What are tips for installing new digital security cameras?
- Choose the right type of camera
- Don’t keep your cameras hidden
- Cover other areas, not just your front door
- Select a reliable power source
- Secure your account
- Consider other technical aspects
- Follow declaration laws
Digital security cameras are an invaluable tool to keeping your home, store, or any building safe. It’s integral to any safety plan you set up, yet installing these devices haphazardly can create more security problems than you started out with.
If you want to add these to your systems the right way, then follow our tips for installing digital security cameras. These tips will help you ensure your cameras are working as they should, and provide maximum coverage for your property and for yourself.
Choose the right type of camera
There are many kinds of digital security cameras out there that you can choose for your security systems. Traditional options include directional or bullet cameras, but these are pretty limited in scope and only cover one direction. More modern options, such as dome cameras, offer 360-degree coverage, which may be more suitable for your security needs.
Aside from scope, you also have different options when it comes to connectivity. For example, most older models are wired and rely on a consistent energy source to relay their feed. But nowadays, more people are opting for wireless security cameras, which are more reliable and eliminate the need to install wires.
Whatever kind of security camera you choose, your decision should be based on the coverage you need, the quality of security feed they provide, and how reliable you need your cameras to be.
Don’t keep your cameras hidden
Unless there’s a specific crime you want to catch someone doing — such as stealing from a safe or breaking into your car — don’t bother trying to hide all of your digital security cameras.
One of the benefits of installing these devices is that the sight of them deters people from even trying to do any criminal activity on your property. If your security cameras are displayed, then they’re forced to reconsider their actions and are more likely to be scared of being caught in the act.
Cover other areas, not just your front door
The front door of any kind of property sees a lot of action, so it’s natural that you’re going to choose to put one camera in this area. But, don’t forget about other key areas in your building — these are still a potential entry point for criminals!
You should be placing digital security cameras to monitor the following areas:
- First floor windows
- Back doors or entryways
- Side doors or entryways
- Garages and storage areas
- Backyards
- Driveways
Placing cameras at these spots will cover all the potential entry points on your property.
Indoors, you should also consider strategic locations to place your digital security cameras. Corners are often the best option, since they give you the widest view of any room. Placing them high up, like above a shelf or window, is also a good option.
Select a reliable power source
All digital security cameras need power — even wireless ones. Wired cameras need to be fed electricity through a PoE cable, which is also how they relay their audio and video feed to your security system. On the other hand, wireless security cameras might need onboard batteries, but other models will connect to power outlets.
If you decide to use battery-powered cameras, then you have to be sure to recharge and check on their batteries often, as these drain quickly — especially when the camera is placed outdoors.
Likewise, using power cables for your cameras also means you have to connect them to a reliable power source and practice good cable management to ensure they’re running 24/7.
Secure your account
If you’re using smart digital cameras, then you’re also using a smart security system. While these systems are extremely useful, you won’t be able to monitor your cameras properly if you haven’t secured your account. And, if your account isn’t secured, you’re leaving yourself exposed to potential hacking threats, as well.
To prevent this, make sure that you change any default passwords on your camera. Consider changing them on a regular basis too, to increase their security. Some models even offer two-factor authentication, which you should always use when available.
Consider other technical aspects
You will also have to consider the other technical components that come with digital security cameras. Most camera systems come with recording and storage hardware, where your security feed will be transmitted to. The storage hardware may have to be replaced or updated from time to time to free up disk space.
Some models will come with cloud storage instead, which means your security feeds will be kept on an online platform that is updated real-time and accessible anywhere. Local storage is also possible for these systems, but they’ll need to be manually transferred to hard disks.
Depending on your security needs, you might want to opt for cloud-based security systems, as they are capable of storing more data. This data can also be accessed whenever needed, even if you are not physically on your property — so you can stay updated on-the-go.
Follow declaration laws
Lastly, make sure you’re following any laws that concern recording on your property. You are required to inform people that they are being recorded, especially when they are in “public” spaces like an office, store, and the like. Putting up signs that inform them about your digital security cameras will suffice.
For digital security cameras on private property (such as your home), you don’t necessarily have to put up signs, but you are obligated to inform any person (such as delivery men, maids, visitors) that come into your home. It is also illegal to install these cameras in “private” spaces, such as the bathroom, so avoid placing any cameras there.
Key Takeaway
As such an essential part of any robust security system, it’s crucial that you know how to properly place digital security cameras around your property. Use our tips for installing digital security cameras to make sure you’re getting the most out of this new security measure.
Have more questions about digital security cameras, or simply want to get the best security systems in the market? Contact ELID today — we carry versatile, innovative, and state-of-the-art security systems for every kind of building you can imagine!