Installing a security camera begins with deciding the purpose and location of the camera at home. Everybody doesn’t have to deal with thieves and burglars.
Occasionally, we want to watch who comes to our house while we’re away or keep track of deliveries. Some want to keep track of their loved ones or pets.
It might seem daunting to drill holes through the walls of your house to run video and power cables for a security camera system, but many security systems come with all-inclusive packages that make installation simple.
Break-ins and theft are not a problem for everyone. Most of us just want to see who visits our house while we’re away or check on deliveries. Other people want to see if their family or pets are okay.
Depending on what is most important to you, you would want to place your camera where it will be able to easily view what you wish to monitor.
These days, you can easily install most cameras yourself, and they’re designed to be as painless as possible.
Some of these can be set on a table, mounted on a wall, or attached to a magnetic surface. Others prefer not to drill into their walls.
Can I Install The Security Surveillance Kit Myself?
Security surveillance video can be easily installed by yourself with our surveillance solutions.
We usually offer surveillance kits that include surveillance cameras, ready-to-use video and power cables, and a hard drive equipped with a recording device.
The cameras can therefore only be mounted at your chosen spot and the cables can then be connected to the recording device and the cameras.
Once you plug your surveillance system into power, the system will begin recording immediately.
How to Install a Security Camera at Home
You can install most of the cameras we recommend by yourself. If not, a professional can always be found to assist you, whether it’s from the security firm itself or a third-party source like HelloTech.
Some CCTV and surveillance firms give comprehensive walkthroughs and video tutorials if you want to do your installation and need more detailed guidance.
Installing security cameras may appear to be a difficult chore for those unfamiliar with DIY technology.
The majority of smart home security cameras now allow DIY installation, which means we can set it up ourselves rather than engaging a pro.
Installation varies in difficulty depending on where we want to put the camera and its power supply (plug-in or battery).
Of course, the installation method varies by brand and model, but we’ve learned a thing or two about installation from examining dozens of home security cameras.
While each camera comes with its own set of instructions, we’ve compiled a list of recommended practices for installing home security cameras. Continue reading to find out what they are!
How to Install Wired & Wireless Home Security Cameras & Systems by Yourself
It is not as difficult as you might think to set up a home video surveillance system.
Even if you’re building your home surveillance system for the first time, the following 5 simple steps will make the installation of both wired and WiFi home cameras a snap.
You’ll need to configure the WiFi settings on a wireless home video camera before you start installing it inside and out, however, there are no hard and fast rules for which comes first with a PoE IP camera.
You can read this: The Best Smart Home Security Systems For 2022
Step 1. Check for Spots Where Cameras Get a Clear View and Stable Power Source
- This is the first and most critical step in installing home surveillance systems yourself. When deciding where to put the camera, keep the following details in mind:
- To ensure a clearer and wider vision, raise your camera to a higher altitude. To conserve money, cover as many entries as feasible with the fewest number of cameras.
- Place the security camera out of the reach of intruders, criminals, and mischievous children.
- When photographing a light source, avoid pointing your camera straight at it. If you point your camera towards the light source, your movies and photographs will be somewhat underexposed. Place the cameras close to a power source. A power supply is required even for a cordless video camera.
- Place the camera’s appropriate mounting bracket under the eave. This aids with the protection of outdoor security cameras from inclement weather.
- Installing a security camera beneath windows is not a good idea. Otherwise, IR reflection could result in overexposed photos and movies (click here to learn more).
- Installing security cameras on your neighbors’ premises, bathrooms, or other places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy is not a good idea.
Step 2. Mount Your Home Security Cameras on the Wall
Drill holes in the wall, ceiling, and other locations you’ve chosen for the camera to be mounted. After that, place your camera in the proper location and angle.
When situating your security camera, make sure it has the best motion detection possible.
All-in-one security cameras, such as Reolink PoE dome/bullet IP cameras, come with mounting brackets and screws.
Make the most of the mounting hole template to make installing video security for the first time a breeze. Here’s a CCTV camera installation video that shows you how to mount a dome security IP camera step by step.
If you’re installing a PTZ IP camera, you’ll also need to add a vertical bracket. Learn how to install the vertical bracket of the RLC-423, the most powerful high-speed dome PTZ IP camera on the market.
Step 3. Arrange Wires and Cables for CCTV Camera Installation
Running security camera wires and cables appears to be the most challenging aspect of CCTV installation.
Before you begin, design the security camera wire path, especially if you intend to place cameras in numerous locations, such as corridors, basements, garages, attics, under the eave, and in-ceiling soffit.
Drill holes for the wires to pass through, and if you’re installing in a two- or three-story house, consider the shortest route. Push all of the camera cables’ ends into the holes you’ve drilled.
You can hide the cables and keep them from wearing out this way. You can also designate a room as the location for all of your cables.
DIY Home Security Camera Installation Preparations
Before you start a video surveillance project by yourself, whether it is a wireless security camera or a PoE IP camera, there are several things you need to prepare and plan.
1. Know Exactly What Types of Home CCTV
The installation process differs depending on the type of video security camera and system being used. Which is better: a wired or a wireless security camera?
It is dependent on your security requirements. For greater flexibility and ease of installation, choose WiFi security cameras, particularly battery-powered cameras, rather than wired PoE IP cameras.
If you want to avoid untidy cabling and drilling, the battery-powered security camera is the best option, especially when mounting cameras outside an apartment door/window (the outside is brick).
