Tips For Installing CCTV Cameras

Who Can Install CCTV Camera?

It is legal for anyone to install CCTV on their property. Any homeowner or business may choose to install CCTV to help protect their home or business from intruders and keep their property and those in it safe. This is an acceptable reason to install CCTV on a property.

Is It Legal To Install CCTV At Home?

Yes, generally, there should be no issues with CCTV camera installation in your residential property. You will need to be wary of protecting the privacy of your neighbours, however, as this can cause some tension. Installing CCTV within your home is not linked to the Data Protection Act as it is installed on your property for your safety. However, if your CCTV cameras are not correctly installed and invade your neighbour’s privacy, they may decide to take legal action under the Human Rights Act, claiming that they are being harassed and have no privacy. A professional security firm can ensure that cameras are pointed appropriately to avoid this.

Do I Need A Licence To Install CCTV?

No, in most cases, if you are using CCTV to protect your property, you will not need a licence to install CCTV. A security company will be able to confirm this for you for your specific property.

How Much Does It Cost To Install CCTV Cameras?

There is no one set cost for installing CCTV cameras. One of the best security camera installation tips is to get a few different quotes from security firms and compare these before making your final decision. The cost will depend on a number of different factors. Below, we have listed some of these factors.

Number And Type of Cameras

More advanced cameras with extra features are likely to cost more. Additionally, each extra camera installed will increase the overall cost.

Location Of Cameras

Some areas of your home will be easy to mount cameras on, more difficult locations such as high up on walls may require more work and will take longer, costing more money.

Type Of Property

If you live in an older property, it may cost more to install CCTV cameras due to the nature of the building. This is particularly likely if you live in a listed building where extra care has to be taken.

How Long Does It Take To Install CCTV?

The length of time that it takes to install a CCTV system in your home depends on the number of cameras that you are looking to add and the size of your home. A security expert can visit your home and evaluate the cost and time frame for your CCTV installation. For a new build house, installation should be straightforward. An older house, however, may take more time.

Is It Easy To Install CCTV?

Whether CCTV is easy to install or not will depend on the type of CCTV camera that you are looking to install. Some CCTV cameras will be much easier to install as you may only have to plug the camera in and sync it to your phone. However, other and more advance CCTV cameras may be harder to install and you may have to list in further help such as hiring a security company or CCTV installer. Security companies are experts in this field and will be able to assist will planning your CCTV and installing it.

What Are The Things Needed For CCTV Installation?

One of the top CCTV installation tips is to walk around your home, planning the layout of your CCTV from where your cameras should be located to the power sources. This plan is vital before you even consider installing them. Additionally, you will also need cameras, as no CCTV system is complete without them.

Ask a security firm what type of CCTV cameras are best for your requirements. Finally, it is important to also organise data storage. Video footage recorded from your CCTV cameras can take up a lot of storage space and should be stored somewhere for you to access past the time of recording in case you need to check who has been near your property.

When it comes to CCTV footage, the most common storage methods are cloud storage, on a video recorder within your home, or on SD cards in the CCTV cameras themselves. You need around 60GB of storage for each camera on your property so take this into consideration when looking at storage options. If you have cameras that record in high definition, this will also take up more space.

Why Install CCTV?

There are many benefits of installing CCTV cameras, meaning that you should seriously consider them for your property. CCTV cameras can be used to record what is going on around your property, meaning that if any crime occurs, you have video evidence. Additionally, many CCTV installation tips recommend that you install visible CCTV cameras as these can act as a deterrent for potential criminals from targeting your property.

In addition to putting off criminals, CCTV cameras can also lead to reduced home and contents insurance premiums as it reduces the likelihood that your property will be targeted.

Can You Install CCTV On Your Property?

Yes, you can install CCTV on your property and it is relatively easy to install CCTV. Depending on the system, it can be easy to install or may require some support from a security company experienced in installing CCTV systems.

Do I Need Permission To Install CCTV?

No, you do not, if the CCTV is on your property to protect it and ensure your safety, you generally do not need permission for this.

Is It Worth Installing CCTV At Home?

If you are looking to bring down your insurance costs, or monitor who is coming close to your property, CCTV cameras are a great option. Additionally, if you think your home is likely to be a victim of theft, CCTV cameras along with an alarm system will give you added protection and act as a deterrent for potential criminals.

Where To Install CCTV at Home?

If the main role of CCTV cameras is to protect your home from potential crimes such as burglary, then it is important to have cameras that cover any doors entering your home. Additionally, windows around the back of your home are often a target for burglars, so coving these is also important.

Outside cameras are best for this, but it may also be an option to install interior cameras in your hallway to record anyone that does manage to access your property. This is vital evidence in the event of a crime.

Many also like to locate a camera in their garage or on their driveway to help protect their vehicles.

How To Install CCTV System At Home

There are two ways to install CCTV systems in your home – either by yourself or by employing a security company to install this for you. Due to the high-tech nature of many of today’s CCTV cameras, they can be complex to set up, and mounts for them may need to be drilled into the wall. If you have selected wired cameras, you will also need to run the wires to a power source. Wireless cameras are easier to install by yourself.

If you are comfortable with electronics, then you can attempt the installation yourself, however, you may save yourself time and frustration by employing professional installers from the start. Many security firms offer a free audit of your home to help identify where your cameras are best located before recommending the best type for you and installing them in no time.

How To Install CCTV Outside

When planning your security camera installation outside your home, it is important to decide on the location of your cameras. Security companies will be able to provide expert insight into the best position for them in order to best protect your home. When you are installing CCTV outside is also important to consider where you are pointing your camera as data protection laws will apply if you capture footage of your neighbour's property. Read our article, “Can CCTV be Hacked? and 8 Other CCTV Questions Answered” to find out more information about where you can point our CCTV camera.

The cameras should be on a mount, with holes drilled and mounting screws and pins used to secure the camera mount to the wall. After the mount is installed, the cameras can be secured onto the mount and then turned to the correct angle. Some cameras may be wired, and a cable will be needed to power them, while others may be battery-powered, so no wiring is necessary.

If you are unsure about how to install CCTV cameras, let the experts do the hard work for you and hire a security firm to install your security system.

Tips For Installing CCTV Cameras

Installing CCTV cameras can be a daunting thought, as it may appear more complex than it seems. At Region Security Guarding, our security experts are able to overtake this process for you. Below we have listed our top CCTV installation tips and tricks.

Check Your Lighting

Make sure that the areas that you are recording are well-lit, or else there is no point in recording it! If you are looking to record at night, ensuring that your camera has some kind of night vision is also important – a security firm will be able to advise on this.

Cover All Entrances To Your Property

As well as covering the front door to see who is moving in and out of your property, it is important to make sure your cameras also cover any vulnerable areas of your home or business that could be used as an entrance, this includes windows, gardens or basement entrances.

Install The Best Technology For Your Needs

There is no one best camera to use for CCTV – instead, choose the option that is best for you. If you are looking for a camera to move and cover your whole property, then a system that rotates is best. If, however, you are looking for a high image quality that covers a particular area, a wide-angle, high-resolution camera may be best. Security firms are experts in CCTV and will be able to review your requirements and advise on the best solution for you.