Aussies, you’ll get a variety of options for indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, which you can install by yourself. But you may get stuck at “where to put them” to utilise most out of it. You need to determine the areas where you can install them that need the most coverage. However, our complete guide to installing your home security cameras will help you to strategies and fix the devices.
Well, everyone’s needs, property designs, as well as budget, are different, so there is no standardised rule for all. You need to consider all these factors and accordingly identify areas where the security camera is a must for you. Additionally, we would also provide you with guidelines and tips for the installation process. So, stay tuned!
Areas where you should place a surveillance camera:
- Exterior area: Front Door
Generally, you install cameras due to burglars, but there are many other factors like kidnapping, which can happen through front doors. By installing a surveillance camera at your front door, you can keep an eye on everyone that takes entries and exits in and out of your home. From servants to delivery boys to your guests, all will be under your surveillance.
You can install video doorbells and use it in conjunction with another outdoor camera aimed at your garden or garage (if you have).
- Exterior area: Back and side doors
Most of the burglaries happen through back and side doors. Hence, keeping a camera there to tab on everybody becomes vital. As back and side doors are out of sight, it becomes easy to make entry and exit.
It also seems enticing for a potential intruder to access it in your absence. So, you can add security cameras at your secondary doors, especially in the basement.
- Exterior area: Garage and/or driveway
In case your garage is detached from your home, then a surveillance camera will help you to stay connected to it. A camera facing your garage and/or driveway will keep a vigilant eye on visitors coming through any vehicle. It would also keep a regular check on your home’s watchman.
Additionally, if you fit a camera at the end of your driveway, then you can spot people attempting to intrude on your place.
- Exterior area: Garden
Your garden is the area for intruders to hide and wait for the right time to make entry to your home. You’ll be able to monitor such actions by placing a security camera in your yard. It is also handy to capture the activities of your kids, animals, or any invaders.
- Interior area: Hallway
Generally, the main area of the house passage connects with the bedroom, bathroom, or another unmonitored area. So, you can place a camera in the main thoroughfares, and no one can go undetected. If any intruder moves here and there, then it will be caught in your camera.
- Interior area: Common points
It’s vital to install cameras where there are high footprints like the kitchen and living room. By doing this, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your housemaids, babysitters, pets, etc. It would be helpful if you go out for work. Also, prioritise rooms having ground-floor windows. Intruders can break it and get into it with ease.
Areas where you shouldn’t place a surveillance camera:
- Bedrooms and bathrooms
We understand the necessity of surveillance for kids and seniors in your home. But some areas of your home need privacy, so it is not advisable to place a camera in bedrooms and bathrooms. You can opt for other options like baby monitors for your kids’ rooms, personal medical alert systems for seniors. You can even place motion detectors or glass break sensors to your doors and windows.
- Areas that violates your neighbours’ privacy
As such, it’s OK to capture your neighbours’ public-facing property in the background of your footage. But the problem arises (that too legally) when it apprehends the private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms of your neighbours’ house. Therefore, before placing any camera at your outdoors, check with your local homeowners’ association. Bear in mind that rules are only for video recording, not audio.
Guidelines for surveillance camera placement:
- Install the cameras up high:
You should keep your cameras 8-10 feet high so that nobody would be able to vandalise it and will provide you a wide coverage area.
- Keep your cameras under shelter:
It will protect your cameras from snow, wind, or any other precipitation and thus maintain the quality of the footage.
- Keep obstacles-free:
It will maximise the field of view, especially when you’re installing cameras outside your home.
- Point away from light:
While mounting the camera, you should keep its lens pointing away from the sources of light. Otherwise, the bright light will cause glare in your footage, making it difficult to see the movement of people.
- Camera cables protection:
To keep the cables out of sight, install it on the side of your soffits and ceilings. Corners are the best place for your camera cables.
Tips for surveillance camera installation:
- Test your cameras before installing fully:
- Make sure the camera’s components aren’t damaged:
- Do not forget to regularly clean and maintain the camera:
Should you dial the professional’s number for installation?
Calling an expert for your camera installation depends upon your comfort level. After reading the above information, if your head has started aching, then let the professional take in charge.
But some cameras work through Wi-Fi, so its wiring and all is easy. Also, video doorbells and peephole cameras work through batteries and are user-friendly. You can try installing these types of cameras.
You may find an outdoor camera installation job a bit challenging, so call some trained technicians for the same. Lastly, if your dedication to doing it is high, then consider the above information and check for DIY options.
