When you think of all the walls that have to be drilled and the cables that have to be put in place to install a surveillance camera system in your home, you might immediately get discouraged. However, many security systems are already available in one package so that installation is easy. Read this article as a guide to buying and installing a surveillance camera system in your home.
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Method 1 of 3: Preparing Your Home
Step 1. Draw up a diagram of your home surveillance needs
It is impossible for you to install a camera to monitor every inch of the house. It will be very expensive and inefficient. So, determine the areas that need to be prioritized. Draw a schematic sketch or blueprint of your house and mark the location where the camera will be installed. When you're done, check the locations to make sure there's nothing blocking the camera. That way, you can keep an eye on your home to the fullest. It is recommended that cameras be installed to monitor:
- Front and back doors.
- The windows are not visible from the street.
- Large rooms in the house (kitchen, living room, etc.)
- car road
- Home
- Ladder
Step 2. Buy a package that suits your needs
Usually, bundled surveillance systems are cheaper and easier to obtain. This system contains at least 1-3 cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), a connection cable (siamese or BNC), and a power cable. A wireless wall-mounted camera should meet your needs, unless you're monitoring a large area.
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Standard Home Surveillance Set:
Contains 2-3 outdoor cameras (to keep an eye on the door) and a DVR with a recording capacity of at least 3 days.
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Valuables/Children Watch Set:
Contains 1-3 indoor cameras that can effectively monitor small spaces and transmit footage directly to your computer.
Step 3. Purchase the camera separately, if needed
Once you know how many cameras you need, determine the type of camera you need. Home surveillance systems can cost anywhere from a few million to tens of millions of rupiah. So, consider the type of camera to buy. The features below should be clearly listed on the camera packaging box. Although all components can be purchased separately, surveillance system packages are much more affordable and easier to install.
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Wireless or wired:
Wireless cameras can be installed without having to drill walls or install cables in your home. However, the recording quality is not as good as a wired camera, especially if the distance between the camera and the receiver is quite far. If you will be monitoring a large area, we recommend choosing a wired camera, although most homes opt for a wireless camera because it is easier to install.
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Outdoor or indoor:
Cameras that are not specifically made for the outdoors will break down more quickly when exposed to rain and moisture. Make sure you choose the right camera.
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Motion detection:
Some cameras only record when they detect motion. Thus, this camera will save energy and data storage space because the recording is only done when someone is in the room.
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Remote monitoring:
Many high-quality cameras offer the feature of streaming footage to your phone or laptop. This way, you can check your home using a program or app on your phone or computer.
Step 4. Set up your monitor and recording device
You need a DVR to store and watch your recordings. This device receives all video feeds and broadcasts them to the monitor. DVRs have various memory capacities so they can store video footage, ranging from hundreds of hours to a day.
- If you buy a complete surveillance camera package, the DVR is usually included with the camera.
- You can also purchase a Network Video Recorder (aka NVR) or an analog recorder (analog recorder aka VCR) which works the same way as a DVR. The difference is, the NVR uses an internet signal and the VCR uses a blank cassette to store the recording. The following installation tips can also be applied to both devices.
Step 5. Test your fixtures before installing
Make sure all cables, DVR, camera and monitor are working properly. Plug in your equipment and test before installing it at home.
Method 2 of 3: Installing the Camera
Step 1. Choose a wide and high camera angle
The best angle for viewing a room is facing down from where the ceiling and walls meet. Make sure all the doors and exits of the room are clearly visible and the camera is near a power source.
If you install the camera outdoors, make sure it is above 3 meters high so that it is not easily damaged
Step 2. Mount your camera to the wall
Some cameras have adhesive pads to attach the camera to the wall. However, it is recommended that the camera is mounted on the wall using screws. While every camera is different, the installation method remains the same:
- Mount the camera grip in the desired location.
- Use a marker to mark the location of the screws on the wall.
- Make holes in each mark on the wall with an electric drill.
- Hit the molding pin with a hammer.
- Install the screws so that the camera grip is against the wall.
- Position the camera to the desired angle.
Step 3. Plug the camera into a power source
Most cameras are sold with a power adapter that plugs into a normal wall socket. Insert the small round end of the adapter into the power input on the back of the camera, and plug the other end into a power socket.
