Installing a CCTV system is one of the most effective ways to protect your home or business – but the difference between an average setup and a reliable, professional one often comes down to the details.
Before you switch your cameras on, it’s worth running through a few key checks to make sure everything is working as it should. This practical CCTV installation checklist will help you install your system safely, keep it performing efficiently, and avoid common issues that could make your footage unreliable when you need it most.
Choose a Large Hard Drive
When running a business, you won’t have time to keep deleting the previous days footage to make room for more film – it would then be a burden to have a CCTV system rather than a benefit. Choose a CCTV system which has a large drive capacity and allows for at least 7 days worth of filming, without having to delete any footage.
Match Quality Cameras with a Reliable Monitor
If you are purchasing your cameras and monitor separately, you will need to purchase good cameras with an equally good monitor. HD cameras will only be of real benefit if your monitor is high speed and can process live action without the picture breaking up or producing low quality images.
Secure the Recorder
When setting up a CCTV system, ensure that the device is locked away to prevent it getting stolen. Realistically, there is no point in having a CCTV camera catching evidence if the device itself could be stolen by thieves.
Position Cameras for Maximum Coverage
Ensure that the location of your cameras are in areas that need to be monitored at all times. For example, areas of your building where there are expensive possessions or above entrances to assess who is entering the property. It would be advised that cameras be placed in as many areas around the property as possible, so that suspicious activity can be noticed immediately.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Once your CCTV cameras are installed, it would be advised that you check they are in full working order on a regular basis. Your cameras may be working absolutely fine, but a fault in the monitor may mean your entire system is pointless. Keep on top of the maintenance, otherwise you may be at risk from crime if criminals are aware your system isn’t in working order. If you are in any doubt about how to maintain your system, it may be worth hiring a CCTV specialist to inspect your system at least once a year, so it is working at its optimum performance.
Install CCTV Signage
One of the legal requirements of having a CCTV system on your property, is that you will need to state that the cameras are in operation. This is down to the fact that people have to be notified that they are being filmed. Although it may seem a strange law to make, making outsiders aware that an expensive piece of equipment is on the property may in fact act as a deterrent to criminals.
Check Lighting Levels
Once your CCTV system is up and running, make sure you are aware of the light levels in order for your camera to pick up clear footage. Light levels are usually measured in lux on CCTV cameras, therefore if you choose to locate a camera in a location with a lower lux number, you will need to choose a system that records in extremely dim lighting.
Contact us for specific advice about prices and packages on 0800 211 8310.
