Security Camera Installation Tips

You’ve finally gotten your smart security cameras and figured out where you want to install them, but before you dive in to install them or have a professional do it for you, here are some important installation tips to help you get the most from your security camera.

 

Install cameras 8 to 10 feet from the ground 

This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals to ensure that no one can easily reach devices to steal, hack or block them.

 

Consider lighting when positioning surveillance cameras

 

Ambient lighting is an important consideration when installing security cameras. Each camera needs adequate lighting to capture details needed to identify persons in the footage. Place your surveillance cameras where there’s enough light to see movements and faces in the videos they capture. If ambient lighting is poor even in the best location for a camera, consider installing an outdoor lighting fixture to illuminate the coverage area or choose a camera with night vision functionality.

 

Adjust your security cameras to the best coverage position

Adjust it to face the area you wish to keep under surveillance and check the coverage area from the camera’s viewpoint. If a vehicle or large object blocks its view at certain times of the day, move the camera to a better location.

 

Position surveillance cameras to cover points of entry

Position your security cameras to cover main entryways, such as front and back doors, as well as windows on the ground floor. Also, cover secluded points of entry like basement windows.

 

Hide your cameras’ cables

 

hidden security camera cables

Hiding your cameras’ cables is an important consideration if you chose a wired surveillance system. Hiding the wires makes it difficult to disable your surveillance cameras by hiding their power and data cables in conduits. Inclement weather, burglars and rodents can all damage or cut exposed wiring.

 

Decide whether you want the camera to be visible or hidden 

Visible security cameras are effective burglary deterrents, but they are also targets for theft and vandalism. Some homeowners choose to prominently install a fake decoy camera and back it up with a real one that’s slightly more concealed, while others add heavy-duty hardware or casing around the camera to make it more difficult to damage.

 

Consider video storage and retrieval when choosing a surveillance system

When looking for the best security camera system, consider the video storage options. A security camera may record footage to a local storage system or the cloud. Some cameras use memory cards for local storage, while others record to the hard drives of their base stations. However, cloud storage is a desirable option, whether offered as the only option or along with local storage. Besides video storage, the best security camera systems let you view livestreams or recorded clips on your phone and computer via companion apps.

Cloud storage is convenient, as it makes it easy to retrieve security footage even when intruders steal or destroy the cameras that capture them. Surveillance videos sent to the cloud are also much harder to erase, but burglars can easily destroy the memory cards and hard drives used for local storage. Keep in mind that cloud storage often requires additional subscription costs and relies on fast internet connections. These recurring costs are worth remembering when wondering how much it costs to install security cameras.

 

Secure your surveillance camera system

It’s not enough to protect your security camera system from burglars. You also need to secure it from digital intruders. The best security camera systems have strong encryption and security protocols to prevent hackers from remotely accessing and hijacking clients’ security cameras. It’s also important to follow recommended security rules, such as changing the default passwords shipped with your cameras and other surveillance equipment. Set them up with unique, strong passwords and be sure to install security updates from the surveillance equipment vendor whenever they’re available.

 

Protect the camera from the elements

Don’t point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what’s going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light.

Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that’s appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can.

Important places to install security cameras in your home

In order to get the most out of your investment in your newly acquired security cameras, you need to ensure that they are strategically installed to help you actualize the goals you had in mind. Here are some important places to install security cameras in your home.

Ground-floor doors and windows

Obviously, burglars can most easily enter homes the exact same way that homeowners do: through doors or windows on the ground floor. It’s important to have cameras on all your ground-level doors and windows, both inside and outside.

Main stairs or hallway

Any centralized area where burglars would have to pass through to access most of your home should also be surveilled; this is most likely a hallway on the first floor or a stairway leading up.

Common areas

You may also want to secure areas that you commonly use, like a living room or kitchen.

Driveway

If you have a driveway, it’s important that you monitor it with an outdoor camera, as this is another common place that thieves will sneak through to enter your home.

Yard

Secure both your front and back yard with outdoor cameras, as these can be good hiding places for thieves, especially if your landscaping is overgrown.

Second Floor

Do you keep jewelry or other valuables upstairs? While we don’t recommend placing cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms for privacy reasons, be sure to secure a main second floor hallway with an indoor camera; it’s a great way to provide more video evidence, if you end up involved in a criminal investigation.

Garages or detached buildings

Especially if your car or other expensive motorized equipment or tools are in there, be sure to have a camera in your garage. If your Wi-Fi zone doesn’t extend there, either get a range extender or use a camera that doesn’t need Wi-Fi

Where Not To Place Security Cameras

As useful as security cameras are for monitoring your home, there are also places that you definitely shouldn’t surveil, for legal and privacy reasons.

  • Neighbor’s property: Depending on your state’s laws, it may or may not be illegal to surveil someone else’s property. Make sure your security cameras are focused on your home and not your neighbors’.
  • Bedrooms: Although you may keep valuables in your bedroom, it’s best to leave security cameras out to maintain your privacy.
  • Bathrooms: It’s unlikely a burglar would get much out of your bathroom anyway, so there’s little to no security risk in leaving them unmonitored.

How to choose the right outdoor security camera system

Many people buy security cameras before deciding exactly where to place them. However, you should take out time to decide on your needs before eventually buying your outdoor security camera. Here are some tips and factors to consider when deciding on the best outdoor security camera for your needs.

