How To Install CCTV Camera: Top Tips

Written by Lauren Davison

10th May 2022

Whether CCTV is easy to install or not will depend on the type of security camera that you are looking to install. Some CCTV cameras will be much easier to install as you may only have to plug the camera in and sync it to your phone.

However, othe more advanced CCTV cameras may be harder to install and you may have to list in further help such as hiring a security company or CCTV installer. Security companies are experts in this field and will be able to assist will planning your CCTV and installing it.

Why Install CCTV?

There are many benefits of installing CCTV cameras, meaning that you should seriously consider them for your property. 

CTV cameras can be used to record what is going on around your property, meaning that if any crime occurs, you have video evidence. Additionally, many CCTV installation tips recommend that you install visible CCTV cameras as these can act as a deterrent for potential criminals from targeting your property.

In addition to putting off criminals, there are many benefits to installing CCTV cameras such as reducing the cost of home insurance premiums.

Who Can Install CCTV Camera?

It is legal for anyone to install CCTV cameras on their property. Any homeowner or business may choose to install CCTV to help protect their home or business from intruders and keep their property and those in it safe.

how to install cctv camera

Do I Need A Licence To Install CCTV?

No, in most cases, if you are using CCTV to protect your property, you will not need a licence to install CCTV. A security company will be able to confirm this for you for your specific property.

How Much Does It Cost To Install CCTV Cameras?

There is no one set cost for installing CCTV cameras. One of the best tips for installing CCTV cameras is to get a few different quotes from security firms and compare these before making your final decision. The cost will depend on several factors. We have listed some of the factors to consider when installing CCTV below…

ow much does it cost to install cctv cameras

Number Of Cameras

When considering your CCTV camera installation, a crucial factor is working out the number of security cameras you’ll need.  Each extra camera installed will increase the overall cost.

Type Of CCTV Camera

There are a wide variety of cameras to choose from when it comes to installing CCTV. From dome cameras to night vision cameras, it’s important to do some research to help you identify the best cctv camera for your needs. Another thing to consider is that more advanced CCTV cameras with extra features are likely to cost more.

Read more about the most popular types of CCTV cameras in our article.

Type Of Property

If you live in an older property, it may cost more to install CCTV cameras due to the nature of the building. This is particularly likely if you live in a listed building where extra care has to be taken.

installation of cctv cameras

How Long Does It Take To Install CCTV?

The length of time that it takes to install a CCTV system in your home depends on the number of cameras that you are looking to add and the size of your home. A security expert can visit your home and evaluate the cost and time frame for your CCTV installation. For a new build house, installation should be straightforward. An older house, however, may take more time.

What Are The Things Needed For CCTV Installation?

When it comes to how to install CCTV camera, one of our top tips is to walk around your home, planning the layout of your CCTV. This will help you identify where your cameras should be located in relation to the power sources.

It’s also important to organise data storage when installing CCTV. Video footage recorded from your CCTV cameras can take up a lot of of space. It should be stored somewhere safe and reliable, where you can easily access it. Being able to access past recordings is crucial in case you need to check who has been near your property.

When it comes to CCTV footage, the most common storage methods are cloud storage, on a video recorder within your home, or on SD cards in the CCTV cameras themselves. You’ll need around 60GB of storage for each camera on your property. If you have cameras that record in high definition, this will also take up more space.

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CCTV Camera Placement Guidelines

Some areas of your home or site will be easier to place the cameras on when it comes to CCTV camera installation. Certain locations such as high up on walls may require more work and will take longer, costing more money.

How To Install CCTV Cameras At Home

When it comes to how to install CCTV at home, there are a couple of ways you can do this. You can install the security cameras yourself, or you can employ a security company or an expert to do the cctv camera installation for you.

Due to the high-tech nature of many of today’s cameras, and the various types of CCTV cameras available, they can be complex to set up. For example, some may need to be drilled into the wall. Or if you’ve chosen to install a wired camera, you’ll also need to run the wires to a power source.

