Are you looking to install a security camera system in your home or business? You have come to the right place!
Installing a security camera can be an intimidating task, but with the right information and guidance, it doesn’t have to be. In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to install both wired and wireless security cameras both indoors and outdoors.
With our help, you will be able to quickly and easily install your own surveillance system that is tailored specifically to your needs.
We will cover how to choose the best locations for installing cameras, how much power each type of camera requires, how many cameras are necessary for adequate coverage of an area, as well as tips on how to properly secure them from tampering or theft.
By following this guide closely you can ensure that all of your surveillance needs are met without having any costly mistakes along the way. So let’s get started!
What is a wired security camera?
Wired security cameras can be the eyes and ears of your home!
They transmit video and audio signals through a wire to a central hub, which is usually positioned somewhere in or around the house.
You’re able to switch between watching the footage live or viewing it later. To make sure the camera gets power, it taps into electrical outlets or a Power Over Ethernet cable sending juice through the same wire connecting back to the hub.
That’s right – one wire for visuals AND electricity! Plus, things get extra savvy with coaxial cables that connect directly to your DVR.
But be warned – even if you pull out all the stops with fitting your technology, burglars may still try their luck as nothing can stop them from entering like an invitation.
Step-by-Step Instructions to install a wired security camera
1.) Find Out Where You Want Your Camera
Installing wired security cameras is no simple task – it isn’t just a matter of sticking them wherever look the coolest.
Clever camera placement means strategically choosing where to mount and how you’re going to route that pesky cable from point A (the camera) all the way to Point B (your DVR).
Sure, mounting on an outside wall next to your front door would look great but can you get power AND signal to cable there?
If not then why not opt for something as equally stylish yet arguably easier: install up high in your porch ceiling!
Then use any available attics or crawlspaces between here and there, so by golly, those surveillance shots will come through loud & clear!
2.) Prepare the Camera Installation
It’s important to make sure you have the right hardware when it comes time to install your security cameras.
A regular power drill and some basic bits will get most jobs done, but if you’re breaching brick or masonry then a hammer drill with special cutters is going to be what puts the ‘secure’ in ‘security.’
And for easier measurements, many camera kits come equipped with template stickers – which should give novice handymen enough of an edge that adding another layer of protection won’t feel like such heavy lifting!
3.) Run Cables to Each Camera Location
Your weekend has been fully dedicated to setting up your cameras.
You’ve drilled all the holes that are necessary and now, you’re ready for the cables
So let the connecting begin as you feed those cables through walls or ceilings (depending on where they need to go) until each one of them finds their home in either your attic above garage level or even further along into something loftier: The main attic above the second floor.
It may sound daunting but after this cable setup is complete, there will be no mistaking who will have an eagle-eye view over what transpires inside -you!
4.) Run the Cables to the DVR Box
Got cables in every corner of the house?
Now it’s time to get them ready for their ultimate destination – your DVR box! But don’t worry if you’re a little unsure about where to start; our trusty fish tape and power drill are here to help.
Time takes all these cords on an adventure from the garage attic, through walls or ceilings until they end up at that final glorious resting place: home base (aka the main attic).
Once you find the right spot for that DVR box, all it takes is a little bit of drilling in the ceiling, some clever use of fish tape through walls and ceilings – possibly even duct-taping cables along its route (just be sure not to leave any sticky surprises behind) – before finally reaching their destination. Now if only getting popcorn was this easy…
5.) Install the Cameras
So you’ve made it through the tough part of running all those cables – now it’s time to finish up with a few quick camera installs!
All that requires is connecting one end of the cable from your hole and plugging it into each camera.
Then, wrap them securely in electrical tape for added robustness against any unforeseen accidents.
Finally, grab some mounting screws provided by your kit and drill away until they’re firmly attached to your house facade – presto!
6.) Connect Everything Together
It’s time to get your cables in order and connect the dots!
Plug each cable into its own port, then attach the external monitor, mouse, and keyboard to the DVR box.
The special adapters are a great help here – just make sure you have them ready when starting this process.
To ensure all of that hard work doesn’t go down the drain, pop a USB drive into one of those ports too so footage can be easily exported later on!
7.) Set Up the User Interface
Get Ready to Get Technical!
Setting up your camera system will have you channeling your inner tech whiz.
Start by creating a password, setting the date & time, and going through a tutorial – then it’s off to customize settings like recording round-the-clock vs motion-activated video capture.
You can even take things one step further with some tinkering on video settings for improved image quality too…
Now get out there and show ’em who’s boss of this monitoring masterpiece!
Things you need to know before installing your wired security camera
1.) Smart or Traditional Security Cameras
With the security camera market has been around for decades, a more recent development has emerged: smart security cameras. But what should you get?
Traditional security cameras are the cost-effective way to get your surveillance needs taken care of, but if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection then Smart Security Cameras offer a plethora of features that make them worth every penny.
From facial recognition and two-way audio capabilities to being able remote access – these technologically advanced devices have got it all!
2.) Wireless or Wired?
Your next choice is whether to acquire a device that connects directly with your security system or one you can connect through Wi-Fi.
Wired security cameras typically offer an extra layer of reliability and premium quality, but they require some installation effort.
On the other hand, wireless options are much easier to install since no wires need to be tucked away – plus you can place them just about anywhere!
And with most being powered by either batteries or solar energy sources, there’s never any fear of your camera losing power unexpectedly.
3.) Indoor or Outdoor?
With indoor and outdoor cameras, you’ve got two sure-fire options for monitoring your home. Fancy knowing what’s going on outside?
An outdoor camera can be placed anywhere to brave the elements and keep a keen eye out — though they do come with an extra cost!
If you don’t mind sticking indoors, then opt for something more budget-friendly in the form of an indoor camera.
4.) Storage Options
When considering storage solutions, you have an array of choices: cloud or local.
Cloud storage is great for when you want to access your footage from anywhere, but it comes with a monthly fee.
However, if safety and security are top of mind, it’s worth the investment as all your data will be safely stored off-site – even in case of theft!
If an internet connection isn’t always available or desired though then local storage may suit better.
With microSD card capabilities allow overwriting old files once the memory fills up; however, this option won’t guarantee safe backup against camera damage or thievery.
5.) Compatibility
When it comes to security cameras, compatibility is key!
To keep your home safe and secure make sure that you check twice before setting up –– confirm the camera’s linkage with both existing security systems as well as any smart devices.
That way, protecting what matters most will always be just a glance away on laptop or phone screens alike.