 

Security camera video quality

High video quality is essential for your security cameras so that you can clearly view recordings and easily retrieve required evidence. Here’s what to look out for in your security cameras:

  • A video resolution of 1080p or higher will provide enough detail to tell people apart through their facial features, clothing, and actions. Plus, 1080p resolution looks good on larger computer monitors and TV screens, so you don’t need to rely on a small phone screen.
  • A field of view around 130º allows the camera to see a large area indoors and outdoors while keeping subjects a reasonable size within the video frame. You might consider a wider viewing angle around 160º for a video doorbell or outdoor security camera, so you don’t need as many cameras for complete coverage of your property.
  • A frame rate of a least 15 frames per second (fps) is a must for anyone wanting smooth motion in videos. Smooth video is less susceptible to motion blur, which can reduce detail even on high-resolution cameras. For results closer to what you expect from a TV, choose a video surveillance camera with 24 fps or higher.
  • A night vision range of 30 feet or more helps a wireless camera produce bright images after the sun goes down. Most security cameras use infrared LEDs to record in complete darkness. Still, you might consider a model with a secondary spotlight which can deter intruders and provide color night vision.

 

Security camera video storage

Video recording keeps a history of the happenings around your home—without constant vigilance of watching a live feed or responding to every notification that pops up on your mobile device. Whether you choose cloud or local storage depends on your budget and personal preferences, but here’s what we recommend for each type:

  • A local storage capacity of 32 GB or higher (preferably on an SD card) gives you plenty of space to record a couple of weeks’ worth of video clips. Cameras with resolutions above 1080p, should support 64 GB or 128 GB microSD cards if possible. If you have a security camera system with multiple analog cameras, we recommend a network video recorder (NVR) of 1 TB or higher.
  • A cloud storage video history of 14 days or more will keep recordings around long enough for you to review and download if something exciting or suspicious catches your IP camera’s attention. Storage plans under $4 a month for a single doorbell camera or $10 a month for multiple cameras will keep your monthly costs reasonable.

 

Essential security camera features

While video quality and storage do most of the heavy lifting on security cameras, these features can make your camera easier to use and more effective:

  • A mobile app is the most convenient way to control your Wi-Fi security cam. It allows you to view video footage, receive notifications, and adjust settings for a better everyday experience. It also gives you access to useful features like two-way audio, smart home controls, and sharing camera access with your household. EyeSyte is a good example of a simple but effective mobile app.
  • A motion detection camera makes it easier to manage notifications and video storage. Models with adjustable motion zones and motion sensitivity are enough for most folks, but you can add smart detection if you have the budget. Smart detection uses artificial intelligence to help a smart security camera identify and notify you of the people, animals, vehicles, and other objects it sees.

How to Prevent Fire Accidents at Home

Our homes are precious to us. It’s where we have our family and valuables. So protecting our homes from unwanted circumstances that could potentially cause harm, damage or loss such as fires is paramount and non-negotiable. Fires can start in seconds and completely raze down a home in a matter of minutes. Therefore, it’s important to put safety and preventive measures in place, adhere strictly to fire prevention practices, and have an escape plan if the fire is beyond your control. Here are some safety tips to prevent fire accidents at home.

 

Never leave your kitchen unattended whilst cooking

 

It only takes a few seconds for a fire to break out. If you need to leave the kitchen for any reason whatsoever, make sure to either ask someone to watch the food for you or turn everything off altogether until you’re back.

 

Inspect your heating sources

House fires may very well be triggered if your home heating sources are not working properly. Be sure to always clean out your air conditioning filters, keep your heaters away from anything that is flammable, and have them checked out by a professional once a year.

 

Store any flammable products correctly

 

 

Household cleaners and items such as hair spray or shaving cream may be very hazardous if exposed to a strong source of heat. Always store these safely in a cool area away from any heaters.

 

Be cautious with your wires & appliances

Before you plug something into a socket, ensure that the wire hasn’t been torn or has a breakage. Worn out or damaged wires can be a detrimental fire hazard and should be replaced as soon as possible. Also, remember that wires get hot when in use, so be sure to check your wire placement and avoid passing them under a carpet or anywhere that could potentially catch fire.

In addition, always turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics. Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment and cause a fire to start.

 

Be cautious with open flames

Be cautious in your use of candles and fireplaces. If you feel yourself dosing off, turn off all your candles beforehand, and if you have pets, keep these open flames out of their reach as much as possible.

 

Install and maintain smoke & carbon monoxide alarms

 

Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms. Test smoke alarms once a month. Change the batteries at least once a year – if your model requires it.

 

Keep a fire extinguisher or blanket around at all times!

 

Fire extinguishers and blankets will be your best defence in the event of a fire breaking out. Every family member should know how to use a fire extinguisher, so in case something in your home catches fire, it can be put out as fast as possible. Fire blankets are also very useful for putting out small fires before they become something larger and fiercer.

 

Unfortunately, sometimes fires may raze on beyond your control or you may only realise it late. At this point, safety of lives is priority. Therefore, you should create and practice a fire escape plan. Include two ways out of every room. Pick a spot to meet outside. Practice the plan at least twice a year with everyone in your household.

Losing loved and precious belongings to a fire outbreak is a devastating experience. So it’s important to put all measures in place and practice to prevent such occurrences.