Security Camera System Installation Guide

Everything you need to know about the design and installation of your security camera system.
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How to Install a Security CCTV System

Installing a security system is a major step towards securing your residential or business property. Having an extra set of eyes on your property brings the much-desired sense of security and calmness. However, finding the right system for your property is one challenging aspect of the whole process.

If done wrong, it can cost you time and money, and not fully satisfy your requirements. That’s why you need to understand the process, devices, and the installation companies available, before taking any step.

So, who installs these camera systems, how do they work, and which are the best types?

Well, security surveillance cameras come in various shapes, designs, quality, and prices. They also include different capabilities such as resolutions, integrations, mode of use, etc. Some cameras are ideal for outdoor use, while others indoors.

Their functions also vary, with some being tailored for facial recognition, others for reading vehicle plates, and more. Therefore, depending on your specific security need, you should find a security camera system that best fits that area.

In the current time and age, every business or home needs a quality security system. This will help deter intruders from accessing your property, and when they do, you have video footage evidence to refer to. More so, when burglars know that a CCTV system secures your building, they are less likely to break in.

Key Components of a Security Camera System

Security Cameras
Storage devices (hard drives)

Cabling / Wiring

NVR (Network Video Recorder)
Surveillance systems are quite complex. For your CCTV system to function as required, it needs all the above components to seamlessly integrate and work together. However, although complex, it can be quite easy to use when the installation is done right, using the right devices.
So how does each of these components fit in?

Security Cameras

Surveillance cameras are the most basic components of any CCTV system. Without the right type for the specific need, the whole system might fail. This means that before you decide on which security cameras to install, you must clearly define your security needs first.
Some factors that might influence this include your budget, area of coverage, and whether you need them for outdoor or indoor use. These and more factors will easily guide you into making the right choice for that CCTV system.

Network Video Recorder

Mostly referred to as an NVR, the Network Video Recorder is a crucial part of an IP camera system. The device enables video recording and storage, as well as image snaps and transmission of the same to your PC, laptop or smartphone, for both recorded and live viewing.
An NVR can be installed almost anywhere in your property, as long as you connect it to the same IP network as your camera system. Unlike the DVRs, which record analog video into a digital format, NVRs record their videos from IP cameras.

Cabling

Although recent technologies have seen continued popularity in wireless cameras, most security camera systems still need substantial wiring. Structured cabling is usually useful while linking the security cameras, the servers, and the NVR.
Cat5E and Cat6 are the most commonly used cables, especially when using an Internet Protocol (IP) camera. These cables are ideal for transferring large data amounts as it’s in the case of digital videos with high resolutions, fast speeds, and traveling for longer distances. In most cases, these cables are also used to power the security camera system in what we refer to as Power-Over-Ethernet. This means that both power and data use the same cables.

Hard Drives (Storage)

When the NVR records surveillance footage, the system needs somewhere to store the video. That’s where the hard drives come in. Now, knowing the amount of storage space you need for your videos might be a tricky task.
However, with the help of experienced CCTV system installers, you’ll be able to choose the right hard drive for your surveillance system. They will help you determine your storage needs and advice on the best storage system.

Best Security Camera Categories

Now that we know what a security CCTV system entails, let’s see the various types of cameras available.

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are popular for their superior field of view. They are usually enclosed into a protective dome, thus their name. These security cameras are more discreet, blending with almost any environment, than most other types. They are also weatherproof, vandal-resistant, have night vision, and rotate to offer a wider view.

Bullet Cameras

These are quite common cameras, and you might find them anywhere. They come in various sizes and can be installed anywhere, either indoor or outdoor. They include IR and night vision features, as well as superior zoom and range capabilities.

PTZ Cameras

Pan Tilt Zoom cameras are among the most versatile security cameras in the market. They are the best in tracking something as you can even re-aim the target remotely.
PTZ cameras have numerous incredible features including, low light vision, multiple alarm systems, weather resistance, and high zoom quality.

Turret Cameras

Also referred to as eyeball or mini-dome cameras, these cameras have a sliced sphere design. However, unlike the dome camera, which is completely encased, turret cameras are outside the dome. This makes them less vandal-free than the dome cameras. They, however, have a better night vision capability.

Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras are small security cameras installed on the doors and can be either wired or wireless. They have a door buzzer connected to a two-way intercom system. It’s a great way to increase the security level of your property’s access system.

Fisheye Cameras

This category of security cameras is ideal for large warehouses and parking lots. They are perfect in surveillance situations where the overall picture is more important than the finer details. The cameras provide a concentrated view of a wider field.

Multiple Sensor Cameras

These are security cameras that combine up to four distinct camera heads on a single casing. It looks like one camera, but in the real sense, you have four cameras in one. They offer high-definition, 180° or 360° views of a place.
If you are looking for the coverage of up to four cameras in a single camera, then multiple sensor cameras are your best bet.

Conclusion on CCTV System Installation

These are but a few types of security cameras you’ll find in the market. This means that you have to know what you are looking for if you want to get the best results. Your choice of security cameras will greatly impact the effectiveness of your CCTV system.

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