CCTV Installation Guide: Tips for Installing Security Cameras

 

 

There’s no better way to improve a property’s security than installing commercial CCTV security cameras. However, CCTV installation can seem intimidating. Knowing which type of CCTV security camera system will benefit your property is one problem, while navigating the installation process is another.

In this guide, we review what a CCTV security camera is and how it works. Next, we cover the three types of CCTVs. Finally, we walk you through the commercial CCTV installation process.

This post covers:

• What is a CCTV security camera?
• The best security cameras
• How do CCTV security cameras work?
• What are the 3 types of CCTV security cameras?
• Can I install CCTV on my own?
• Importance of commercial CCTV installers
• Commercial CCTV installation Services
• What are the requirements for CCTV installation?

 

 

What is a CCTV security camera?

A CCTV security camera, also known as closed-circuit television, is a video camera used to transmit a signal to a specific place. Unlike broadcast television, which openly transmits its video signals, CCTV footage is only sent to one specific location and typically produces recordings and images for commercial and apartment security purposes. Evidence from a CCTV security camera can be legally used in court. CCTV security cameras often serve as a deterrent to crime.

 

The best security cameras

The best security cameras are ButterflyMX’s Dome and Bullet Security Cameras.

ButterflyMX is a leading access control and security camera company that’s been installed in more than 10,000 buildings and garnered over 20,000 five-star reviews. Our Dome and Bullet Security Cameras integrate seamlessly with other products, creating a unified security solution that provides safety and peace of mind to your commercial property.

ButterflyMX’s Dome and Bullet Security Cameras include the following features:

• PoE installation. Both the Dome and Bullet Security Cameras are easy to install with a single Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection, simplifying the installation process by using a single cable for both power and internet.
• 24/7 HD recording. Capture activity all day long with 24/7 HD recording. Our Dome and Bullet Security Cameras are even equipped with night vision to ensure you gain helpful insights in low-light conditions. Overall, you’ll capture the most important details with around-the-clock recording in high-definition.
• High durability. Each of our Security Cameras is highly durable with weatherproof and impact-resistant housing, allowing you to install them inside or out in a variety of climates. That way, your security cameras will last long after installation.
• ONVIF compatible. If you already have security cameras, ButterflyMX makes it easy for you to integrate them into our OS with our Gateway. Our Security Camera Gateway supports numerous ONVIF-compatible cameras, allowing you to integrate them to use alongside your other ButterflyMX products.
• Cloud storage. Store up to a week’s worth of video footage in the cloud so that you can easily investigate security issues as the arise.

 

How do CCTV security cameras work?

A CCTV security camera is usually installed at a strategic viewpoint, often near the entrance to a building to enhance building security. Once in place, it monitors a wide area and records video footage.

The camera can send footage to either a physical storage device nearby or to the cloud to store data remotely. From there, the CCTV camera’s owner can access and review recordings.

Most CCTV cameras can also be watched live while they record.

 

What are the components of a CCTV security camera?

A CCTV security camera consists of:

• The camera
• Wiring
• A storage device

 

What are the 3 types of CCTV security cameras?

CCTV security cameras fall into three categories. CCTV installation requirements vary depending on the type of camera.

The three main types of CCTV systems are:

• Digital video recording systems. These systems are wired and use analog cameras. They’re usually the cheapest option and offer basic image quality.
• Network video recording systems. These either connect wirelessly or via ethernet cables. They feature a high-resolution camera.
• IP cameras. These cameras only require electricity and an internet connection. From there, they organize and store recordings on the internet. This information can then be accessed through an app or website.

 

Watch how ButterflyMX works:

 

Can I install CCTV on my own?

Yes, CCTV installation can be done independently. You don’t need a technological background (though it helps). You only need to be capable of a bit of handiwork.

 

How hard is it to install a security camera system?

The difficulty of CCTV installation depends on a number of factors.

These include:

• The building’s infrastructure.
• The type of CCTV security camera being installed.
• Where the CCTV security camera is installed.
• The particular abilities and educational background of the installer.

Pro tip: For best results, hire an installation professional. There are CCTV installation services that you can contact to help you or do it for you. These services are often associated with the hardware that you have purchased and can be found in the manual or through a company’s website. Alternatively, you can look up local installers on the internet.

You can also choose to purchase an inexpensive ($15) CCTV installation course through a website such as Udemy.

 

How much is the installation of CCTV?

CCTV installation costs range between $600 and $1600 for a four-camera CCTV system. If you only want one camera, it will cost you between $100 and $400.

 

Importance of commercial CCTV installers

While you can install your own commercial CCTV system, the importance of commercial CCTV installers cannot be understated. The expertise of installers goes beyond simply recommending a suitable CCTV system. Rather, they help coordinate a seamless installation experience while ensuring your system meets your property’s unique traits.

For instance, installers can assess the networking and infrastructure needed to support your CCTV system. By doing so, they address potential issues well before the system is installed, preventing issues that may decrease its effectiveness or longevity.

