumstance.
Step 5 – make the connection between the monitor and the DVR
Either a VGA lead, a scart lead, or even a BNC – BNC can be used in making the connection between the DVR and your monitor. But in case if you are using a TFT monitor you should follow the instructions of its manufacturer while making the connection.
You need a video cable to connect the monitor to the DVR if you are connecting via a BNC port
Step 6 – programming the DVR
This is the final step in installing a CCTV surveillance system. First, you should go through the instruction manual carefully. Then you should program your DVR. But before programming the DVR you should power on the cameras. Trained professionals working in a prominent security camera installation company suggest once the cameras are powered on, it is the turn of the display unit. Lastly, the DVR should be powered on. you should set the DVR up according to the instructions given in the manual. For more Information Contact Commercial Electricians today!