security camera placement tips

Installation Tips For Your Network IP Security Cameras

Published September 9, 2015 | By admin

These days, network IP security cameras are favored over analog security cameras because they offer more advanced features. Benefits include improved image quality, remote accessibility, and simplified installation and integration.

To gain the full amenities of network IP security cameras (or any security cameras), proper installation and placement is key. Follow these tips to maximize the performance of your network IP camera system.

Installation:

Be sure to match UTP connected devices (ex. couplers, modular plugs, wall plates) to the Category of the cable used and remain consistent throughout installation.
For optimal performance, by design and specification, cable runs in an IP camera system should not exceed 295 feet.
The bend radius for Cat 5e and Cat 6 must be limited to four times the cable diameter, and the acceptable bend radius is no less than 1 inch.
While installing Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable, the pull tension cannot exceed 25 pounds.
Limit the length before stripping the sheath from a cable in a wall box. That way the excess can be easily pushed back into the wall cavity.
Use devices like D rings, bridle rings, and J hooks rather than stapling Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables. This will prevent the risk of altering the outer form or dimensions of the cable.
Maintain a parallel distance of 6-10 inches between Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables and high voltage wires (120/240VAC).
Strip your Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables back as little as possible when attaching them to connecting devices.
Use either the T568A or T568B connection format and stick to that format for the entire installation for consistency.

Positioning:

Consider the environment where you will be installing your IP cameras. Take note of things like lighting and conditions when selecting the appropriate camera.
When considering placement, be aware of the field of view and potential obstructions.
Test the network connectivity in the area where you will place your cameras. Poor connectivity will compromise the camera’s performance.
With all outdoor cameras, especially in areas know for lightning, use surge protection.
Be sure that your PoE power supply is sufficient for your system. Compute your power load and choose the appropriate PoE power supply.
To protect your cameras, use vandal-proof and/or weatherproof housing accordingly.
While Cat 6 UTP is the best choice, Cat 5e should suffice for handling most video transport needs.
Using fiber instead of metallic will allow you to run camera signals at greater distances and with greater bandwidth.
Always use safe installation practices for the safety of yourself and others.

Concerned about doing your own installation? We offer installation services in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, and surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us at 1-888-203-6294 or visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Posted in Network IP Cameras, Security Camera Tips | Tagged network ip cameras, network security camera, security camera installation los angeles, security camera placement tips, security camera tips, surveillance camera installation los angeles

Security Camera Placement

Published May 13, 2014 | By admin

You can purchase the best security camera on the market and go to all the lengths to get the most advanced technology, but improper placement can interfere with the relevance of your surveillance footage. Security camera placement can make or break your case. At just the right angle, you may be able to identify a person, but even as little as one degree and stealthy maneuvers can keep a person anonymous.

Placing security cameras in high traffic areas is smart, but it is also important to monitor blind spots or areas of low traffic too. Footage of high traffic areas can help to create a timeline for a specific individual if need be. While these high traffic areas can capture many people, areas where foot traffic is slow, or known blind spots, can become hot spots for criminal activity.

It’s common for people to want to place security cameras on ceilings or up high on walls so that a wider area can be monitored. The problem with this placement is that image quality can be compromised when zooming in on a person. This can negatively affect identifying a possible suspect. Also, hats can interfere with getting a clear shot of a person’s face, making is nearly impossible to identify a person.

Better placement for security cameras is at or near eye level. If the cameras catch people’s eyes, they are likely to look straight into the lens, giving a clear shot of their face. This makes it easier to identify possible suspects.

If you’re able to utilize multiple cameras, it’s wise to carefully place the cameras so that they leave no blind spots and footage can be pieced together fairly seamlessly. Placing a camera on a ceiling or up high to oversee an entire room could work within a multiple camera security system, where cameras can be placed at various angles and levels.

One camera could hang above and be able to survey the entire area, while other cameras should be placed closer to eye level for better facial identification. The camera overseeing it all will not be able to zoom in on a person with great clarity, but once identified, surveillance footage from cameras at eye level can be used to identify the individual.

Because people can use hats, umbrellas, or other random objects to block themselves from view of security cameras, it’s important to consider all angles. If you’re able to use multiple cameras, consider the different security camera placements that can catch different, beneficial angles. Catching a criminal off guard can be what gets that person caught and brought to justice.

While there are many things to consider for security cameras and surveillance systems, there are also plenty of resources to help you. Contact SecurityCamExpert.com at 1-888-203-6294 for any questions or concerns you may have. You can also visit us online to browse our products or request a live chat while you shop.

Posted in Security Camera Tips, Security Cameras, SecurityCamExpert.com | Tagged how to place security cameras, indoor security camera placement, outdoor security camera placement, placement of security cameras, security camera placement, security camera placement tips, security camera tips, where to place security cameras