Installing a Video Surveillance System Maryland

How you install your video surveillance system depends mainly on your purpose for installing cameras in the first place. Two primary yet potentially complementary reasons exist for installing cameras: security or convenience. You needn't hide cameras installed primarily for convenience, although you can anyway. If a security camera is visible, it may deter an intruder. On the other hand, hiding cameras reduces the possibility of tampering or vandalism.

Positioning cameras

You determine camera placement and aim by carefully analyzing the areas you want to keep an electronic eye on. Common camera locations include

• Front and back doors

• Walkways

• Porches

• Driveways

• Remote buildings

• Children's playroom

Once you've listed general locations, choose specific locations for physical mounting of the cameras. Each location is unique, but here are some mounting tips:

• Under eaves: Eaves provide some weather protection, and you can usually mount the cameras on framing members. You may be able to locate this 2 feet by 2 feet lumber by looking where the siding is nailed. Keep in mind, however, that although eaves provide some weather protection, you should install weatherproof cameras in outdoor locations.

• Suspended ceilings: To install a camera that peers through a hole or dome in a suspended ceiling, install a mounting frame above the ceiling tile. The mounting could be a manufacturer-supplied item available with the camera or just some lumber that spans and is attached to the ceiling framing.

• Above eye level: Mounting cameras above a pedestrian's normal range of sight usually provides the camera a better view and enhances its security. Sometimes the field of view you want requires a lower mounting location. In such cases, try to mount the camera in something or otherwise hide it so only the lens end is exposed. You can put a bullet camera in your mailbox or house number plaque.

• Hidden in plain sight: You can hide a camera by making it look like something else. For example, you could place a camera inside a thick, hollowed-out book on a shelf.

• Strong mounting: Make sure the mounting bracket is strong enough to support the camera. For outdoor cameras, keep in mind that wind and ice may add extra stress to the mounting.

If your area is prone to burglary and vandalism, install a dummy camera in an obvious, prominent location. A highly visible camera may discourage theft or vandalism, and even if someone vandalizes or steals it, you won't lose an expensive piece of equipment.

Supplying power to your cameras

Unless you install solar-powered cameras, you need a power source at each location. Most cameras run from power supplies plugged into conventional 120-volt AC power. Most units are equipped with a weatherproof cord that you plug into a standard receptacle. If the receptacle isn't accessible from grade level (or ground level), you don't need a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI), but you probably need an in-use weatherproof cover. By code, if the receptacle can only be reached via ladder, it isn't accessible.

You may want to have your security system on its own circuit. Keep in mind, however, that having the security system on a separate circuit is a potential problem: Unless the system has a battery-powered alarm that sounds when the power is out, the system can be shut off without you being aware of it.

Connecting cameras to the network

Cameras connect to your home network or surveillance system using a variety of methods. They may be wireless or use Cat 5, Cat 6, RG-6, or RG-59 cable.

Regardless of the connection type, follow the general rules of wiring when installing your cameras:

• Any wiring you install must be listed for the environment in which you install it. For example, wiring for outdoor cameras should be sunlight resistant, waterproof, and rated for direct burial if necessary.

• Outdoor power receptacles accessible from grade must be GFI protected and have in-use covers on the boxes.

• Webcams normally use Cat 6 cable to send data to the network server for your surveillance system. Take extra care to protect the Ethernet jacks from weather, including weather- and water-resistant connectors.