Guide to Installing a CCTV Camera

After purchasing a CCTV camera, you can call a professional technician to install it or you can install it by yourself. The installation process is simple. However, the tricky part is finding the best location for the camera. The camera should not be obstructed by other items near or around where it is placed. It should give you a complete view of the area that you want to watch.

The steps below will guide you in installing a CCTV camera.

The setup process• Plan where you will set up the CCTV cameras. Check the distance between the camera and the object monitored. Also, consider the lighting between the two. As the gap between the camera and the object increases, so should the focal length of the lenses. Varifocal lenses are the best lenses to use. With them, you can adjust the focal length within a specific range.

• Avoid monitoring an object with many cameras. Use the least number of cameras by placing them in tactical positions. Check the source of light, it should not be directly in front of the cameras. Avoid cameras that have intersecting aspects.

• After finding the best camera position, ensure the cables are long enough to run up to the cameras.

The cabling procedure• Run the cables to the CCTV cameras and ensure they are generating good quality signal. Place the cables precisely to save on their lengths. If you are running multiple power lines or cable wires, allow a foot of space between them.

• Get good quality cables. The combo type, which transmits both power and video, is recommended. Keep the lengths of the wire below 400 feet. Ensure your cables are running seamlessly and are compact.

• It is good practice to allocate extra cable loops at both monitoring locations and the camera just in case you need to make some adjustments.

Mounting the camera• Check for bracket and mounting screws from your CCTV camera pack. Using the screws and a screwdriver, fasten the camera to the bracket and then adjust its position.

• Most cameras are powered by 12v DC or 24v AC. Depending on your input supply and power supply, the power connection may differ. Observe polarity to avoid damaging the camera. Positive terminals are usually served by white or red cables while negative terminals are usually served by black cables.

• Hook up the connector and follow the same steps for each camera.

Connecting the monitor and the recorder• Connectors have to be installed on the monitor side. Make room for setting up the power supply, recorder and the monitor.

• The power supply should be placed near the DVR video inputs. Observe polarity when you are setting up the cables. Separate the power conductors from the combo cables and run it to the power supply. Do not power the connection yet.

• Connect the DVR to the monitor. Use a voltage regulator to protect the equipment from power spikes. It is good to have a back-up in case of a power outage.

Powering the cameras and final adjustmentsPower the connection, turn on the cameras, monitor and DVR respectively. Check the view presented by each camera and adjust accordingly.

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