Easy as “Spy”: Step-by-Step Home Security Camera Installation Guide

When choosing to install a home security system, many people opt to get a professional to come and install the system. Home security systems can be confusing and time consuming, especially if you’re installing hardwired equipment. But more and more people are now choosing from the many wireless systems available on the market. Many companies offer DIY home security camera installation options that are simple and easy to set up. Keep in mind that every at-home security monitoring system is different, and it is also important to follow the instructions provided by the company. That said, there are a few basic steps that should get you off to a great start with your home security camera installation.

Steps for easy home security camera installation:

Make a Diagram of Your Home

Before you get started, take the time to get to know your home by preparing to map out exactly where you are going to place the cameras. Depending on the size of your home, this may take a little while to do. It is impossible to monitor every single inch of your home, so instead decide on the important parts of your home to monitor. It is encouraged to place cameras by front and back doors and hallways. Some other important areas to monitor include any stairways, lawns and any vulnerable windows.

Tips for Where to Place Cameras

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Besides all of the important corners of your home to monitor, there are some key points you should remember when it comes to home surveillance. First, if you are only choosing to monitor cameras inside your home, you may want to consider also monitoring outdoors. Outdoor cameras usually serve as a deterrent for crime should an assailant see them. Although they do not guarantee turning away criminals, they still may help discourage robbers.

• After making a rough sketch of your home, decide the areas that you think should be monitored. When mounting the cameras, make sure to place them high enough so they can’t be tampered with but at an angle that can still capture the details of the footage.
• It important to also check the local laws for video surveillance; sometimes it is illegal to have video footage of certain areas, such as your neighbor’s property. To avoid any legal issues, be sure to familiarize yourself with the law, and avoid placing cameras in the direction of your neighbors’ homes.
• If you are using wired camera systems, try to conceal the wires as much as possible. If an assailant sees the wires, they can tamper with them, which could cause you to lose connection.

Now you’re ready to begin the home security camera installation process.

How to Set Up a Wireless Security Camera System

Setting up a wireless security camera is probably the easiest of the three different types of wireless cameras. Although the wireless component is what sets this monitoring system apart, there is still some wiring involved in the installation. Before getting ready to install, be sure to assess that you have all of the required equipment.

• Network video recorder (NVR): This is a device that receives the video transmissions from all of the cameras installed. If you purchase the NVR and wireless cameras in a bundle, then the setup should be fairly easy. If not, then you will have to manually configure the wireless cameras to receive the video feed.
• Wireless camera: The number of wireless cameras depends on the size of your home and the bundle you’ve purchased.
• Extension cords: You’ll need these for any cameras that do not reach the outlets. You may need more than you think, especially if your home does not have a good amount of outlets. Even though the security system is wireless, the cameras still require some form of wired installation.

READ MORE: What’s the Difference between a Wired and Wireless Home Security System?

After ensuring that you have all of the required equipment and after doing all of the preliminary steps, it’s time to install your wireless home security system.

1. Place all of your cameras in the areas you’ve designated. The tricky part is making sure that all of the cameras are close enough to a power source without the risk of being compromised.
2. Choose where you want your NVR to be and connect all wireless cameras to it. The NVR should be in the proper location so as to not obscure or weaken the connection.
3. Once the NVR is situated and turned on, make sure that all cameras are connected. This may take time depending on how many cameras you have.
4. Connect your NVR to a monitor (like a TV) or your smart phone. For monitors, choose a strategic location for the home security monitor to be. Nowadays, most home security camera installation packages have smart phone integration so you can monitor your home on the go.
5. Turn on all of the cameras and wait for them to show up on the monitoring system. Once all of the cameras show up, you’re all good to go.

While professional home security camera installation may seem stress-free, once you get the hang of it, installing a home security camera system yourself isn’t so bad. Following the directions given by the manufacturere, along with a little help from this guide, should make the process much less stressful. Let us know how the process goes for you!