If you are comfortable with electronics, then you may be confident knowing how to install CCTV at home. However, you can also save yourself time and possible frustration by employing a security professional to help install your CCTV setup from the start.

Many security companies offer a free audit of your home to help identify where your cameras are best located, before recommending the best type of CCTV camera for you.

Where To Install CCTV At Home?

If the main role of CCTV cameras is to protect your home from potential crimes such as burglary, then it’s important to have cameras that cover any doors entering your home. Additionally, windows around the back of your home are often a target for burglars, so covering these is also important.

Outside cameras are a great option for this, but you could also install interior cameras in your hallway to record anyone who does manage to access your property. This can be vital evidence in the event of a crime. Other areas where you might consider installing CCTV include your garage and driveway. 

where to install CCTV at home

Is It Legal To Install CCTV At Home?

Yes, generally, there should be no issues with CCTV camera installation in your residential property. However, you will need to be wary of protecting the privacy of your neighbours.

Installing CCTV within your home is not linked to the Data Protection Act as it is installed on your property for your safety. Although, if your CCTV cameras are not installed correctly and invade your neighbour’s privacy, they may decide to take legal action under the Human Rights Act, claiming that they are being harassed and have no privacy.

A professional security firm can ensure that cameras are pointed appropriately to avoid this.

s it legal to install cctv at home

Is It Worth Installing CCTV At Home?

If you are looking to bring down your insurance costs, or monitor who is coming close to your property, installing CCTv cameras can be an effective option.

If you’re concerned that your home might be a victim of theft, installing CCTV cameras along with an alarm system will give you added protection and act as a deterrent for potential criminals.

is it worth installing cctv at home

Installing CCTV Cameras Outside

When planning your security camera installation outside your home or business, it is important to consider the location of your cameras.

When installing CCTV outside, it’s also important to consider where you are pointing your camera as data protection laws will apply if you capture footage of your neighbour’s property.

When installing CCTv cameras outside, you should also consider the type of cameras you’re using. For example, if you’re installing wired CCTV cameras, a cable will be needed to power them. Other cameras may be battery-powered, so no wiring is necessary.

Security companies will be able to provide expert insight into the best positions for protecting the required areas when it comes to installing CCTV.

installing cctv cameras outside

How To Install CCTV Camera Outside

When it comes to how to install CCTV cameras and securing them, they are typically placed on a mount. There are usually holes drilled and mounting screws and pins used to secure the camera mount to the wall.

After the mount is installed, the CCTV cameras can be secured onto the mount and then turned to the correct angle. If you’re installing wired CCTv cameras, there are also the cables to consider.

How To Install CCTV Camera: Top Tips

Installing CCTV cameras can be a daunting thought, as it can be a complex process. At Region Security Guarding, our security experts can take care of this process for you. Below we have listed some additional CCTV installation tips and tricks.

Check Your Lighting

Make sure that the areas that you are recording are well-lit, or else there is no point in recording it! If you are looking to record at night, ensuring that your CCTV camera setup has some kind of night vision is also important.

Cover All Entrances To Your Property

As well as covering the front door to see who is moving in and out of your property, it’s also important to make sure your cameras cover any vulnerable areas of your home or business that could be used as an entrance. This can include windows, gardens, or basement entrances.

Install The Best Technology For Your Needs

When it comes to exploring how to install CCTV camera, there is no best CCTV setup for you to use. It’s about choosing the best option for you.

If you’re looking for a security camera to move and cover your whole property, then a system that rotates is best. If, you’re looking for a high image quality that covers a particular area, a wide-angle, high-resolution CCTV camera may be best. Security firms are experts in installing CCTV, and will be able to review your requirements and advise on the best solution for you.

Check out our Guide To CCTV Security to discover more CCTV tips.  Or head over to our CCTV news page to find more articles about CCTV such as whether CCTV can be hacked.

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