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Security is essential for any home because it protects your belongings from being stolen and your family from being harmed by intruders. When your home is secure, you can have peace of mind knowing you're safe. However, you can never be too lenient with security because there are times when you might overlook a thing or two. Luckily, this won't be a problem with CCTV cameras.
CCTV cameras are an excellent way to improve security around your home because they allow you to see what is happening outside and around your property. CCTV cameras can also monitor children and pets, so you can ensure they are safe at all times. However, using them is often tricky because you need to place them strategically in your home to ensure you see everything. For this reason, we'll discuss how CCTV cameras work and how to use them correctly.
How CCTV Cameras Work
CCTV cameras are wired or wireless cameras that transmit signals to a recording device, such as a computer or NVR. The cameras are usually placed strategically around a property near entry points, hallways, and valuables. The signal is then transmitted to the recording device, which records the footage.
The footage can be viewed in real-time or later and stored on the recording device or a cloud-based storage system. CCTV cameras are an excellent way to improve security because they allow you to see what is happening on your property at all times. They can also deter criminals because they know they are being watched.
Types of CCTV Cameras
There are different types of CCTV cameras, but some are more suited for a home application than others. These include:
Dome / Turret Camera
Dome or Turret cameras are the most common CCTVs for homes. Because of their small size, they can be easily hidden and are less likely to be vandalised. They are also less likely to be noticed by intruders.
Bullet Camera
Bullet cameras are best suited for outdoor applications which need a camera that can see quite a distance. This does make them more visible to intruders and vandals, which can act as a deterrent.
Day and Night (IR) Camera
As the name suggests, day and night CCTV cameras are designed to be used 24/7. Day and night cameras are equipped with special infrared (IR) LEDs that allow them to see in complete darkness. IR LEDs are invisible to the human eye, but they enable the camera to see by emitting a special type of light picked up by the camera's sensor.
Colour Vu Camera 24/7 Colour
Colour Vu cameras work the same way as day and night cameras in the sense that the camera can see in the dark. However, the difference is that the camera has a light which helps the camera turn dark black and white images into colorful image 24/7.
Wireless CCTV
A wireless CCTV camera is precisely what it sounds like: a camera that doesn't require wiring or cabling. They use radio frequencies to send data back to the DVR, NVR or the cloud. Wireless CCTV cameras are ideal for people who don't want to drill holes or run cables in their ceilings or walls.
Battery life is a concern, the better the quality of the camera the shorter the life of the batteries.
Where to Place CCTV Cameras
If you want to maximise the functionality of your CCTV cameras, you can place them in the following areas.
Front Door
While not all burglaries happen through a home's front door, this is still a good measure because you could know who's coming in. At the very least, you can see who approaches your home.
Back and Side Doors
If a burglar doesn't enter through the front door, they will enter through the back or side doors because they are usually hidden from view. Even if you have security alarms, you can install CCTV cameras in these areas to cover all bases. Of course, this also applies to your windows.
Garage and Driveway
Many homeowners store their valuables in the garage, so you should place a camera in it. This can help you catch thieves who break into your home through the garage to help you catch thieves who break into your car. Conversely, you should place a camera near your driveway to monitor who approaches your property.
Garden
You should install a CCTV camera if you have a Garden because it helps you monitor your property and catch thieves before they get close to your home. You should install a CCTV camera in a corner because it gives a better field of view, especially if you have a bigger area to cover.
Where Not to Install a CCTV Camera
CCTV cameras may be effective in preventing burglary and theft, but even they have limitations.
You should avoid installing a CCTV camera looking into your neighbour’s property because it violates their privacy. You must consider your neighbour’s privacy, especially if you live in a close-knit community.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Monitoring your home, especially your children, is understandable. However, some rooms, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, are expected to be kept private. Since these are private spaces, you shouldn’t have any cameras in these areas.
Tips When Installing CCTV Cameras
Installing CCTV cameras isn't just about where to place them, but also doing the installation right. To help you with this, here are some tips:
Don’t Place Cameras Facing the Sun
If you install your cameras facing the sun, they will capture the glare. This will make it difficult to see and identify any intruder at night. There are cameras that have built in ways to counter act the issue, but why make it harder for the camera to function. As much as possible, place your cameras in a shady area. If you can’t do this, ensure the sun is not in the camera’s field of view.
Avoid Placing Cameras in Front of Windows
Placing your cameras in front of windows will cause reflections on your video footage. To avoid this, place your cameras at a different angle. If you’re putting your camera in the corner, ensure the camera is pointing to the middle.
Know When to Make a Camera Hidden or Visible
Some homeowners choose to make their security cameras visible. Others prefer to keep their cameras hidden. While there are benefits to both, know when you should and shouldn’t do it.
You can make your cameras visible if your home is located in a remote area. This will discourage intruders from breaking into your home. If your home is located in a populated place, it’s best to keep your camera hidden.
Conclusion
CCTV cameras are essential in protecting your home from burglars and other criminals. However, you must ensure that your cameras are placed strategically to do their job. All that matters, is finding the best CCTV cameras that suit your home's needs.
Rossells Security Ltd. provides top-quality services for CCTV installation in Leicester. We understand that you can never take security for granted, so we develop comprehensive solutions to protect your home. Simply go to our website to enquire!
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