The idea of drilling and drilling holes in the walls of your home to plug in the cables of a security camera could be intimidating; however, many security systems offer complete packages that make installation very easy. Read on for tips on how to purchase and install your home camera system.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the House
Step 1. Create a diagram to plan your surveillance
It is expensive and impractical to monitor every square inch of your home, so you need to prioritize the areas that are most important to look at. Draw a sketched diagram of your home or print the floor plan and note where you would like to install the cameras. When you're done, check each spot to make sure it's not blocked by anything and offers the best view possible. You could install a chamber for:
- Front and rear doors.
- Windows on the side alleys.
- Large common areas.
- Driveways.
- Porches.
- Stairways.
Step 2. Purchase the package that suits your needs
You can buy each piece individually, but it is usually cheaper and easier to buy an "all inclusive" security system; at a minimum it should contain 1-3 cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), the right connections and power cables. If you don't need to monitor a very large area, wireless wall cameras should be fine.
- Normal home security: Buy a package with 2-3 outdoor cameras (for the ports) and a DVR with at least 3 days of recording time.
- Monitoring of valuables or children: 1-3 wireless indoor cameras can cover a small room quite well, and send the recording directly to your PC.
Step 3. Buy the cameras
When you have decided how many cameras you need, you will need to think about which camera model to choose. A home surveillance system can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand, so be sure to consider the type of cameras you need before shopping - the features below should be clearly marked on the package. While you can purchase all parts separately, purchasing a complete "surveillance set" usually saves you money and simplifies installation.
- Wireless vs. cableWireless cameras are easy to install, and require no holes or cables running around the house, but their quality deteriorates as the distance from the receiver increases. If you need to cover a large area, choose wired cameras, but in most cases, wireless cameras are the easiest to install.
- Internal or external: Cameras that are not designed for outdoor installation will break in a short time when exposed to rain and moisture, so be sure to choose them accordingly.
- Motion sensors: some cameras only record when they notice movement, saving space and energy, and filming images only when someone is in the room.
- Remote viewing: many high-level cameras give the possibility to send images to your phone or laptop anywhere in the world, allowing you to control the house thanks to a special program or app.
Step 4. Purchase a recording and monitoring device
To archive and view images, you need a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). This device receives all video signals and plays them on a screen - which can be a computer screen or a small TV. DVRs have memories of different capacities, from hundreds of hours to a day of images.
- If you buy a complete surveillance set, the DVR is usually included with the camera.
- You can also buy Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and Analog Recorders (VCRs), which work the same way as the DVR, using an internet signal (NVR) or blank cassettes (VCR) to record, instead of a digital hard drive. You can also follow the installation instructions in this article with these devices.
Step 5. Test your equipment before installing it
Make sure the cables, DVR, cameras and screen are working by connecting them to each other.
Method 2 of 3: Install a Camera
Step 1. Choose a high and wide angle for the camera
For the best perspective, install the camera facing down in the corner where the ceiling meets the wall. Make sure you can clearly see all inputs and outputs and that the camera is close to a power outlet.
If you are mounting an outdoor camera, put it higher than 3 meters so that it is not easy to drop it
Step 2. Mount the camera to the wall
Some cameras have stickers that allow you to attach them to a wall, but fixing them with screws is the safest way to mount them in the long run. While each camera is different, most of them can be mounted in the same way:
- Secure the mounting plate in the desired location.
- Using a marker or pencil, make marks on the wall where to place the screws.
- Make a hole for each screw with a power drill.
- Use a hammer to fix the locking dowels.
- Screw the mounting plate to the wall.
- Orient the camera at the desired angle.
Step 3. Connect the camera to a power supply
Most cameras have power supplies that plug into regular wall sockets. Insert the small, round cable into the power input of the camera and plug the other end into the socket.
If the power supply is missing or broken, contact the manufacturer
Step 4. Connect the cable camera to your DVR
Surveillance equipment is connected with BNC cables (Bayonet Neill-Concelman). BNC cables are easy to use - they are identical on both ends and you just need to plug them into the appropriate ports, turning a small screw to secure them. Connect one end to the "output" of the camera and the other to the "input" of the DVR.
