The effectiveness of surveillance cameras heavily depends on how well you install them. Issues such as low video quality can undermine the purpose of these gadgets and leave your home vulnerable to break-ins. Besides deterring crime, CCTV cameras provide valuable footage that the authorities can use to pursue the criminals. Therefore, as you install your cameras, here are a few mistakes to watch out for.
Failure to buy the right cameras
There are various types of CCTV cameras, and they all serve different purposes. Some cameras only record video during the day when there's adequate lighting, while others offer both day and night surveillance. Some are ideal for indoor use, while others are suited to outdoor applications. It's essential to choose the right type of cameras, depending on the task you want them to accomplish.
For example, if you need CCTV cameras to cover a large area, go for ones with high image clarity. This will ensure image quality doesn't deteriorate when zooming. High definition cameras are great for achieving a high resolution. You can even zoom them in for extra clarity. Outdoor cameras should have a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature to prevent glare from the sun.
Placing cameras at a high point
The higher you place CCTV cameras, the higher the chances of deteriorating the video quality. This is especially true when using cameras of low or medium definition. When installed at the highest point, they are forced to cover a large area, which leads to reduced video quality. For the best results, install your cameras not more than nine feet above the ground. If you want wider views, invest in a Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera as it can cover larger areas without losing definition.
Failure to secure cameras
Outdoor surveillance cameras can suffer damage from impact, weather elements or vandalism by intruders. You can secure your cameras in the following ways:
- Make them invisible: Installing cameras out of sight lowers the risk of vandalism by intruders.
- Mount them high: For high-definition cameras, mounting them at least nine or ten feet from the ground keeps them out of the reach of intruders.
- Use protective housings: Protective housings make it hard for intruders to access your cameras. They also protect the devices from weather damage.
You can also protect your surveillance system by going wireless. Wireless cameras make it impossible for intruders to tamper with cameras by cutting the wiring. However, if you choose wireless cameras, secure your network to protect it from hacking. Keep the cameras' firmware up to date and protect your cameras and home Wi-Fi with strong passwords.
The above mistakes can affect the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance in deterring intruders from your home. To avoid these problems, hire a professional for the CCTV installation project.
Hello! As the title suggests, this blog will be about how to wire a plug and other electrical topics. I should really come right out and say that I am not a professional electrical contractor. However, just because I am not a professional, that doesn't mean that I don't know what I am doing. My sister-in-law is an electrical contractor and over the years, she has taught me some pretty cool stuff. She helped me to rewire my entire home, install new appliances and to carry out a safety check. I hope to pass on some of the knowledge using my blog.