Setting up a CCTV camera can be quite a daunting task especially for those of us who are not tech-savvy. Before going ahead with the CCTV installation, it’s important to choose the right spot for your CCTV camera and DVR to fully maximise the camera coverage and minimise cable length.
When installing CCTV cameras indoors, look for a corner in the room where the majority of the room’s access points are visible. It’s also a good idea to place it near an electrical outlet. For outdoor placement of CCTV cameras, it’s best to choose a higher spot with a good view, preferably somewhere by the door or window so that it cannot be knocked down easily. We have come up with a simple 5-step guide on how to install a CCTV camera:
1. Prepare the tools and materials for CCTV installation
Before you start setting up your CCTV camera, it would be helpful to prepare all the necessary equipment and materials beforehand to ensure a smooth CCTV installation. Some of the tools you may need include screws, cables, a power adaptor or receiver, and an electric drill. For a more comprehensive list of the tools you’ll need during your CCTV installation, click here.
2. Mounting the camera
Once you’re done organising the tools you need, it’s time to mount the camera at the desired location. While you’re mounting the CCTV camera, it’s important to remember to point the camera in the right direction and angle. As soon as you’ve decided on the spot where you want your camera to be, go ahead and sketch the guide marks for drilling.
Next, use an electric drill to drill the holes and hammer in the screws. When that’s done, ensure that you have screwed the camera in place firmly and insert the power cable of the camera in a socket after that.
3. Arranging and connecting the cables and wires
When arranging the cables and wires, make sure that you plan the pathway for all the cables from the CCTV camera to the DVR unit beforehand. It’s important to plan the wire route in detail especially if you intend to install CCTV cameras in multiple spots. One of the ways in which you can organise your wires and keep them safe is by using wire moulding. Try pushing the ends of the camera cables on the holes you’ve drilled. Doing this will help in tucking away the wires and prevent them from wearing out. Alternatively, if you have a spare room, you can simply place all of your cables in there.
After organising the wires, the next thing to do is to connect your CCTV surveillance system and check if there is a proper and continuous supply of power. Having a good power supply ensures that the recording process of the CCTV camera will not be interrupted. While you’re doing this, it’s important to think about contingency plans in the event of a power outage. If you’re setting up CCTV cameras at your office spaces, you’ll want to connect them to a generator as it can work even under such conditions. Some smaller office buildings are already equipped with emergency backup generators which makes it all the easier.
4. Placing the DVR in a hidden spot
The next step after the wiring process would be to place the DVR of the CCTV camera, where the surveillance camera’s hard disk is stored. This is also where all of your CCTV camera recordings will go. We recommend keeping the DVR inside a hidden compartment so that even when an intruder spots the DVR, they are not able to destroy the recorded footage. This is an important step in ensuring that you have a safe and well-secured home security system.
5. Switching on the system
Last but not least, switch on all of the CCTV cameras, followed by the display and the DVR. When you have successfully managed to connect everything, inspect all camera’s feeds to ensure that each camera is functioning well and most importantly, check that they provide the viewing angle you desire.
Simple Guide On CCTV Installation in Singapore
CCTV surveillance systems are a great way to monitor your premises and keep your loved ones and belongings safe and secure at all times. While some CCTV cameras are pretty straightforward to install, some CCTV surveillance systems are more complex to set up and you may need to hire professionals to help you with the CCTV installation.
To have a more seamless process of installing your CCTV surveillance systems, reach out to experts from One Stop Office Solution (OSOS), a trusted CCTV Surveillance Company in Singapore, for a consultation today!