Installing A Security Camera: Where, How Many, And Why?
It’s never too early to start making your home burglar-proof and safe. Whether you’re going away for a trip or you simply want to take extra precautions into keeping you and your family safe, getting a security camera installed in your home is a smart choice. Like the saying goes, “better safe than sorry!”
Read on to learn more about some frequently asked questions about security cameras.
How many security cameras should I have installed?
No one can really accurately say how many security cameras you need without first checking out the area you have. To answer the question of “how many” you’ll first need to list down all the places in your home you want to keep an eye on.
How many security cameras you want to have installed also depends on why you need them. Homeowners’ reasons could be varied, but those reasons will definitely influence and help factor in how many cameras you’ll need installed.
For many, these are the typical reasons why they get security cameras:
- As a deterrent - One of the top reasons why people get security cameras installed is that they want to protect their homes from burglary, break-ins, theft, and invasions. Numerous security cameras outside a home can sometimes be enough to scare away any potential thieves.
If this is your reason for getting security cameras, make sure you’re putting more security around what you’re trying to protect aside from just the typical and obvious areas, like your front and back door, and your windows.
- For live streaming - With today’s technology, many security cameras can be controlled remotely and can be easily accessed through smartphones and computers. Many of them also come with an app where you can also easily move your CCTV camera’s lenses to make the most of where it’s angled.
Many business owners opt for these high-tech security cameras in order to check in on their employees. Homeowners also like having a live-streaming option so they can check in on their homes in the middle of the day.
- For evidence - Another reason to get security cameras is so you can have a video copy of any suspicious activity that goes on in your home. This can make it easier to identify exactly what’s going on and potentially catch suspects.
- For alerts - Many security cameras nowadays send you alerts when they detect movement. Most people go for these kinds of security cameras and have them installed on their front and back doors. Security cameras with motion sensors are also very useful when you’re away from your home or for when you don’t have neighbors to check in on your home for you.
Where should I have each security camera installed?
A good rule is to have a security camera installed near potential entrances and exits of your home. If you need a little help, here’s a list of spaces where most homeowners get their security cameras installed:
- The front door, porch or doorstep
- The front garden or yard
- The back door
- The back garden or yard
- Sleeping areas
- The baby’s room
- The kids’ room
- The garage or parking area
- The kitchen
- The eating area or dining area
- Windows by stairs
- The first floor
- The second floor
- Emergency exits
- Outside windows
You probably won’t need to install security cameras for all these places, but this list can help you make your own and figure out where exactly you’ll most want constant visibility.
How high should I place my security camera?
CCTV camera height: what makes height important when it comes to installing security cameras?
- A security camera mounted too low can become a target for vandalism and can easily be tampered with.
- A security camera that is not placed high enough will make it hard for you to determine the surrounding area.
- A security camera installed too high messes up with the lighting. You might be able to get a wider range of view, but it won’t be as clear and efficient at capturing images and videos, especially at night.
- A security camera placed too far away from a critical area won’t do much good either since you’ll have to result to zooming in which can then pixelate your image or video.
For a safe measure, security specialists suggest your security camera installation height to be somewhere around 8 feet or between 2.4 meters and 2.6 meters above the ground.
When assessing what areas and how high you’re going to install your security camera, it’s also good to consider the quality of the camera itself.
If it’s an HD CCTV camera, you can install it as high as 5 meters and still have the ability to zoom in and out without compromising much of the quality. You’ll also be able to get a much wider view of your surroundings.
If you’re getting a security camera that doesn’t provide a very good quality video or photo, installing it at a 2.5-meter height is a safe bet. It’s high enough that you’ll still be able to see a good range of your area, but it’s not low enough that it won’t be easily vandalized or destroyed. Make sure your Indoor and outdoor security camera at an optimum height, it’s no joke.
What other security measures can I take?
Here’s a short list of tips to tighten up security in your home or business:
- Put any subscriptions or deliveries you have on hold
- Set up sensors and timers for lights and sprinklers
- Don’t share too much information about your home online
- Get an alarm or a home security system installed
- Invest in a security safe
- Turn down your doorbell volume
Whether you’re spending long hours away from home or going on a days-long vacation, we hope these tips will put you at ease and encourage you to make indoor/outdoor security cameras part of your home’s security measures.
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