If your power adapter is lost or damaged, contact your camera manufacturer
Step 4. Connect the camera cable to the DVR
Home surveillance equipment is connected using a BNC (Bayonet Neill–Concelman) connection. BNC cable is easy to use. The two ends of this cable are the same shape. You simply plug the cable into the appropriate port, and twist the small screw at the end so that the cable locks in place. Connect the other end to the camera's “Output” port and the other end to the DVR's “Input” port.
- Make a note of the input you connected. This is the input that needs to be set on the DVR in order to display your camera's video.
- If the cable does not have a BNC connection, purchase a BNC adapter at a computer store or hardware store. This adapter will tuck into the end of the cable making it compatible with BNC connections.
Step 5. Connect the wireless camera with your computer
Wireless cameras are usually sold with a software disc that must be installed in order to view the camera feed. Follow the instructions on the monitor screen to access the surveillance camera.
- Some cameras have a small receiver that can be connected to a computer via a USB port. Make sure the receiver is plugged in properly.
- Write down the camera's IP address (eg 192.168.0.5) if provided. This number can be typed into any web browser to display the camera feed remotely.
Step 6. Attach the monitor to the DVR
This connection often uses a BNC cable as well, but some DVRs can be connected using an HDMI or coaxial cable. Select the desired connection, insert one end of the cable into the DVR's “Output” port, and the other into the monitor's “Input” port.
- You can connect multiple cameras to your DVR input. the device will record all installed cameras automatically.
- Make a note of the input you connected. This is the input you need to select to display your camera feed.
Step 7. Resolve all connection interruptions
Check if the camera, DVR, and monitor are connected to a power source and turn on properly. Make sure all cables are securely connected and that you have selected the appropriate inputs for the DVR and monitor. Multiple monitors will display each camera simultaneously. Others have an “input” button that lets you switch between cameras.
Method 3 of 3: Consolidating Monitoring Systems
Step 1. Create your central “monitoring center”
If you're installing multiple cameras, you'll need one simple place to receive all the feeds simultaneously to the DVR. This place should be easily accessible and easy to wire from sharing locations in your home. Your attic, office, and internet router are ideal locations for your home surveillance center.
You only need one DVR to receive all cameras
Step 2. Use a siamese cable to connect your system effectively
Siamese cables are most commonly used for home surveillance systems. This cable is in the form of two cables that are glued together. One cable for power, and another for video. This means that you only need to run one cable to connect the camera. Generally, this cable is sold in the form of RG59 or RG6.
- The red and black sided wires are used to transmit power. The red side is positive, and the black side is negative.
- A single cylindrical cable serves to transmit video. Each end has a BNC connection or coaxial cable.
Step 3. Use the power box to power multiple cameras from a single wall socket
This box can be purchased at an electrician or online for around Rp. 2,000,000, and allows you to power multiple cameras from a single wall socket. The number of ports available varies and this tool is great for powering cameras that are close to each other, or far from a power source. However, you must attach a long cable so that the camera can be connected to this device.
- The camera must be installed first before connecting to the power box.
- Make sure you buy a power box that is capable of turning on all the cameras in the house. The number of sockets in the power box should be listed on the box.
Step 4. Connect each video cable to a separate DVR port
Your DVR is capable of receiving multiple cameras simultaneously so you can record every room in the house using just one box. The monitor will display the feed of each camera, or you need to switch camera views using the input buttons on the DVR.
Step 5. Hide your cables
To give your home surveillance system a professional look, thread your cables through the wall to the surveillance center. Make sure you know the layout of the walls and the location of the pipes, cables or poles before you start laying cables. Cabling is done by drilling into the wall, threading the cable into the wall to the DVR through an open space in the house (eg attic).
- If you feel reluctant to drill into the wall and extend the wires inside, call a professional to install your wiring.
- You can also attach the cable to a wall or wooden frame using a staple gun (pistor stapler).
- Try hiding the wires under the carpet, but tape it to prevent other people from tripping over it.
Step 6. Otherwise, contact a professional to set up your surveillance system
There are many services that will install cameras, motion sensors, or emergency calls for you, although they are also more expensive. However, if your home is large enough, feel incompetent to install a surveillance system, or want additional features (such as motion sensors and alarm systems), this professional service is worth it.
In the US, companies that provide this service include ADT, LifeShield, Vivint, and SafeShield
Tips
Most home surveillance packages consist of cables, DVR, and cameras. This system is more practical than buying the components individually
Warning
- Know your limits. If you are not competent at drilling, working on stairs, or installing electrical connections, hire a professional to install your home surveillance system.
- It is illegal to record other people without their legal consent, unless they are on your personal property.