- Note which input you are connecting to - this will be the signal you will need to set up on your DVR to view the camera images.
- If your cable doesn't have BNC ports, you can buy adapters over the internet or from an electronics store. You can insert it at the end of the cable to make it compatible with the BNC input.
Step 5. Connect the wireless cameras to your computer
Wireless cameras come with software on CD which you will need to install to view the images. Follow the onscreen instructions to access your cameras.
- Some cameras have small receivers that you will need to plug into a USB port on your PC. Make sure you do it right.
- Write the IP address of the camera (for example: 192.168.0.5) if provided - you can type this number in any browser to view the camera remotely.
Step 6. Connect the monitor to the DVR
This connection also often uses BNC cables, but in other cases you can use HDMI or coaxial cables. Choose your preferred connection type, then connect one cable to the "output" of the DVR and the other to the "input" of the monitor.
- You can connect as many cameras as the number of inputs of the DVR - it will automatically record all the cameras you install.
- Note which inputs you connect cameras to - so you know which ones to view to see the cameras that interest you.
Step 7. Troubleshoot the connection problems
Check that the camera, DVR, and display are all connected to power and turned on. Make sure the cables are connected correctly and that you have selected the right input for your DVR and screen. On some screens you will be able to view all cameras at the same time, while others have "input" buttons that allow you to flip between cameras.
Method 3 of 3: Consolidate Your Surveillance System
Step 1. Create a "surveillance center"
When you connect many cameras together, you will need a place to bring all the images along with your DVR. You should choose a place that is easy to access, and to which you can run cables from all rooms in the house. Attics, offices and your internet router are all good places to base your surveillance system.
You should need only one DVR for all your cameras
Step 2. Use Siamese cables to connect your system efficiently
This is the most common surveillance cable, which is called Siamese because it consists of two wires joined together: one is for power, the other for video - this means that you will only have to run one cable for each camera. The cable is usually sold as RG59 or RG6.
- The intertwined red and black side is the power supply. Red is the positive pole and black is the negative pole.
- The single barrel cable is for video. Each end will have a BNC connection or a coaxial cable.
Step 3. Power all cameras from one power box
You can find these boxes on the internet and in electronics stores for € 30-50, and thanks to them you can power all your cameras from a single wall socket. Put the box next to your CVR and connect a Siamese cable for each camera. Plug the power cord of each camera into the box, which you will then plug into the wall outlet.
- Always connect cameras before powering up the box.
- Remember: the red wire at the red entrance and the black one at the black entrance.
- Make sure you buy a box powerful enough to power all the cameras.
Step 4. Connect each video cable to a different port on the DVR
Your DVR can handle multiple cameras at a time, allowing you to record every room in the house with just one box. The screen will then show each camera, or you will have to manually view them using the DVR's "input" button.
Step 5. Hide the cables
For a truly professional looking system, you can run cables inside the walls to the surveillance center. Make sure you know the layout of the walls and the location of pipes, cables or pillars when you start laying cables.
- If you don't want to drill holes in the walls and run cables inside, call a professional carpenter or construction worker to take care of this step.
- You can also secure cables to walls or baseboards using a nail gun.
- Consider hiding the cables under the rugs, but glue them so that no one can trip over them.
Step 6. Alternatively, call a home security specialist to install a custom system for you
There are many security companies that offer the installation of cameras, motion sensors and automatic emergency calls, although the cost will be much more expensive than a typical installation. However, if you live in a large house, aren't a skilled electrician, or want extra features like motion sensors and alarm systems, call a local company.
Advice
Almost all surveillance packages come with cables, DVRs and cameras, and it will be much easier to install your system with them than if you had to buy the individual components separately
Warnings
- Know your limitations: If you are unable to drill, work on stairs, or connect electrical wires, call a professional or have a safety package installed.
- It is illegal to register people without their consent if they are not on your private property.
