Want to know to install home security cameras? Keep reading!
Your home is your safe refuge from the world outside, and you should do everything you can to keep it safe.
And the best ways to protect your home is to install a security camera system. Home security cameras deter burglars and can help you keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
And according to SLH Home Systems, Homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
So if you’re thinking about getting a security camera at your home, here’s what you need to know.
Is It Really Necessary to install a Home Security Camera?
A home security camera system is a great tool for protecting a house since it can serve as a deterrent and as evidence for recovery of a crime.
Burglars will avoid breaking into homes that clearly display their security cameras. In addition, surveillance cameras can help in the collection of evidence if a crime does take place.
How To Install Home Security Camera In 3 Steps?
A few things that you need to plan and prepare for in advance before you can successfully install a home security camera on your own, regardless of whether it is a wireless security camera or a PoE IP camera.
Have a look at the steps below that you can follow to install a home security camera:
Step1: Create A Diagram To Outline Your Needs For Surveillance.
Since it is both expensive and ineffective to monitor each square inch of your home, you will need to create a structure of the places that are most important to you to keep an eye on.
You can either sketch up a rough diagram of your home or use the blueprints and make a note of all the potential locations for security cameras in each room.
Once you’re done, go around to each spot and make sure that there is nothing that will block the camera’s view.
Step 2: Buy The Right Products.
Now that you know where you want to place your security cameras, it’s time to purchase the ones that will fit your needs.
When choosing a home security camera, there are three main types: wireless security cameras, PoE IP cameras, and battery-operated security cameras.
Each camera comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is crucial that you select the one that fits your needs the best.
For example, a wireless security camera is easy to install since no wires need to be run, but they require batteries that need to be changed or recharged regularly.
On the other hand, a PoE IP camera is wired directly into your home’s existing electrical system, you shouldn’t worry about batteries.
However, this type of camera can be more difficult to install since you will need to run wires through your walls and ceiling.
Step 3: Set Up A Recording Device And Arrange A Monitor.
You will need a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a Network Attached Storage (NAS) drive to save and store your footage.
There are many different sizes and types of these devices available on the market, so you must select one that has enough storage space for the amount of footage you plan on recording.
After choosing a recording device, you will need to set up a monitor to view your footage.
Many people use their computer as their monitor, but you can also purchase a separate monitor specifically for this purpose.
Tips from Reddit users:
I need to install a bunch of security cameras at work for my boss and could use some help.
by u/Siegelind in hardware
Read: Brinks Home Review
How To Install a Wireless Security Camera?
Here’s how you can install a wireless security camera:
- Find a flat surface and mount the security camera by using a drill machine. Many cameras come with screws attached to them, so you can use them while mounting the camera.
- Many camera kits come with a drill instruction manual. So use it, drill the holes correctly and use a hammer and screw driver to tap in the screws and pins correctly.
- Now connect the security camera to your wi-fi.
- Don’t forget to sync it with other devices, such as video doorbells or sensors, etc., if your camera allows it.
How To Install a Wired Security Camera?
Installing wired security cameras may be a bit more challenging, but here’s how you can do it:
- Look for a flat and stable spot on the wall to mount your wired security camera.
- Some security cameras come with drywall anchors, while others may require you to find a stud.
- Look for existing wiring.
- Now mark and make holes using a drill machine for the wiring.
- To mount the security camera, run the wiring through the holes.
- If your camera supports DVR, then you can attach it using a power adapter or ethernet cable.
How To Install a Security Camera?
Here’s how you can install and check whether your security camera is working or not:
- If you have a wireless camera, then make sure your camera has running batteries.
- In the case of a wired camera, ensure the camera is wired to the power source.
- Adjust the camera to your desired angle.
- Now check the live stream video feed using your computer or mobile to check how the camera is working.
- You can go to the camera settings to adjust brightness, contrast, motion sensitivity, volume, etc.
- Repeat the steps at each camera location.
Wireless vs Wired Security Cameras
How To Place Indoor Security Cameras?
Here are some tips to place your indoor security camera correctly:
- We suggest placing the security camera on the first floor of the house.
- If you have more than one story, then plant the camera in the living room or hallway to capture the face of potential intruders.
- Always plant the indoor security camera at a good height so that it can’t be reached by kids easily.
- Do not forget to place a camera right outside your bedroom or outside the room where you keep your money and valuable items.
- Plant the security camera in corners to cover a wide angle.
How To Place Outdoor Security Cameras?
Here are some tips to place your outdoor security camera correctly:
- Make sure to plant security camera’s at your front and back doors at the very least.
- Cover as many exit and entry points as you can of your house.
- Plant security camera’s in your driveway, backyard, garage, etc., for added security.
- Make sure you plant the camera as high as possible so that the intruder can’t reach the camera to disable it.
Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Home Security Camera System
Final Thoughts
Installing a home security camera system is a great way to deter burglars and keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
By following the steps mentioned above, you can successfully install a home security camera in your home without any problems.
FAQ’s
Should one choose local storage or cloud storage for security camera's?
A lot of people prefer cloud storage because it eliminates the possibility of wiping away the footage.
If you choose cloud storage, then you can view and access footage right on your phone, irrespective of the camera’s condition.
On the other hand, local storage is convenient but not as secure because criminals can easily destroy any evidence on it. Local storage consists of USB drives, DVRs, microSD cards, etc.
How much does professional installation cost?
The average cost of professional home security camera installation costs $125- $450 per camera.
How to protect outdoor security cameras?
Outdoor security camera needs protection. If you live in a place that experiences frequent rains or bad weather, then make sure your camera has a high IP rating to withstand harsh conditions.
Do not leave the wires out in the open and run them inside the wall to avoid short circuits.
Plant them at a height to keep them out of kid’s reach, but not so high that you yourself find it difficult to reach. An ideal height is 10 feet.
Shefali Jain is a Content Editor & Writer at National Planning Cycles.
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes.