The Work that goes into Installing Professional CCTV systems

UPDATED: 29/09/2023

One of the biggest differences between a DIY camera system and a professionally installed CCTV system is the actual installation work. Installing a camera system properly is more than drilling a few holes and calling it a day. Many hours can go into the installation of a CCTV system, whether for home or business.

Some parts of the system require qualified electricians to do, such as installing hidden cabling and power points for the system. Other parts may not require strict qualifications to complete but do demand experience and quality craftsmanship. Things like specialised mounts, silicon sealing, setting up the camera connection.

Large space surveillance: Specialised mounts for the camera

Large spaces, including expansive rooms and areas with towering ceilings, pose significant hurdles when it comes to installing effective security camera systems. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of shoppers in a supermarket’s sprawling aisles or maintaining security in vast warehouses, the installation of security cameras in such environments demands thoughtful solutions. Here are some essential considerations:

Specialized Camera Mounts: Traditional ceiling or wall installations can fall short in spaces with high ceilings or extensive areas. To capture essential details across these large spaces, specialized mounts such as drop-down poles become indispensable. These mounts lower the camera closer to the ground, optimizing its ability to cover expansive areas effectively.
Unique Challenges: Each property may present its distinct surveillance challenges. For instance, supermarkets with their high ceilings and long aisles require innovative mounting solutions to avoid losing crucial details. Warehouses may need creative approaches to maintain comprehensive surveillance coverage. Moreover, large parking lots may necessitate the mounting of security cameras on light poles to cover vast outdoor areas effectively.
Strategic Recorder Placement: Achieving a robust security system involves not only addressing camera placement but also considering the optimal positioning of recorders. Proper mounting of both cameras and recorders ensures seamless coverage and efficient surveillance.

In the pursuit of overcoming surveillance challenges in large spaces, it’s crucial for businesses to employ specialized equipment and strategic solutions. By doing so, they can establish a comprehensive security system that effectively safeguards their premises and assets.

Wifi/cabling equipment to connect to router

Connecting security cameras to a central hub, which includes a router and a recorder, is a pivotal aspect of any surveillance system. Here’s why the process of configuring wiring or a Wi-Fi connection is essential and can be intricate:

Centralized Storage: To ensure that surveillance footage is stored securely and efficiently, cameras must be connected to a central location, typically involving a router and a recorder such as an NVR or a DVR. This central hub acts as the repository for all video archives, simplifying access and management of surveillance data.
Wiring Complexities: The process of wiring security cameras can become complex, especially in larger setups like a residential system with numerous cameras or a sprawling commercial setting with over a hundred camera units. Properly configuring the wiring ensures seamless connectivity, data transmission, and storage. This intricate work demands expertise and experience to prevent any lapses in surveillance coverage.
Wi-Fi Connections: In some cases, a wireless (Wi-Fi) connection might be preferred over traditional wiring. Setting up Wi-Fi connections for security cameras requires careful planning and configuration. Experienced installers are well-versed in the nuances of establishing a stable and secure Wi-Fi connection for efficient data transfer.
Experienced Installation: Hiring experienced professionals for camera installation becomes imperative due to the complexities involved in connecting cameras to the central hub. Their expertise not only saves time but also ensures that the surveillance system operates flawlessly, minimizing the risk of technical issues and data loss.

The process of connecting security cameras to a central hub, whether through wiring or Wi-Fi, is a crucial step in establishing a reliable surveillance system. Relying on experienced installers ensures the seamless operation of the system, regardless of its scale, be it a residential setup with a few cameras or a large commercial environment with extensive surveillance needs.

