How to Install Your Own Home Security Cameras
In matters of home security it’s always important to do things right and after deciding on the specific security camera or camera system that you desire you’ll want to make sure that everything goes to plan when it comes to installation.
Inevitably you always end up getting what you pay for, with video quality and night vision being two features worth looking into in more detail. If you still haven’t made a security camera choice take a look at this run-down of the 7 best UK security cameras and if you have we’ll get right down to the installation process.
Placement
It cannot be stressed enough just how important placement is to the success of your security camera system. Obviously the main consideration is to place each camera in a position where an unobstructed view of the entry and exit points can be gained. However further consideration should be taken to ensure that the camera is placed out of harm’s way. One of the best locations to install a security camera is just below where the roof meets the walls, which provides a number of benefits:
- Firstly by placing the camera high up the risk of vandalism is lowered and you’ll be able to capture any break-in on camera without the cameras first being damaged or destroyed.
- The viewing range is also widened by placing your camera in a loftier position.
- For roofs that have an overhang wiring will be made far easier and the security camera will be better protected from the elements and thus enjoy a longer lifespan.
Also consider any obvious areas where a criminal might enter your property when angling your security cameras. For example if an alley way runs along the back of your house it would make sense to position a camera overlooking your back garden.
Wiring
So now that you know where your security cameras are going to be positioned all you have to do is wire the system up! RG59 coaxial cable is the industry standard when it comes to wiring security camera systems and is used for the vast majority of installations. Please note that if you’d prefer a wire that also contains a power cable you’ll want to purchase RG59+2 cabling. The alternative is of course to purchase a separate cable for power, which can be convenient if you’ll be powering your cameras from a location different than that of your DVR.
Some security camera systems come with an adequate amount of wiring using pre-fitted connectors in which case you’re ready to go. If you’ve bought your own roll of RG59 cable however you’ll also require the BNC connections to allow you to connect each camera to your DVR. These can be crimped to the cable in much the same way you would for a TV connector.
- Now that you have your cables ready to go you can begin wiring your system up. The first step is to decide where you want the cables to enter the house; for most this will be the loft. This can often be made easier when done with two people, as you’ll be able to pass a stiff wire through the hole and have someone else pull it through with the cables taped onto the other end. For those of you installing a single security camera it may make more sense to drill directly through the wall into the location where the DVR and monitor will be situated to avoid wires coming down from the ceiling.
- Secondly decide where you want your DVR and monitor to be situated and make a small hole in the ceiling so the cables can pass from the loft into the room. Connect all of your cables, with the required BNC connections, to your DVR and you will almost be ready to go…
- Finally you’ll need to provide a power source for your camera system. The DVR and monitor can be connected to a power outlet in the room, as can each security camera if desired. Another option for the security cameras however would be to connect each of the cameras to a multi camera power supply, which could then be connected to the mains thus reducing the number of connections required.
