The Ultimate Guide to Security Camera Installation

Are you looking to install a new security camera system to protect your business or commercial property? Would you like to see your entire property at a glance from your smartphone and even stop crime before it happens?

Welcome to the world of video surveillance and security camera solutions.

Security camera CCTV systems come in a variety of different image resolutions, integration capabilities and use cases. Some security cameras are used indoors while others are used outdoors, some pan, tilt and zoom for broader coverage while others are built to read license plates coming into a parking lot. All businesses need a security camera system.

Why? Because having video evidence of any crime happening on your property can not only help catch the perpetrator but it can also show where the building’s security system is vulnerable and you can make the necessary changes so that it doesn’t happen again. Components of a CCTV System Types of Security Cameras Security Camera Installation

Basic Components of a CCTV System

  • Security Cameras
  • Cabling / Wiring
  • Network Video Record Recorder (NVR)
  • Storage (Hard Drives)

CCTV systems are complex. A functioning CCTV system, offering full property coverage around the clock, requires a network of compatible security cameras, ample storage, proper cabling and even power. Thankfully, surveillance doesn’t have to be difficult. Keep reading to see the equipment and components you’ll need to get your IP surveillance system up and running.

Security Cameras

The first (and most obvious, for sure) component of a CCTV system are the security cameras. Which security cameras are right for your system depends on your individual needs and budget; are you placing them indoors or outdoors? Is 1080P a large enough resolution? Will they be able to see and record video efficiently in low-lighting? Are they placed with adequate field of view, or will a PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera be necessary? These are all important questions to be considered when choosing security cameras for your CCTV system.

Cabling / Wiring

For most commercial CCTV systems, structured cabling run throughout the walls, connecting your security cameras to the server or NVR, will be a vital component. While more and more wireless security cameras are becoming popular, especially for home use, wired security cameras still reign supreme for more permanent and demanding security use.

When using IP cameras – as most CCTV systems do these days – you will most likely be looking at Cat5E or Cat6 cables, which can transfer the large amount of data required by digital video and high resolutions at very fast speeds, and often over long distances. This is an upgrade from the coax cabling that usually powers analog security cameras; coax cables are reliable, but not compatible with IP cameras. In many cases, Cat5e and Cat6 cables will also power the security cameras, eliminating the need for further wiring. This is called Power-Over-Ethernet and requires a PoE switch when the security cameras are not connected to an NVR. Wireless security cameras may need less wiring in the walls but will still require cables to power the security camera separately, usually via 110VAC power.

Network Video Recorder (NVR)

The Network Video Recorder, also known as the NVR, is another essential element to any IP camera system. Connected to the same IP network, the NVR can be installed virtually anywhere in your building or home. The NVR allows you to record and store video on a hard drive, snap images and transmit them to your computer or remote device for live and recorded viewing. Network Video Recorders usually have multiple channels for inputting security camera feeds, and are an all-in-one place for combining feeds and keeping a comprehensive eye on your surveillance feeds.

NVR’s differ mainly from DVR’s in that they record video from IP cameras, while DVR’s mainly record analog-based video to a digital format.

Storage (Hard Drives)

An NVR makes it easy to record video surveillance footage, but you will need connected hard drives on which to store this footage. Choosing the right amount of storage can seem like a confusing gamble, but it doesn’t have to be; it’s simply a matter of calculating the length of video you need to store, by the bitrate and resolution your camera shoots at. When recording 4k security camera video, this can end up being a large number requiring terabytes of footage. For lesser archival needs, you can usually get away with much less.