Silicon sealing for weather prone placements

When it comes to outdoor camera installations, ensuring their resilience against the elements is paramount. Here’s why silicon sealing plays a crucial role in safeguarding these camera mounts:

Protection Against Weather: New Zealand’s weather patterns, particularly on west and south-facing walls, can pose significant threats to outdoor camera installations. Rain and wind are common elements that can damage camera mounts, potentially compromising their stability and effectiveness.
Silicon Sealing: To address these weather vulnerabilities, silicon sealing is employed to create a watertight barrier around the camera mounts. This protective seal serves as a safeguard against moisture intrusion, ensuring that the mounting holes in the structure remain secure and unaffected by adverse weather conditions.
Sustaining Structural Integrity: Silicon sealing not only preserves the functionality of the camera mounts but also contributes to the structural integrity of the installation. By effectively sealing the mount, it minimizes the risk of water damage, which could weaken the mounting points or the surrounding structure.

Mounting Challenges: Outdoor cameras are often placed in elevated positions, which can be challenging to access. Installers may need to drill mounts into roofs, underhangs, light poles, or directly onto walls. This requires careful consideration of where to drill to ensure optimal surveillance coverage while minimizing any potential risks associated with height.

Silicon sealing is a critical step in weatherproofing outdoor camera mounts. It provides a reliable barrier against the elements, preserving the structural integrity of the installation and ensuring the continued effectiveness of the surveillance system, even in the face of New Zealand’s variable weather conditions.

Power supply for camera recorder/controller: Electricians required

When it comes to ensuring the reliable operation of your camera system, especially when it comes to powering both the cameras and the recorder/controller, the expertise of a qualified electrician is indispensable. Here’s why:

Electrical Standards Compliance: The installation of power supplies for a camera system involves more than just plugging in wires. It necessitates adherence to strict electrical standards to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the installation. A qualified electrician possesses the knowledge and experience to ensure that every aspect of the installation aligns with these standards, providing peace of mind that your system will function correctly.
Sign Off and Certification: Any modification to the powered wiring of a house or a commercial property, such as circuit modifications for camera system power, requires certification and a sign-off from a qualified electrician. This certification serves as proof that the installation meets the necessary electrical standards and is safe for operation.
Experience Matters: Electrician experience and certifications are paramount in this context. Electricians are trained to understand the complexities of electrical systems and how to safely manipulate them. They can determine the most efficient and secure means of powering the cameras and the recorder/controller while minimizing potential risks associated with electrical work.

When it comes to installing power supplies for your camera system and ensuring compliance with electrical standards, the involvement of a qualified electrician is non-negotiable. Their expertise, certifications, and experience are essential in guaranteeing the safe and efficient operation of your surveillance setup, whether it’s in a residential or commercial setting.

Hiding cabling in roofs, ceilings, and walls

Efficiently hiding cables in your security camera setup is vital. Here’s why it matters and how it’s typically done:

Inexperience Risk: Installing these cables might seem easy, but it’s best left to pros, often electricians. Inexperienced attempts at cable installation can lead to a messy and unreliable setup, potentially compromising the entire surveillance system.
Tidiness Priority: It’s more than just hiding cables; pros create an organized, discreet setup. It’s about ensuring that they are well-organized, hidden from view, and securely routed. A tangled web of exposed wiring not only looks unsightly but also poses a risk of damage or tampering
Behind-the-Scenes Work: Cables usually run inside walls, ceilings, and roofs. These hidden pathways not only keep the cables out of sight but also protect them from external elements, wear and tear, and potential interference. They’re often routed through hidden areas like crawl spaces to maintain your property’s appearance.

Hiding cables within walls, ceilings, and roofs is an essential component of a successful security camera installation. While it might appear deceptively simple, the work of electricians or experienced installers is crucial to ensure the neatness, functionality, and longevity of your surveillance system. A well-hidden cabling infrastructure not only enhances the security of your property but also preserves its visual appeal.

Conclusion

These are only some of the larger tasks required for installing a professional CCTV system. There are more minute components and installation tasks such as:

setting up cable joins to the cameras
other fixings
plug ends

You can probably see how anything more than a camera or two is beyond the scope of most DIY systems and preferably requires a professional. Security cameras are only part of the project, installing it is arguably where the experience really counts. Make sure your security system installation is carried out by experienced hands, preferably those of a qualified electrician. Contact us today if you need help with your security system installation.