How to install a security camera at home

 Some need plug-in power, while others are powered by batteries. Some use Wi-Fi, others need an Ethernet connection or even a SIM card. Some work out of the box, while others require a hub or DVR.

We have tested and reviewed dozens of different types of home security cameras, and over the years, we have learned something about camera installation. Therefore, we put together guidelines on how to install security cameras.

Before it's too late, let's go straight to it!

Place your home security camera.

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First of all, the first step is always to decide where to put the security camera. In fact, we will do this before buying to determine how many cameras we need and whether we need an ultra-long power cord. Our article on where to place a security camera can help you complete this step, but here is a quick summary.

Place a camera with a hub

How to install a security camera at home to monitor the news.

1. For cameras that need a hub, please place the camera within a proper distance from the hub so as to connect smoothly through Wi-Fi or other forms of connection. For example, Blink XT2 must be within 100 feet of the synchronization module to connect through the Blink Home application.

2. If the camera doesn't have a hub, please make sure it is close enough to the router or range extender to get a good Internet connection and speed.

If all else fails, please buy a range extender to expand Wi-Fi.

Place indoor security camera

1. It is best to put the indoor security camera on the first floor of your home.

2. If you have more than one story, please try to put the camera in a public space such as the main corridor or living room. In this case, you are more likely to catch the faces of criminals, which makes it easier to bring them to justice.

3. Put the camera outside the master bedroom, because this is the place where valuables are most often stored.

4. Install the camera out of reach, so intruders (even naughty ones) can't easily destroy or disarm it. This is especially important for cameras that store their lenses on a memory card inside the camera. Basically, any place where thieves can enter through doors and windows should be covered.

5. In order to get as wide a view as possible, please put the camera in the corner.

6. In addition, install a camera on the stairs to track the thieves in your home.

However, we don't recommend installing security cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms, because it will greatly damage privacy and is illegal in some States. Remember, most indoor cameras can't work through glass because it will prevent heat-based motion detection. 

If you want to monitor the outside of the house, the solution is simple: there are many weatherproof outdoor cameras available, which takes us to the next point.

Place outdoor security cameras

1. The user's external camera covers most (if not all) entrance and exit points of your home. At a minimum, your front and back doors should be covered.

2. Install outdoor cameras on street windows, because thieves are more likely to enter from side windows or rear windows than from the front of the house.

3. Install cameras in your driveway, yard and backyard.

In order to protect the privacy of neighbors, please avoid recording any property except your own. Although it is important to be wary of neighbors, recording their daily comings and goings without their knowledge often makes nosy neighbors "mind their own business". This is also illegal and violates their personal Fourth Amendment rights.

5. It is usually more complicated to place an outdoor camera than to install an indoor camera, especially when it is plugged into a wall socket. You may need to use an outdoor plug or snake it into your home in some way. Hardwiring the camera to your home may also be a solution.

6. Generally, wireless cameras are easy to install, whether they are wireless indoor cameras or wireless outdoor cameras. Of course, if you use a battery, please try to track the typical service life of the battery and when it needs to be replaced. Nevertheless, at least your camera will remain on during the power failure of the battery-powered camera.

In any case, outdoor cameras require you to consider placement options before choosing a camera.

Many people want to know whether security cameras prevent crimes or whether they are unnecessary purchases. A study by the University of North Carolina 1 interviewed more than 400 convicted thieves and asked them what would stop them from targeting houses. One of the most frequent and consistent reactions is that if thieves see the camera of the property, they will change their mind about robbing the place. This is why some experts suggest having a visible camera and installing some hidden devices.

Here are some other techniques we implement when placing outdoor cameras:

Avoid direct light. Although we want to use indirect light for outdoor cameras, please remember that direct/strong light will cause glare and color distortion in the lens. To prevent this, please investigate the area where the cameras will be placed before installing them to know the light they receive at different times of the day. Please pay attention to any direct light source, including the sun, lamp posts or anything else that may cause lens glare. If you find a problem, please move the planned position of the camera to a position sufficient to avoid direct light.

Consider blind spots. Just like the blind spot when driving, the blind spot in the safety system will cause you to miss important information. In a perfect world, we would all have a security camera with a very wide-angle view, and it is possible to see the distance. Before placing outdoor cameras, please consider the field of view of each camera and do mathematical calculations to ensure that all areas around your home are covered without obstructing the line of sight.

Remember the independent building. Many times, we forget to record independent or adjacent buildings in our homes, such as garages, greenhouses or shacks. It is important to place cameras in and around these structures.

How to install security cameras and reconnaissance indoor cameras?

Now that you have a general idea of the location of the camera, it's time to install it. Each camera follows a different setup process, so our suggestion is to proceed step by step. Don't rush for success; You don't want to miss a step and start from scratch.

In other words, this is the way we often deal with installation:

1. After ordering and purchasing a new security camera, please plan and draw the location of the camera inside and outside the house.

2. After determining the position of the cameras, take them to that position, loosely/temporarily install them with small nails or tape, open them, and then test them briefly. If the cameras are working properly, please continue to install them permanently according to the original diagram. If they don't work, then at least you didn't waste time installing products that must be uninstalled immediately.

3. After installing the security camera, use your mobile application or computer to access the real-time video source.

4. Customize your settings, including motion sensitivity and brightness.

5. Make sure everything is all right.

The following sections describe in detail how to install different types of security cameras.

Install wireless security camera

1. Install the camera or just place it on a flat surface. Install the camera with a drill bit (most cameras come with a suitable mounting base).

2. connect the camera to Wi-Fi.

3. Synchronize it with any other connected device that uses it, such as smart sensor or video doorbell.

Nowadays, most DIY installation processes have step-by-step instructions in their respective mobile applications, and we recommend that you follow them completely.

Install wired security cameras

Although the placement options of wired security cameras are limited, the connection is more secure. However, installing a wired camera may be a bit complicated.

1. Hardwire it to your home. Drill holes, connect cables to each camera, and then install each camera.

2. Whenever you connect the camera to the wall or ceiling, make sure that your position is stable, which may require finding studs or using drywall screws.

3. Before drilling, please be sure to check any existing wiring to avoid causing any electrical problems.

4. Mark and drill cable holes.

5. Run the wiring.

6. Install the camera.

7. Alternatively, you can insert and install a camera.

8. Some cameras come with DVR, which you can connect through Ethernet cable or power adapter.

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