Moreover, installers offer valuable insight into the placement and positioning of cameras. Their planning provides your property with maximum coverage, which helps deter threats and capture activity.

 

Commercial CCTV installation services

Installers offer a variety of commercial CCTV installation services to ensure the best experience at every stage of the project.

CCTV installers offer the following services:

• Inspection and evaluation
• Recommendations
• Planning
• Integration
• Compliance
• Maintenance
• Upgrades

 

Inspection and evaluation

Before installing any hardware or planning the placement of cameras, your installer will thoroughly inspect and evaluate your property, from entryways and rooms to cabling and architecture. They’ll also discuss your security goals for a commercial CCTV system. That way, the installer can make a knowledgeable decision on the design of your system while meeting the necessary infrastructure requirements for a successful installation.

 

Recommendations

Next, the installer will recommend the equipment needed to meet your goals and protect your property, such as types of cameras, lighting, and recording systems. While you may have an idea of the cameras you want, an installer can give you a better understanding of what’s available.

 

Planning

After you’ve selected the equipment, the installer will develop a plan to install the system. The planning phase will help determine what infrastructure changes need to be made, where cameras will be installed, costs of equipment, and more. You should also receive an estimate at this point, as the installer will better understand the costs associated with your specific project.

 

Integration

A comprehensive security system is more effective, so installers will integrate your CCTV with other security features when possible. For example, you may integrate security cameras with access control to better monitor activity at the property and centralize security features for convenient management.

 

Compliance

For some industries, CCTV systems must comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Fortunately, CCTV installers know these laws, which help your property stay protected and maintain compliance.

 

Maintenance

System manufacturers train installers on how to diagnose and troubleshoot equipment. In turn, you’ll receive precise service that reduces the need for major repairs and maintains security at your business. So, your system will remain functional and effective long after it’s installed.

 

Upgrades

As your system ages, your property grows, or requirements change, you’ll need to upgrade. CCTV installers help you in any situation by moving equipment, switching to newer models, or adding more system features. Regardless of what’s needed, installers help you meet your physical security goals.

 

What are the requirements for CCTV installation?

Now that you’re familiar with the three types of CCTV security cameras, we can break down the requirements for installing a CCTV camera at your commercial building. Depending on the type of camera you choose, you may only need some of the following advice.

To cover everything you may need to know, we’ve included instructions for installing all three CCTV camera types. However, we recommend you hire a commercial CCTV installer for the best experience.

CCTV installation requirements are:

1. Gather your gear
2. Choose the camera’s location
3. Attach the camera
4. Run the wiring
5. Operate the system

 

1. Gather your gear

Organize everything you’ll need before installing your device. Preparing in advance makes installation easier and faster.

Gear you’ll likely need includes:

• Ladder
• Fish tape
• Screwdriver
• Screws
• Power drill
• Hammer

Some tools and equipment will likely come with your CCTV camera, but anything you own and are already familiar with could be of higher quality.

 

2. Choose the camera’s location

Choosing the right angle for your camera is important. The most likely areas where crime or unwanted activity can occur are by the building’s front, back, and side entrances.

Your goals here are to:

• Minimize the camera’s blind spots as much as possible.
• Avoid interference from light sources.
• Fix your camera up high by at least 10 feet or so (you did bring your ladder, right?). In addition to giving your camera a clearer vantage point, this will make it harder for anyone to mess with the device.
• Be close to an active power source.
• Choose the right mounting material (for example, you can’t easily drill a screw into brick.)

 

 

3. Attach the camera

Now comes the time to mount your camera to the wall. There will likely be screw holes on the device. So, all you have to do is drill holes into whichever surface you’ve placed your camera on (preferably wood) before fixing your camera in place. Make sure to utilize any mounting gear that comes with the camera.

This installation step heavily relies on:

• Camera placement. Step 2 in this guide makes this step easy or difficult.
• Physical camera body. We went over the types of CCTV cameras previously, but there are dozens of different CCTV body styles that you can also choose from. Some cameras are compact, while others look like a miniature R2-D2 from Star Wars. When choosing a camera, opt for one with a camera lens that you can easily attach to your building.

 

4. Run the wiring

You’ll be making good use of your fish tape if your commercial CCTV cameras feature wiring. Your fish tape will hold the wiring in place and prevent it from bunching up or dangling away from the walls. In addition to looking visually appealing, this will prevent anybody from hurting themselves on the wiring.

You’ll want to drill holes as needed to maneuver the wiring through walls. The goal for this step is to keep everything as tight and as organized together as possible until you can plug it into your power source and/or external storage device.

 

5. Operate the system

Now for the fun part:

Turn on your system and set up any passwords/personal preferences. From here, you should be able to monitor the access points of your building and access any features that your device has (such as zoom and freeze frame.)

Before packing up your installation gear, make sure to double-check that your CCTV security camera’s coverage zone is where you want it to be.