We live in an advanced world. Our fast-paced life keeps us moving from place to place. CCTV Systems keep us connected to our homes, offices, and businesses.
We access these cameras from remote locations through the latest CCTV Apps. We are away from our places, but still connected with our near and dear ones and our properties.
CCTV systems are a high-value asset in our lives. They keep us aware of activities around us and give us mental peace.
Just think for a moment, what will happen if CCTVs are not installed properly? The Mistakes in CCTV Installation can cost us dearly and strip us of genuine monitoring and surveillance.
If the CCTV installation has not been appropriately planned, it may deny us clear footage, maximum area coverage, and round-the-clock monitoring.
Mistakes in CCTV Installation with Solutions to Avoid Them
We will discuss here the top 10 mistakes in the CCTV installation. We will further elaborate on how we can eliminate those mistakes.
The article comprehensively deals with both types of CCTV installation, whether for DIY products or professional-grade installation.
1 – Wrong Camera Location & Angle Coverage
It is a common mistake by vendors and installers; they often place cameras in the wrong locations. Sometimes cameras are placed too high. It captures a wide area, but things are not clear. Sometimes it is placed too near when it captures a very narrow area, and the device is easy to tamper with.
Sometimes, camera angles are a problem because of faulty location selection. There are blind spots. Everything is not under surveillance.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Select a height that is not too high or too low. Place CCTV cameras around 8 to 10 feet for a balanced view.
- Our first area of coverage must be sensitive locations. Cover the entry and exit point properly. Cover dark spots as well.
- Once the location is finalised, check the area it is covering. After confirmation, mark the location and then install the camera.
2 – Poor Lighting Around Cameras
Poor lighting conditions compromise the image and footage quality. The better the light conditions, the better the image quality. If you have to install cameras in a dark location, use a high-quality night vision camera.
Also, be sure that the bright light is not directly towards the camera lens. It will produce a glare effect and sacrifice good image quality.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Prefer night vision cameras for all locations. Use a better night vision quality where light conditions are naturally poor.
- Always avoid cameras facing towards lights. It will give dull and unclear images.
- Use extra lighting in low-light areas for a better image and footage quality.
3 – Always Prefer Quality Cameras over Cheap Cameras
It is a common mistake. Very often, we prefer low-resolution cameras because they are cheap and fit our budgets. But the problem arises when we require footage after any incident, the picture quality is not clear. They can not recognise faces or read number plates. Thus, they defeat the security purpose.
How to avoid this mistake?
- The 1080p Full HD camera resolution is basic for any camera to give quality images.
- These days, 4k cameras are more prevalent and available at affordable prices. If possible, use them.
- Focus more on trusted brands and technologies for quality monitoring. Relying only on cheap cameras can cost your protection and security.
4 – Cover CCTV Cables Properly for CCTV Systems
It is a common mistake installers make. They don’t cover CCTV wires, and open wires are always open to threats. Burglars can cut them, the weather can destroy them, and the passage of time can damage them. Overall, it affects the CCTV System’s health.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Use conduits or trunking to protect cables.
- You can also go wireless for certain locations and areas where wiring is tougher.
- Always avoid the interference of power, data, and video cables. They must not be intertwined with one another.
5 – Don’t Ignore a Proper Storage System
CCTVs have almost no value without proper storage of their data. You can use it for protection and a risk-free ecosystem. If you underestimate the power of storage, you don’t have a recording at the requisite time. You will face data loss when needed.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Select a storage device based on the required camera resolution, frame rate, and retention time.
- Use DVRs and NVRs that support big storage hard drives. Double SATA recorders are also available with a little extra cost.
- You can also use motion-triggered recording for more useful data clippings.
6 – Don’t Ignore Network Security & Privacy
We access our CCTV systems remotely. It is a great advantage of an advanced CCTV system. But it comes with a privacy concern. Don’t avoid basic privacy and cybersecurity laws to mitigate the risk factor. Hackers are everywhere. They can hack the system and misuse it.
How to avoid this mistake?
- The default username and password are a big no-no. Change them as soon as possible.
- Update software and firmware from time to time.