“100% wire-free” means there are no cords and no wiring from top to bottom.
You can put it anyplace, indoors or out, on a shelf, a table, or mount it on the wall without having to run wires.
2. Decide Where to Install Indoor & Outdoor Security Cameras
Knowing where to put your home security cameras influences whether or not you can get the most out of them.
Security experts recommend the front door, back door, and off-street window as the finest placements and postures.
3. Prepare CCTV Installation Tools & Materials for a Smooth Installation
Screws, anchors, cables, a power adapter or receiver, an electric drill, and other instruments are typically required for installation.
Screws and other installation equipment are frequently included in the camera box if you purchase an all-in-one security camera (system) (Reolink is highly recommended).
Each cable wire also has two wires with their connections. One of the lines is for a reliable power supply. The other one is for the video recorder as well.
You can either construct a single power source for the cables or put each of them into a different socket for the power supply.
The monitor will now be connected to the DVR/NVR recorder after the wiring for view recording has been attached. This is where you can see what’s going on.
Indoors or Outdoors?
The capacity to withstand the elements is the most significant distinction between indoor and outdoor cameras.
The last thing you want is for your new camera to break down during the first blizzard of the year, especially if your snow boots have vanished as well. Check the camera’s operating temperature and allowed uses before you buy it.
Some types, such as the SimpliSafe or the SimpliCam, may be configured to work both indoors and outside.
Where to Install an Indoor Security Camera at Home
Finding the correct position, plugging it in, turning it on, and syncing it with your mobile or desktop app can be as simple as finding the proper spot, plugging it in, turning it on, and syncing it with your mobile or desktop app.
While some indoor cameras may require drilling, the majority of the cameras we’ve seen only require a screwdriver.
A good indoor camera should have a wide field of view, which you can achieve by placing it on a higher shelf or corner.
The optimal locations will offer a clear view of the room, a secure location to hide the camera from burglars, and minimal foot traffic (to avoid unplugging the camera or tripping on the cord).
Where to Install an Outdoor Security Camera at Home
Above the garage door or gazing over a front or back porch are the most frequent locations for an exterior camera. Make sure your garage camera has a wide field of view.
If you’re using a porch camera, make sure it’s pointing primarily toward a driveway or walkway so you can capture as much motion as possible with a limited field of view.
Consider the Nest Hello, the Arlo Video Doorbell, or the RemoBell S as options for a doorbell camera.
Do I Need Permission To Install CCTV?
It is usually not necessary for you to obtain permission to install CCTV unless your property is listed (where you will need consent from the listed building department) or if you rent it (where permission from the building owner is required).
Before you purchase a system, you should consider several factors, including data security, system safety, and the appropriateness of the cameras.
Depending on the kind of property you intend to install your CCTV system on, you will also have different responsibilities.
Is It Better To Buy A Wired, Wireless, Or Wire-Free Camera for my Home?
Although the nomenclature can be confusing, there are normally three power options for security cameras:
- Wired, which means the camera is powered and connected to the internet via cables.
- Wireless, which means your camera can connect to the internet wirelessly but still has to be plugged in. Because they require a cord, these cameras are still referred to as “wired.”
- Wire-free, in which the camera is powered by a battery pack and does not require any cables. These cameras are sometimes referred to as “wireless” because they do not require any power.
You’ll have fewer options for placement with wired installation, but your connection will be more dependable and secure. Think about where you’ll be running the wire and how much length you’ll need. Longer extension cords can always be purchased.
Also, you can check this: Vivint Home Security Review | 2022
Steps for Installing a Wired Security Camera
- Find a secure location on the wall.
- Some cameras will require you to locate a stud, while others may include drywall anchors.
- Look for any existing wiring.
- Drill the relevant holes after marking them.
- Return the wiring to the monitoring source by threading it back through the wall.
Simply ensure that the hole you drill is large enough to draw the cable through but not so large that the camera can no longer be mounted.
The ability to deploy wire-free (often still referred to as wireless) cameras almost anyplace is a significant advantage. You should still check that you’re Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless connections are within range.
If your outdoor camera, such as the Nest Cam Outdoor, requires a power cord, you should be able to drill through heavier materials like brick or stucco with ease.
Make sure your security camera is out of reach so that a thief or a guilty child cannot take it and run.
Installers suggest mounting your cameras at least nine feet off the ground, but not so high that you can’t see what’s going on below.
Should You Choose Local Or Cloud Storage?
Although most cameras now include cloud storage to prevent burglars from simply snatching the evidence and fleeing, some people still choose local storage for its privacy and convenience.
Local storage options differ by the camera, however, they may include:
- microSD memory cards
- USB flash drives
- Video Recorders (DVRs)
- Video Recorders on a Network (NVRs)
If you use local storage, you’ll need to keep your cameras out of harm’s way while still being able to access them when you need them.
If you acquire cloud storage, you can see the film on your phone or desktop software, and you can access it independent of the condition of the camera.
Conclusion
Camera systems can be a lot of fun and easy to install. You can choose from many different home security systems with cameras, and also many online home security stores, such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Pick a DIY-friendly camera to start setting up your home security. The installation process for Reolink WiFi and PoE cameras is halved.
As a result, you don’t have to hire professional installers for the setup, even if you have little confidence in your ability to install surveillance systems.
There is no need to seek instructions from the manufacturer for installation and setup. If you do, you will appreciate the convenience of Reolink 24/6 1-to-1 support.
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