Thinking about getting security cameras installed on your premises? Here’s what to think about and what to expect during the project.
Getting CCTV cameras installed on your property can act as a deterrent against criminals, help with investigations and identifying suspects if you become the victim of a crime, and can even help to reduce insurance premiums.
No CCTV camera installation is the same.
Some will be relatively straight forward like a single camera installation, while others will be complex projects involving multiple cameras and connections and monitoring systems.
But regardless of the complexity of the installation, the stages will be the same.
Here we help you understand the process of a CCTV camera installation so you know what to expect to make the most from your investment.
Project overview
In theory there’s no limit to the number of CCTV cameras you can install on a property during a CCTV installation.
However, there will always be practical elements of any CCTV camera installation that will limit the number of cameras involved in a project, where they can be set up and how the cameras and feeds can be managed.
The purpose of the initial project overview is to get an idea of what you would like as an ideal scenario, which can then help to inform the later stages of the CCTV camera installation.
Carrying out a location survey
Once you’ve established some of the basic information for your installation project, it’s time to carry out a site and location survey.
This will form the basis for the CCTV system design, so it’s important to be thorough and factor in all the elements that will determine the final installation.
Some of the main things to consider are:
- The level of risk in and around the site. For example, is the building in a remote or heavily built up area? Is the area well lit? Is there a lot of foot traffic around the site or is it in a quiet area?
- The contents of the property or area where you’ll be installing your CCTV cameras. Depending on the value of the contents you’re holding, it could increase your risk of being targeted by criminals.
- The layout and structure of the building. Is the building hidden from view or is it prominent? Is the building a simple layout or can it turn into a labyrinth once you’re inside?
- The levels of supervision you expect to deploy to support the CCTV camera system. Are you planning to have guards on site monitoring live screens? Or will you be deploying cloud connected cameras that are monitored remotely?
Using your survey to design your CCTV camera system
At this stage, you’ll use the information gathered during your site survey to figure out the complexity of the CCTV system, it’s layout and the type and volume of CCTV equipment you’ll install.
The purpose of the CCTV cameras being installed will also determine the type of equipment you need.
For example, if you’re planning to use the CCTV for observing people, you’ll need to choose cameras with sufficient resolution to produce clear images, and also choose a connection network so the cameras can be observed without delays or lag.
You will also need to identify any priority areas that may require additional cameras – or different types of camera.
For example, do you want to include more cameras at the entrance of a property? This could also act as a deterrent.
Or do you have particular areas of your property holding more valuable equipment, which might need a higher number of cameras.
You should also consider – regardless of whether you’re planning to have static or moving cameras – whether you’ll create any blind spots in the system and ensure you design your CCTV system for complete area coverage where you carry out the installation.
Finally, you’ll have to consider the type of connections you want to create between the individual cameras, and the monitors where the images will be relayed to.
For example, if you plan to have a wired connection between your cameras and monitors, you might be limited by the distance or access needed for the connection.
On the other hand, if you plan to connect your CCTV system wirelessly, you’ll also need to assess the WiFi connection to ensure you don’t have any blackspots that could hinder the performance of your CCTV system.
Considering the environmental conditions for your CCTV camera installation
One final thing to consider before choosing or installing your CCTV cameras, is the environmental factors the equipment will be exposed to.
For example, will the cameras be placed in hot or cold environments?
Is the area humid or in a state that could expose the hardware to moisture? If so you might need to consider how this could impact performance.
Will the CCTV cameras be subject to any debris? For example any tree branches that could fall and hit the equipment, or any loose items that might damage the equipment.
You might also want to consider how the placement of the cameras might make them a target for vandals.
The CCTV camera installation
Once you’ve planned your CCTV camera system and chosen the hardware, the final stage is the CCTV camera installation itself.
For this stage you’ll want to hire a qualified engineer with the skills and experience to properly install and connect your cameras.
Professional CCTV camera installers will have the specialist tools and testing kit that’s needed to install your chosen cameras and create your network.
The actual installation period is pretty straight forward.
Your engineer will carry out a health and safety check of the area and carry out a final check of the areas where the cameras are to be installed to ensure the area is suitable.
They’ll also ensure all your equipment is fitted to the necessary national and site regulations.
Ongoing testing and inspections
Once all your cameras are installed and the connections established, your engineer will carry out an initial test to ensure the system is properly connected and reacting as you expected.
This includes ensuring any alarms or detectors installed alongside the cameras react as they should.
After this the CCTV system is ready to go.
You should continue to get your CCTV cameras installation assessed by a professional, qualified engineer on an ongoing basis (every few years) to ensure all the connections are still working correctly and that there are no electrical faults developing within the network.
Get a CCTV camera installation with Downtown Electrical
All of our engineers are fully qualified and experienced in CCTV installations and can help you through the entire process from planning to design to installation and testing.
They’re all qualified to the latest industry standards so you can be confident you’re getting a professional service that will give your business the best CCTV system you can get.
If you’re interested in finding out more, get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any type of building can utilise CCTV.
These may include:
• Buildings that hold valuable equipment or high-value items, for example, museums, galleries, or technology hubs.
• Buildings that are in areas with a high crime rate.
• Buildings accessed by members of the public, for example, shops, restaurants, etc.
• Health care facilities, for example, supported living accommodation, care homes, or hospitals.
• Secure buildings such as airports and banks.
• Locations that require specialist ID or keys for entry, for example, nurseries, schools, or military bases.
Whatever the reason you need it, CCTV installation can seem like an overwhelming task. But no matter your building size, layout, or security requirements, Downtown Electrical can install the CCTV system you need to keep your property safe. Without the fuss.
Email us today to find out more!
CCTV used in strategic locations, such as entrances and exits, can be an excellent crime deterrent and can make possible thieves or intruders think twice.
The College of Policing found a 13% decrease in crime overall when using CCTV and encouraged the use of CCTV to be strategic and part of a multi-string approach, to allow for reductions in specific types of crime. For example, to reduce car theft, the College of
Policing reported a 51% reduction in vehicle-related crimes when CCTV was coupled with better lighting and increased security staff.
This deterrent factor is also supported by anecdotal evidence from criminals themselves.
If you want help keeping your property secure, contact Downtown Electrical today on 0113 345 6798 or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you!
CCTV is only effective if installed correctly.
Changes to the building, or technical problems will impact on how well CCTV can perform and could result in a system that functions purely as a decorative deterrent.
Common problems include:
• Obstructed cameras.
• Blind spots.
• Poor Wi-Fi connections.
• Incorrect system types, for example, using a wireless system when a wired system would be best for your location.
• Overloaded, patchy systems.
• The overuse or incorrect use of recording and monitoring equipment.
No matter the issue, our expert installations team can conduct a full site survey to check the performance of your existing CCTV systems and advise on any necessary changes. Book a site survey today and fix your CCTV headache!