- Use encrypted wifi. For enhanced security, use a separate network for CCTV.
7 – Plan for the System Scalability at the Time of the Installation
Sometimes, we install cameras today without thinking about any future expansion. Later, when we go for an expansion, we find no free channels on NVRs and DVRs. This creates an unnecessary problem that can be easily avoided. If you install 4 cameras with a 4-channel recorder, you can never scale up the system.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Choose a system with extra channels. A 4-camera installation with a 4-channel NVR has no future expansion probability.
- Use an HDD or storage system by keeping in mind the expansion possibility.
- Plan wiring and power supply with future growth in mind.
8 – Go for Regular Service & Maintenance of CCTV Systems
CCTV systems are not a one-time installer thing. You need to properly service them from time to time and upgrade them for a seamless and continuous performance. CCTV wires, cameras, and other accessories are in the open. They follow the wear and tear process and require services to maintain quality and life span.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Go for the CCTV system maintenance regularly for a better experience.
- Check if there is no loose connection, dirty lenses, or weak power supplies.
- Schedule professional service and maintenance once or twice a year.
9 – Know CCTV Legal & Privacy Laws for Your Regions
CCTV cameras are installed indoors and outdoors. Know the law of your region and place cameras accordingly. Some countries are stern in capturing neighbouring areas, houses, and public places without proper consent.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Do your homework for determining local surveillance laws.
- Avoid installing cameras at locations that capture others’ properties.
- Use proper signals as ‘You are under CCTV Surveillance’, in public places.
10 – Installing DIY Systems Without Proper Knowledge
Sometimes, we overestimate our technical ability and fix DIY cameras without proper knowledge. While DIY kits are popular, many people struggle with wiring, configuration, or positioning, leading to a system that doesn’t function effectively.
How to avoid this mistake?
- If you are going for the installation of a DIY camera yourself, do some research first.
- Read the user manual and follow its instructions.
- For multiple cameras and complex setups, always prefer professional installers.
Conclusion
The installation provides the basic structure for CCTV systems. They are like foundations. If the foundation is weak, the quality of cameras and NVRs/DVRs becomes irrelevant. Mistakes in CCTV installation also pose a threat to security and protection.
Avoid these 10 common mistakes for a quality CCTV setup. They will give strength and reliability to the system. If you face issues at any point, consult a professional for a flawless performance.
Kindly share your queries and suggestions in the comment section.
Thank You.
What is the most common mistake people make when installing CCTV cameras?
The most common mistake is wrong location selection for the camera installation. Pointing cameras directly at light sources or placing them at height or low-level, which reduces visibility.
Why is choosing the wrong type of camera a mistake?
Using an indoor camera outdoors or vice versa can cause damage or poor image quality. Always choose weatherproof and night vision cameras for outdoor use.
Can bad cable management affect CCTV performance?
Yes. Loose or poorly shielded cables can result in signal loss, interference, or even disconnection.
Why is an improper power supply a mistake in CCTV installation?
Using the wrong power adapter or insufficient power can cause cameras to flicker, restart, or fail.
Match the camera’s voltage and avoid long, underpowered cable runs.
Why does ignoring storage requirements cause issues?
If your DVR or NVR has insufficient hard drive capacity, footage may overwrite too soon. Always calculate your recording days needed, resolution, and frame rates before buying storage.
Why is it a mistake not to secure CCTV access with passwords?
You need to change the default password. Leaving default login credentials makes your system vulnerable to hacking.
Can ignoring blind spots be a costly mistake?
Yes. Many people install cameras but miss out on blind spots near gates, driveways, or side windows. If CCTVs are installed but not capturing sensitive locations, then the purpose is not fully served. You are open to threats.
Is not labeling CCTV cables a mistake?
Yes. Unlabeled cables make troubleshooting difficult. Label each cable by camera location so you can easily identify them in the DVR, NVR or patch panel.
Why is not testing remote access a mistake?
If you don’t test your CCTV system remotely, you may find later that you can’t access it outside the local network.
Is it a mistake to ignore local privacy laws?
Yes. Recording public areas without consent may be illegal. Always check local CCTV regulations and position cameras only in authorised spaces.
